George Godfrey

George Godfrey (II) "The Leiperville Shadow" (b. January 25, 1897, d. August 13, 1947) was ring name of Feab Williams, a heavyweight boxer from Alabama who fought from 1919-1937. 'George Godfrey' was the name of an earlier New England boxer who had been a top name during the days of John L. Sullivan. Williams never fought for the championship, but held the "colored heavyweight title" during the era prior to the rise of Joe Louis, when the white heavyweight champions drew the color line and would not defend the title against a black man.

Related Topics:
January 25 - 1897 - August 13 - 1947 - Heavyweight - Alabama - New England - John L. Sullivan - Joe Louis

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Boxing's second George Godfrey fought ring legend Sam Langford three times. Godfrey, who was 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) tall and weighed between 220 and 260 lb (118 kg) during his career, dwarfed the 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) Langford. Despite his advantage in size, height and weight, Godfrey was knocked out in two of the three matches in 1920 and 1921. He did manage a draw in his first bout with Langford in 1920.

Related Topics:
Sam Langford - 1920

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Godfrey is said to have been instructed by promoters on a number of occasions to carry opponents if he wanted to receive more important fights. He was outpointed over 10 rounds by future champion Jack Sharkey in 1926, and was disqualified against future champion Primo Carnera in 1930. He was also outpointed by contender Johnny Risko in 10 rounds in 1928. Godfrey knocked out contenders Jim Maloney and Jack Roper in 1927 and outpointed Paolino Uzcudun in 1928. Godfrey would go to Europe later in his career and win the european title.

Related Topics:
Jack Sharkey - 1926 - Primo Carnera - 1930 - Johnny Risko - 1928 - Jim Maloney - Jack Roper - 1927 - Paolino Uzcudun - Europe

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Godfrey was named to the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

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