Today in Boxing History: Johnny Kilbane vs. Tommy Kilbane IV

On this day in 1909 in Canton, Ohio, future world featherweight champion Johnny Kilbane faced off against his hometown, but unrelated, rival Tommy Kilbane for the fourth and last time.

The two had grown up in the same neighborhood in Cleveland at the turn of the 20th Century and were reported to have engaged in many fights as kids. When both of them became professional fighters, it was inevitable that they would meet in the ring.

Tommy’s first three fights were against Johnny. In the first bout, Johnny won a three-round decision. The second fight resulted in a draw, and the third fight, a 25-round slugfest, is considered to be the best, as both fighters fought courageously with Johnny coming away with the decision.

When they met for a fourth time, Johnny was 17-0-3, and Tommy was 1-2-2. The very skillful and, by then, well-experienced Johnny came away with a 15-round decision.

Johnny went on to win the featherweight title in 1912 with a 20-round decision over Abe Attell. Tommy retired from boxing in 1912 after going winless in his previous 14 fights.