Today in Boxing History: Bob Montgomery born in South Carolina

On this day in 1919, Bob Montgomery was born in Sumter, South Carolina. He moved to Philadelphia and became a two-time lightweight champion.

Montgomery turned professional in 1938 and worked his way into title contention by his 60th fight. In May of 1943, he won the New York State Athletic Commission World Lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Beau Jack. Montgomery lost the championship to Jack via another decision six months later. The two met again in March of 1944, and Montgomery emerged with a split decision victory and the title. They faced each other for the fourth and final time in a non-title bout in August of 1944, with Jack winning a majority decision.

Shortly after that bout, Montgomery was inducted into the U.S. Army. He successfully defended his title once in 1946 before losing it by a 6th-round TKO to Ike Williams in 1947.

Montgomery retired for good in 1950, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995. He passed away in 1998.