Joe Welling

A lightweight contender in the 1910s and early 1920s, Welling received a title shot in November 1920 when he fought the champion, Benny Leonard. Scheduled for 15-rounds, Welling almost lasted the entire fight, but was knocked out in the 14th-round. During his 13-year career, Welling fought Hall of Famers Leonard, Lew Tendler, Johnny Dundee (he beat Dundee twice), and Jack Britton.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
A lightweight, Welling first fought professionally in 1911 in the Midwest. Four years later, he had his first big fight when he faced former champion Ad Wolgast in Duluth, Minnesota. The bout took place in August 1915 and ended in a ten-round no decision. The following year, Welling travelled to New York City and fought future junior-lightweight and featherweight champion, Johnny Dundee. The bout ended in a 10-round no decision, but the two boxers would fight another seven times between 1917-1920, with two Welling victories, one Dundee win, and four no decisions.

Dundee was not the only great fighter that Welling battled more than once. After fighting Jack Britton in September 1916 (the bout ended in a no decision), Welling fought him again three years later with that bout also ending in a no decision. He also faced lightweight contender Lew Tendler three times, all ending in no decisions. By 1920, Welling was fighting the best lightweights around and had no decision bouts with contenders Richie Mitchell (twice), Rocky Kansas, and George "K.O." Chaney before getting a title shot.

Although he lost the title bout with Benny Leonard (who would hold the title for five more years before retiring), Welling continued to fight often until his retirement. He fought Leonard in a rematch in 1921 that ended in a no decision and then lost to future welterweight champion Joe Dundee in November 1923 before retiring the following year. Welling won 26 of 49 decisions during his career with 80 no decisions.

Origin:
unknown

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 26 (14 by knockout)
Losses: 19
Draws: 4
No decisions: 80