KETCHEL, STANLEY

born Sept. 14, 1886, Grand Rapids, Mich., U.S. died Oct. 15, 1910, Conway, Mo. original name Stanislaus Kiecal, byname Michigan Assassin American professional boxer, considered by some boxing historians the greatest fighter in the history of the middleweight division (present weight limit 160 pounds). He began his career in 1903, at the age of 16. In 1905 Ketchel knocked out 14 opponents in a row during an eight-month period. After the retirement of world middleweight champion Tommy Ryan in 1907, Ketchel won his first championship by a first-round knockout of Mike (Twin) Sullivan at Colma, Calif., on Feb. 22, 1908. In Los Angeles on Sept. 7, 1908, he was knocked out by Billy Papke in the 12th round of a title match, but in San Francisco on November 26 Ketchel regained the championship by knocking out Papke in the 11th round. At Colma on Oct. 16, 1909, he fought champion Jack Johnson for the world heavyweight title. In the 12th round he knocked the much bigger Johnson down but was himself knocked out later in that round. From 1903 to 1910 Ketchel had 61 bouts, winning 49, 46 by knockouts. Ketchel was noted for his aggressive style and powerful hitting and for his hard living outside the ring. He was still the middleweight champion when he was shot to death in a personal quarrel. In 1954 he was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame.