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Freddie Steele
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Freddie Steele (December 18, 1912–August 22, 1984) born Frederick Earle Burgett in Seattle, Washington was recognized as middleweight champion of the world between 1936 and 1938. Steele was nicknamed "The Tacoma Assassin" and was trained by Jack Connor, Johnny Babnick, and Ray Arcel, while in New York.
A good boxer and a hard hitter, Steele lost only two fights during his first ten years in the ring. Among those he defeated during his career were Ceferino Garcia, Ralph Chong, Leonard Bennett, Joe Glick, Bucky Lawless, Andy Divodi, "Baby" Joe Gans, Vince Dundee, William "Gorilla" Jones, Swede Berglund, Young Stuhley, Meyer Grace, Henry Firpo, Eddie "Babe" Risko, Jackie Aldare, Gus Lesnevich, Paul Pirrone, Frank Battaglia, Ken Overlin, Carmen Barth, and Solly Krieger.
He fought two memorable bouts with Fred Apostoli, winning the first, but suffering a TKO in a non-title match. He lost the middleweight crown to Al Hostak in his next to last fight. His final record included 125 wins (60 KOs), 5 losses, 11 draws and 1 No Contest.
Freddie Steele was also known for his footwork, and waist-down shots of his footwork can be seen in the film "Gentleman Jim," starring Errol Flynn. Steele later became an actor in Hollywood during the 1940s. He left Hollywood in the 1950s, and returned to the Pacific Northwest. He would own and operate Freddie Steele's restaurant in Westport, Washington for over 20 years until before illness forced his retirement.
| Preceded by Eddie (Babe) Risko |
NBA Middleweight Champion 11 Jul 1936– 26 Jul 1938 |
Succeeded by Al Hostak |
| Preceded by Eddie (Babe) Risko |
NYSAC World Middleweight Champion 26 Jul 1938– Feb 1938 Recognition withdrawn |
Succeeded by Fred Apostoli |