Johnny Moneghan
Encyclopedia
Johnny Moneghan was a lightweight
bare-knuckle boxer
.
He gained the recognition of becoming the first official Lightweight Champion of America. He stood 5’ 4 ½” and weighted approximately 124 pounds.
After traveling to the United States, Moneghan settled in New York, and took on prize fighting. It is unknown how many contests he fought, but on December 18, 1855 he was proclaimed Lightweight Champion of America when he defeated James Hart after 45 rounds, and 51 minutes of fighting. The contest was held in Canada to avoid any police interference.
Moneghan fought James Hart again on July 19, 1856 in Beverly, MA. This time he lost the contest and his title in the seventh round. This bout is often incorrectly listed by historians, including the late Nat Fleischer, and ending in the tenth round.
Hart retired, and Moneghan immediately reclaimed the title, which he held until his battle with Barney Aaron
on September 28, 1857. The two men fought near Providence, RI for 80 rounds and over three hours before Moneghan was forced to accept defeat.
After losing his title, Moneghan continued to box for some time. On July 19, 1860 he defeated Harry McLain in 80 rounds in Fort Ward, NY.
After contesting in an exhibition in 1863, his name no longer appears. His later life (and death) is still unknown.
Lightweight
Light-weight is a class of athletes in a particular sport, based on their weight.-Professional boxing:The lightweight division is over 130 pounds and up to 135 pounds weight class in the sport of boxing....
bare-knuckle boxer
Bare-knuckle boxing
Bare-knuckle boxing is the original form of boxing, closely related to ancient combat sports...
.
He gained the recognition of becoming the first official Lightweight Champion of America. He stood 5’ 4 ½” and weighted approximately 124 pounds.
Boxing career
Although we do not know a great deal about Johnny Moneghan, we do know that he was born in Liverpool, England in 1830.After traveling to the United States, Moneghan settled in New York, and took on prize fighting. It is unknown how many contests he fought, but on December 18, 1855 he was proclaimed Lightweight Champion of America when he defeated James Hart after 45 rounds, and 51 minutes of fighting. The contest was held in Canada to avoid any police interference.
Moneghan fought James Hart again on July 19, 1856 in Beverly, MA. This time he lost the contest and his title in the seventh round. This bout is often incorrectly listed by historians, including the late Nat Fleischer, and ending in the tenth round.
Hart retired, and Moneghan immediately reclaimed the title, which he held until his battle with Barney Aaron
Barney Aaron
Barney Aaron was an English bare-knuckle boxer.The father of Hall of Famer Young Barney Aaron began boxing in 1819 and became a Lightweight Champion in the 1820s. Called The Star of the East, Aaron got victories over William Connelly, Ned Stockton, Lenney, Frank Redmond and Peter Warren...
on September 28, 1857. The two men fought near Providence, RI for 80 rounds and over three hours before Moneghan was forced to accept defeat.
After losing his title, Moneghan continued to box for some time. On July 19, 1860 he defeated Harry McLain in 80 rounds in Fort Ward, NY.
After contesting in an exhibition in 1863, his name no longer appears. His later life (and death) is still unknown.