Maxie “Slapsie” Rosenbloom

(1904 - 1976)

Maxie “Slapsie” Rosenbloom was born on September 6, 1904, in Leonard’s Bridge, Connecticut. He learned to box at Harlem's Union Settlement in New York. From 1930 to 1934, Rosenbloom held the light-heavyweight championship. He was the busiest title holder in ring history, fighting 106 times during his four-and-a-half-year reign—the equivalent of fighting one bout every 15 days!

On June 25, 1930, Rosenbloom beat the World Champion Jimmy Slattery to win the Light-Heavyweight title. He lost the crown to Bob Olin by decision on November 16, 1934. Although, Rosenbloom had achieved great fame, he had to face much ridicule in the press, due to the increasing anti-Semitism in America.

Journalist Damon Runyon, writing about Rosenbloom’s colorful persona and unique open glove style of boxing, dubbed him Slapsie Maxie, a nickname that followed him throughout his boxing career. Upon retirement from the ring, Rosenbloom’s sharp wit and broken syntax brought him new success in motion pictures. He appeared in nearly 100 films during his post-boxing career.

His professional boxing record, which began in 1923 and closed in 1939: 299 bouts—won 223 (19 KOs), lost 42, drew 32, 2 no-contests.

He died on March 6, 1976. Rosenbloom was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1972 and to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

Sources: “Maxie Rosenbloom .” International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame; "Maxie Rosenbloom (1904-1976 ).” American Jewish Historical Society, American Jewish Desk Reference, (NY: Random House, 1999), pp. 295-6; Picture courtesy of: International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame