Jack Dillon

Ernest Cutler Price (February 2, 1891 – August 7, 1942), better known as Jack Dillon, was an American boxer who held the Light-heavyweight Championship of the World. Dillon was often referred to as "Jack the Giant Killer" for his ability to handle the most dangerous heavyweights of his era. Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer ranked Dillon as the #3 Light Heavyweight of all time, while boxing promoter Charley Rose placed him at #2. The International Boxing Research Organization rates Dillon as the 16th best Light-Heavyweight ever. He was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1959 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995. His managers included Sam Murbarger, and later Steve Harter.

Early life and career

Price was born in Frankfort, Indiana, on February 2, 1891, where his father, who died when Price was young, ran a grocery.

Price took the name "Jack Dillon" from the famous racehorse, Sidney Lou Dillon. Price worked at the farm/stable where the horse was housed. At his first fight, Price appeared very nervous. When asked his name, he said Sidney Dillon. The referee misunderstood him, and bawled out "Jack Dillon!".

Taking the World Light-Heavyweight Championship

Dillon turned pro in 1908 and claimed the vacant World Light Heavyweight title with a win over Battling Levinsky on April 14, 1914, in a twelve-round points decision in Butte, Montana, though at the time his claim to the title was not universally recognized. The Los Angeles Times wrote of their title match that Dillon showed more aggression and tenacity than his opponent and that by the third Levinsky was showing signs of fatigue.

Dillon defeated Levinsky again on May 29, 1914, in a twelve-round points decision in Dillon's hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Still facing tough competition, Dillon faced the great Middleweight Champion Harry Greb twice, once on July 30, 1917, in Pittsburgh, and once on March 14, 1918, in Toledo, Ohio. Though losing in Pittsburgh by a wide margin, he was able to defend himself well against his opponent. Later in Toledo in 1918, Dillon was pummeled more fiercely and seemed to have lost his championship form.

Life after boxing Prior to prohibition, he operated a saloon in Indianapolis which eventually failed.

In retirement in Florida, Dillon lived next door to a restaurant that he owned and operated. Dillon died on August 7, 1942, at the State Hospital in Chattahoochee, Florida, where he had spent five months with an illness. He was only 51 at the time of his death. unless otherwise stated.

Official record

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as "no decision" bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

Unofficial record

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

Primary boxing achievements