Johnny Summers

Johnny Summers (21 January 1883 – 27 March 1946) was an English boxer who competed from 1901 to 1920. He was a British and British Empire (Commonwealth) welterweight champion.

Early life Summers was born on 21 January 1883 in Middlesbrough, and raised in Canning Town.

Boxing career Early career Summers made his debut on 1 April 1901 at the Gaiety Athletic Hall, Sydney, Australia, forcing Bob Cooper to retire from the bout in the third round.

On 1 October 1906, Summers fought Boss Edwards for the NSC British featherweight title, winning the twenty round bout on points. He lost the title two months later to Spike Robson on 17 December, Summers being disqualified in the fourth round. Summers, bleeding as early as the third round, lost the twenty round bout on points.

British welterweight champion On 11 April 1912, Summers fought Young Joseph for the BBBofC British welterweight title, at the Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool. Summers won the twenty round bout on points. He then faced Artur Evernden for the vacant NSC British welterweight title on 17 June 1912, winning the twenty round bout after forcing Evernden to retire in the thirteenth round. Summers defended the NSC title on 9 December 1912 against Sid Burns, winning the bout on points.

In a rematch against Burns on 11 June 1913, Summers again emerged victorious, retaining the BBBofC British welterweight title, and winning the British Empire (Commonwealth) welterweight title. Shortly after he travelled to Australia, where he defended both titles against Artur Evernden at Barker's Pavilion, Melbourne, on 11 June 1913, Summers winning the bout on points. In September, Stone defeated Summers again in a twenty-round points decision in Sydney.

On 10 January 1914, Summers lost both titles to Tom McCormick by a points decision at the Sydney Stadium, Sydney. He got a rematch against McCormick on 14 February, but failed to win back the titles, being knocked out in the first round.

Later career The NSC did not officially recognise the bouts in Australia, and so upon returning home, Summers contested the vacant NSC welterweight title against Johnny Basham on 14 December. Summers, the more experienced fighter, was the favourite going into the bout, but suffered a knockout to the up-and-coming Basham. Summers would get one more title opportunity, against Bob Marriott for the NSC lightweight title on 23 June 1919. Summers was disqualified in the tenth round for holding.

Notable bouts

Result Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location