Stanislaus (Stanley) Ketchel

Stanley Ketchel

Professional Boxer

Stanley Ketchel (born Stanislaw Kiecal) was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and as a youngster of twelve ran away from home. moving to Butte, Montana fighting anyone willing to take him on and finding odd jobs to survive. He eventually used his boxing talents to turn professional at the age of sixteen and fighting his first 41 bouts in Montana where he had a record of 39 – 2. Moving to California, he fought and defeated the reigning world middleweight champion and though he lost the title, he regained it a few fights later. Generally, Ketchal’s weight was at the middleweight level but he often had to fight men 20 – 30 pounds heavier. During his short career, he is credited with 51 wins (48 by knockout) 4 losses, 4 draws and 1 no contest and 4 no decisions. In 2004, Ring Magazine, ranked Ketchel as the eighth-greatest middleweight of all-time. Stan Ketchel was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1959. He passed away on October 15, 1910 at 24 years of age.