1. Overview
Michael Joseph O'Dowd, widely known as Mike O'Dowd, was an American professional boxer who held the World Middleweight Championship from 1917 to 1920. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, O'Dowd, of Irish descent, earned the moniker "St. Paul Cyclone" for his aggressive fighting style. Throughout his career, he engaged in notable bouts against formidable opponents, including several future Hall of Famers, and uniquely served at the front lines during World War I as an active world champion. His legacy is cemented by his induction into both the Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
2. Biography
Mike O'Dowd's life was characterized by a rapid ascent in the boxing world, a dominant championship reign, and a distinguished later career marked by significant contests and unique wartime service.
2.1. Early Life and Boxing Beginnings
Michael Joseph O'Dowd was born on April 5, 1895, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Of Irish heritage, O'Dowd began his professional boxing career in 1913. His reputation for a whirlwind fighting style quickly earned him the nickname "St. Paul Cyclone", a nod to his hometown and his relentless approach in the ring. Early in his career, he gained significant recognition by fiercely competing against renowned boxers of his era.
2.2. World Middleweight Championship Reign
O'Dowd captured the World Middleweight Championship on November 14, 1917, by defeating Al McCoy via a sixth-round knockout. In this title-winning performance, O'Dowd impressively dropped McCoy six times before securing the knockout victory. He successfully defended his title against the former champion McCoy in a rematch on July 17, 1919, winning by knockout in the third round. His reign as world champion concluded on May 6, 1920, when he was defeated by Johnny Wilson via decision. This loss marked the end of his three-year hold on the middleweight crown.
2.3. Notable Fights and War Service
During his career, O'Dowd engaged in many significant fights, proving himself against some of the era's toughest competitors. He notably claimed victories over several boxers who would later be inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Jack Britton, Mike Gibbons, Kid Lewis, and Jeff Smith. One of his most highlighted contests was a draw against the legendary Harry Greb on February 25, 1918.
Beyond his impressive professional record, O'Dowd holds a unique place in boxing history as the only active boxing world champion to fight on the front lines during World War I. He served in the United States Army in 1918 while still holding his world middleweight title, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to both his country and his sport.
2.4. Later Career and Passing
Following the loss of his world title, O'Dowd continued his professional boxing career for a few more years. His final professional bout took place on March 16, 1923, which also marked the only time he was knocked out in his entire career. After retiring from boxing, O'Dowd passed away on July 28, 1957, at the age of 62, due to a heart attack at a veteran's hospital. He was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota.
3. Assessment and Legacy
Mike O'Dowd is remembered as a rugged and formidable middleweight champion known for his aggressive style and resilience. His ability to compete at the highest level while also fulfilling military service during a major global conflict distinguished him among his peers. His significant contributions to the sport and his impressive career record have been officially recognized through his induction into prestigious boxing halls of fame. O'Dowd was inducted into the Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011, acknowledging his impact on boxing within his home state. Furthermore, his achievements on the global stage were honored with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014, specifically recognized in the Old-Timer's Division.
4. Professional Boxing Record
The following sections provide a comprehensive statistical overview of Mike O'Dowd's professional boxing career, drawing from detailed records.
4.1. Official Record
This summary reflects Mike O'Dowd's professional boxing statistics based solely on officially recognized results. In this context, "no decision" bouts, which were common in his era and determined by newspaper consensus rather than official scoring, are not counted in the win, loss, or draw columns. His official record includes 52 wins (40 by knockout, 11 by decision, 1 by disqualification), 7 losses (1 by knockout, 6 by decision), and 3 draws. Additionally, there were 55 bouts declared as "no decision" or "no contest".
| Number | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | Loss | 52-7-3 (55) | Jock Malone | KO | 1 (10) | Mar 16, 1923 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | Lost NYSAC middleweight title; For world middleweight title (Ohio version) |
| 116 | Win | 52-6-3 (55) | Dave Rosenberg | DQ | 8 (12) | Nov 30, 1922 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | Won NYSAC middleweight title |
| 115 | Loss | 51-6-3 (55) | Brian Downey | PTS | 12 | May 15, 1922 | Fairmont Arena, Columbus, Ohio, U.S. | For world middleweight title (Ohio version) |
| 114 | Win | 51-5-3 (55) | Mike Gibbons | PTS | 12 | May 6, 1922 | Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 113 | Win | 50-5-3 (55) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | PTS | 12 | Mar 18, 1922 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 112 | Loss | 49-5-3 (55) | Mike Gibbons | NWS | 10 | Dec 16, 1921 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 111 | Draw | 49-5-3 (54) | Lou Bogash | PTS | 12 | Dec 6, 1921 | Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 110 | Win | 49-5-2 (54) | Johnny Paske | PTS | 12 | Nov 14, 1921 | Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 109 | Loss | 48-5-2 (54) | Phil Krug | NWS | 12 | Sep 1, 1921 | Broad A.C., Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 108 | Loss | 48-4-2 (53) | Young Fisher | PTS | 12 | Aug 26, 1921 | Arena, Syracuse, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 107 | Win | 48-3-2 (53) | Silent Martin | TKO | 9 (12) | Aug 20, 1921 | Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 106 | Loss | 47-3-2 (53) | Johnny Wilson | SD | 15 | Mar 17, 1921 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | For NYSAC and NBA middleweight titles |
| 105 | Win | 47-2-2 (53) | Len Rowlands | NWS | 8 | Dec 6, 1920 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 104 | Win | 47-2-2 (52) | Jeff Smith | SD | 15 | Nov 9, 1920 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 103 | Win | 46-2-2 (52) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Oct 22, 1920 | Sportsman's Club, Camden, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 102 | Win | 46-2-2 (51) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 12 | Oct 4, 1920 | Casino Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 101 | Win | 45-2-2 (51) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 12 | Sep 23, 1920 | Westside Ballpark, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 100 | Win | 45-2-2 (50) | Sailor Ed Petroskey | NWS | 8 | Sep 15, 1920 | Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 99 | Win | 45-2-2 (49) | Tommy Robson | PTS | 12 | Aug 21, 1920 | Cuddy's Arena, Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 98 | Win | 44-2-2 (49) | Gordon McKay | TKO | 12 (15) | Jul 5, 1920 | Brady Park, Pocatello, Idaho, U.S. | |
| 97 | Draw | 43-2-2 (49) | Battling Ortega | PTS | 10 | Jun 24, 1920 | Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S. | |
| 96 | Win | 43-2-1 (49) | George K.O. Brown | KO | 6 (8) | May 19, 1920 | Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 95 | Win | 42-2-1 (49) | Jack Britton | NWS | 12 | May 17, 1920 | Canton Auditorium, Canton, Ohio, U.S. | |
| 94 | Win | 42-2-1 (48) | Jackie Clark | NWS | 10 | May 11, 1920 | Sportsman's Club, Camden, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 93 | Loss | 42-2-1 (47) | Johnny Wilson | PTS | 12 | May 6, 1920 | Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | Lost NYSAC middleweight title |
| 92 | Win | 42-1-1 (47) | K.O. Samson | TKO | 4 (6) | Apr 26, 1920 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 91 | Win | 41-1-1 (47) | Walter Laurette | TKO | 6 (12) | Apr 15, 1920 | Casino Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 90 | Win | 40-1-1 (47) | Frankie Maguire | NWS | 6 | Apr 3, 1920 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 89 | Win | 40-1-1 (46) | Joe Eagan | KO | 5 (12) | Mar 30, 1920 | Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 88 | Win | 39-1-1 (46) | Augie Ratner | NWS | 10 | Mar 17, 1920 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 87 | Win | 39-1-1 (45) | Tommy Madden | KO | 4 (12) | Mar 12, 1920 | Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S. | |
| 86 | Win | 38-1-1 (45) | Stockyards Tommy Murphy | TKO | 9 (10) | Mar 5, 1920 | Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 85 | Win | 37-1-1 (45) | Jack McCarron | TKO | 2 (6) | Mar 1, 1920 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 84 | Win | 36-1-1 (45) | Young Fisher | KO | 3 (10) | Jan 26, 1920 | Grand Opera House, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 83 | Win | 35-1-1 (45) | Stockyards Tommy Murphy | TKO | 3 (12) | Jan 20, 1920 | Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 82 | Win | 34-1-1 (45) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Jan 14, 1920 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 81 | Win | 34-1-1 (44) | Mike Gibbons | NWS | 10 | Nov 21, 1919 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 80 | Win | 34-1-1 (43) | Jimmy O'Hagan | KO | 2 (10) | Nov 10, 1919 | Roller Palace Rink, Detroit, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 79 | Win | 33-1-1 (43) | Billy Kramer | KO | 2 (8) | Nov 6, 1919 | Lyceum Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 78 | Win | 32-1-1 (43) | Jack Connors | KO | 2 (12) | Oct 30, 1919 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 77 | Win | 31-1-1 (43) | Steve Latzo | NWS | 6 | Oct 18, 1919 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 76 | Win | 31-1-1 (42) | Augie Ratner | NWS | 8 | Sep 29, 1919 | Open-Air Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 75 | Win | 31-1-1 (41) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Sep 19, 1919 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 74 | Win | 31-1-1 (40) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 10 | Sep 1, 1919 | 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 73 | Loss | 31-1-1 (39) | Jack Britton | NWS | 8 | Aug 22, 1919 | 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 72 | Win | 31-1-1 (38) | Jackie Clark | NWS | 10 | Aug 11, 1919 | Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 71 | Win | 31-1-1 (37) | Young Fisher | KO | 5 (10) | Jul 21, 1919 | Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 70 | Win | 30-1-1 (37) | Al McCoy | KO | 3 (10) | Jul 17, 1919 | Lexington Park, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 69 | Draw | 29-1-1 (37) | Harry Greb | NWS | 10 | Feb 25, 1918 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 68 | Win | 29-1-1 (36) | Joe Welsh | NWS | 6 | Dec 19, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 67 | Win | 29-1-1 (35) | Billy Kramer | NWS | 6 | Dec 15, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 66 | Win | 29-1-1 (34) | Jack McCarron | NWS | 6 | Nov 24, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 65 | Win | 29-1-1 (33) | Al McCoy | KO | 6 (10) | Nov 14, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | Won NYSAC middleweight title |
| 64 | Win | 28-1-1 (33) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Nov 1, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 63 | Win | 28-1-1 (32) | Jerry Cole | TKO | 3 (10) | Oct 27, 1917 | Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 62 | Win | 27-1-1 (32) | K.O. Willie Loughlin | KO | 2 (10) | Oct 4, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 61 | Win | 26-1-1 (32) | Joe Connolly | TKO | 4 (12) | Sep 25, 1917 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 60 | Win | 25-1-1 (32) | Italian Joe Gans | NWS | 10 | Sep 6, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 59 | Win | 25-1-1 (31) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | PTS | 12 | Aug 28, 1917 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 58 | Loss | 24-1-1 (31) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 10 | Aug 17, 1917 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 57 | Win | 24-1-1 (30) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Aug 11, 1917 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 56 | Win | 24-1-1 (29) | Tommy Madden | KO | 3 (10) | Aug 9, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 55 | Win | 23-1-1 (29) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Jun 28, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 54 | Loss | 23-1-1 (28) | Zulu Kid | NWS | 10 | Jun 16, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 53 | Loss | 23-1-1 (27) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 10 | May 24, 1917 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 52 | Win | 23-1-1 (26) | Silent Martin | NWS | 10 | May 22, 1917 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 51 | Win | 23-1-1 (25) | Italian Joe Gans | NWS | 10 | May 17, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 50 | Win | 23-1-1 (24) | Jack Britton | NWS | 10 | May 8, 1917 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 49 | Win | 23-1-1 (23) | Silent Martin | PTS | 15 | May 4, 1917 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 48 | Win | 22-1-1 (23) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 12 | Apr 17, 1917 | Grand Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 47 | Win | 21-1-1 (23) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Apr 12, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 46 | Win | 21-1-1 (22) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Mar 31, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 45 | Loss | 21-1-1 (21) | Joe Eagan | PTS | 12 | Mar 20, 1917 | Grand Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 44 | Loss | 21-0-1 (21) | Jack Britton | NWS | 10 | Jan 25, 1917 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 43 | Win | 21-0-1 (20) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 15 | Jan 3, 1917 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 42 | Win | 20-0-1 (20) | Johnny 'Kid' Alberts | NWS | 10 | Jan 1, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 41 | Win | 20-0-1 (19) | Jack Toland | TKO | 2 (12) | Dec 20, 1916 | National A.C., Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 40 | Win | 19-0-1 (19) | Eddie Moha | NWS | 10 | Nov 30, 1916 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 39 | Win | 19-0-1 (18) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 15 | Nov 15, 1916 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 38 | Win | 18-0-1 (18) | Frank Barrieau | KO | 6 (15) | Oct 23, 1916 | National A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 17-0-1 (18) | Mickey Sheridan | NWS | 10 | Aug 18, 1916 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 36 | Win | 17-0-1 (17) | Willie Adams | KO | 4 (10) | Jun 14, 1916 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 35 | Loss | 16-0-1 (17) | Jack Britton | PTS | 12 | Jun 6, 1916 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 34 | Win | 16-0-0 (17) | Joe Eagan | TKO | 9 (12) | Apr 25, 1916 | Arena (Armory A.A.), Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 33 | Win | 15-0-0 (17) | Jack Toland | NWS | 10 | Apr 6, 1916 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 32 | Win | 15-0-0 (16) | Terry Mitchell | TKO | 8 (10) | Mar 25, 1916 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 31 | Win | 14-0-0 (16) | Young Erne | NWS | 6 | Mar 18, 1916 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 30 | Draw | 14-0-0 (15) | Willie Schaeffer | PTS | 10 | Mar 13, 1916 | Academy of Music, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 29 | Draw | 14-0 (15) | Perry Graves | NWS | 10 | Dec 21, 1915 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 28 | Win | 14-0 (14) | Frankie Brennan | NWS | 10 | Dec 3, 1915 | Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 27 | Win | 14-0 (13) | Billy Kramer | NWS | 10 | Nov 29, 1915 | Arcadia Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 26 | Win | 14-0 (12) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Nov 12, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 25 | Draw | 14-0 (11) | Silent Martin | NWS | 10 | Oct 22, 1915 | Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 24 | Win | 14-0 (10) | Walter Monaghan | NWS | 10 | Sep 23, 1915 | Duluth Athletic Club, Duluth, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 23 | Win | 14-0 (9) | Freddie Gilmore | KO | 5 (10) | Aug 20, 1915 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 22 | Draw | 13-0 (9) | Willie Schaeffer | NWS | 10 | Jul 12, 1915 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 21 | Win | 13-0 (8) | Billy Perkins | KO | 3 (10) | Jun 4, 1915 | Unique Theater, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 20 | Loss | 12-0 (8) | Billy Miske | NWS | 10 | Apr 6, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 19 | Win | 12-0 (7) | Stockyards Tommy Murphy | TKO | 9 (10) | Mar 23, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 18 | Win | 11-0 (7) | Walter Monaghan | NWS | 10 | Mar 2, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 17 | Loss | 11-0 (6) | Willie Schaeffer | NWS | 10 | Feb 2, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 16 | Win | 11-0 (5) | Danny Hayes | NWS | 8 | Jan 15, 1915 | Hippodrome, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 15 | Win | 11-0 (4) | Young Pinky | KO | 1 (8) | Jan 8, 1915 | Hippodrome, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 14 | Win | 10-0 (4) | Billy Perkins | NWS | 10 | Dec 4, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 13 | Win | 10-0 (3) | Mike Graham | TKO | 8 (10) | Oct 9, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 9-0 (3) | Labe Safro | KO | 4 (8) | Sep 2, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 8-0 (3) | Cyclone Smith | TKO | 3 (6) | Jun 15, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 7-0 (3) | Charles Fuhrman | TKO | 3 (8) | May 22, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 9 | Win | 6-0 (3) | Harold Jensen | KO | 3 (8) | Feb 6, 1914 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 5-0 (3) | Charles Fuhrman | NWS | 6 | Nov 10, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 7 | Win | 5-0 (2) | Jack Pleunbush | KO | 2 (?) | Aug 15, 1913 | Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 6 | No decision | 4-0 (2) | Billy Miske | ND | 10 | Jul 6, 1913 | Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 5 | Win | 4-0 (1) | Al Johnson | KO | 1 (?) | May 10, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 4 | Win | 4-0 | Henry Gardner | KO | 1 (?) | Apr 5, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 3 | Win | 3-0 | Mike Brown | KO | 1 (?) | Mar 5, 1913 | Grand Opera House, Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 2 | Win | 2-0 | Al Johnson | KO | 1 (?) | Feb 10, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1-0 | Harry Olsen | KO | 1 (?) | Jan 13, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. |
4.2. Unofficial Record
This section presents Mike O'Dowd's comprehensive career statistics, which includes all bouts, even those typically regarded as "no decision" contests (often determined by newspaper reports). This record offers a more complete picture of his entire fight history. His unofficial record stands at 93 wins (40 by knockout, 52 by decision, 1 by disqualification), 16 losses (1 by knockout, 15 by decision), 7 draws, and 1 no contest.
| Number | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 117 | Loss | 93-16-7 (1) | Jock Malone | KO | 1 (10) | Mar 16, 1923 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | Lost NYSAC middleweight title; For world middleweight title (Ohio version) |
| 116 | Win | 93-15-7 (1) | Dave Rosenberg | DQ | 8 (12) | Nov 30, 1922 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | Won NYSAC middleweight title |
| 115 | Loss | 92-15-7 (1) | Brian Downey | PTS | 12 | May 15, 1922 | Fairmont Arena, Columbus, Ohio, U.S. | For world middleweight title (Ohio version) |
| 114 | Win | 92-14-7 (1) | Mike Gibbons | PTS | 12 | May 6, 1922 | Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 113 | Win | 91-14-7 (1) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | PTS | 12 | Mar 18, 1922 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 112 | Loss | 90-14-7 (1) | Mike Gibbons | NWS | 10 | Dec 16, 1921 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 111 | Draw | 90-13-7 (1) | Lou Bogash | PTS | 12 | Dec 6, 1921 | Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 110 | Win | 90-13-6 (1) | Johnny Paske | PTS | 12 | Nov 14, 1921 | Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S. | |
| 109 | Loss | 89-13-6 (1) | Phil Krug | NWS | 12 | Sep 1, 1921 | Broad A.C., Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 108 | Loss | 89-12-6 (1) | Young Fisher | PTS | 12 | Aug 26, 1921 | Arena, Syracuse, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 107 | Win | 89-11-6 (1) | Silent Martin | TKO | 9 (12) | Aug 20, 1921 | Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 106 | Loss | 88-11-6 (1) | Johnny Wilson | SD | 15 | Mar 17, 1921 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | For NYSAC and NBA middleweight titles |
| 105 | Win | 88-10-6 (1) | Len Rowlands | NWS | 8 | Dec 6, 1920 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 104 | Win | 87-10-6 (1) | Jeff Smith | SD | 15 | Nov 9, 1920 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 103 | Win | 86-10-6 (1) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Oct 22, 1920 | Sportsman's Club, Camden, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 102 | Win | 85-10-6 (1) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 12 | Oct 4, 1920 | Casino Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 101 | Win | 84-10-6 (1) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 12 | Sep 23, 1920 | Westside Ballpark, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 100 | Win | 83-10-6 (1) | Sailor Ed Petroskey | NWS | 8 | Sep 15, 1920 | Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 99 | Win | 82-10-6 (1) | Tommy Robson | PTS | 12 | Aug 21, 1920 | Cuddy's Arena, Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 98 | Win | 81-10-6 (1) | Gordon McKay | TKO | 12 (15) | Jul 5, 1920 | Brady Park, Pocatello, Idaho, U.S. | |
| 97 | Draw | 80-10-6 (1) | Battling Ortega | PTS | 10 | Jun 24, 1920 | Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S. | |
| 96 | Win | 80-10-5 (1) | George K.O. Brown | KO | 6 (8) | May 19, 1920 | Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 95 | Win | 79-10-5 (1) | Jack Britton | NWS | 12 | May 17, 1920 | Canton Auditorium, Canton, Ohio, U.S. | |
| 94 | Win | 78-10-5 (1) | Jackie Clark | NWS | 10 | May 11, 1920 | Sportsman's Club, Camden, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 93 | Loss | 77-10-5 (1) | Johnny Wilson | PTS | 12 | May 6, 1920 | Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | Lost NYSAC middleweight title |
| 92 | Win | 77-9-5 (1) | K.O. Samson | TKO | 4 (6) | Apr 26, 1920 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 91 | Win | 76-9-5 (1) | Walter Laurette | TKO | 6 (12) | Apr 15, 1920 | Casino Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 90 | Win | 75-9-5 (1) | Frankie Maguire | NWS | 6 | Apr 3, 1920 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 89 | Win | 74-9-5 (1) | Joe Eagan | KO | 5 (12) | Mar 30, 1920 | Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 88 | Win | 73-9-5 (1) | Augie Ratner | NWS | 10 | Mar 17, 1920 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 87 | Win | 72-9-5 (1) | Tommy Madden | KO | 4 (12) | Mar 12, 1920 | Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S. | |
| 86 | Win | 71-9-5 (1) | Stockyards Tommy Murphy | TKO | 9 (10) | Mar 5, 1920 | Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 85 | Win | 70-9-5 (1) | Jack McCarron | TKO | 2 (6) | Mar 1, 1920 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 84 | Win | 69-9-5 (1) | Young Fisher | KO | 3 (10) | Jan 26, 1920 | Grand Opera House, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 83 | Win | 68-9-5 (1) | Stockyards Tommy Murphy | TKO | 3 (12) | Jan 20, 1920 | Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 82 | Win | 67-9-5 (1) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Jan 14, 1920 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 81 | Win | 66-9-5 (1) | Mike Gibbons | NWS | 10 | Nov 21, 1919 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 80 | Win | 65-9-5 (1) | Jimmy O'Hagan | KO | 2 (10) | Nov 10, 1919 | Roller Palace Rink, Detroit, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 79 | Win | 64-9-5 (1) | Billy Kramer | KO | 2 (8) | Nov 6, 1919 | Lyceum Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. | Retained world middleweight title |
| 78 | Win | 63-9-5 (1) | Jack Connors | KO | 2 (12) | Oct 30, 1919 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 77 | Win | 62-9-5 (1) | Steve Latzo | NWS | 6 | Oct 18, 1919 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 76 | Win | 61-9-5 (1) | Augie Ratner | NWS | 8 | Sep 29, 1919 | Open-Air Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 75 | Win | 60-9-5 (1) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Sep 19, 1919 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 74 | Win | 59-9-5 (1) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 10 | Sep 1, 1919 | 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 73 | Loss | 58-9-5 (1) | Jack Britton | NWS | 8 | Aug 22, 1919 | 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 72 | Win | 58-8-5 (1) | Jackie Clark | NWS | 10 | Aug 11, 1919 | Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 71 | Win | 57-8-5 (1) | Young Fisher | KO | 5 (10) | Jul 21, 1919 | Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. | |
| 70 | Win | 56-8-5 (1) | Al McCoy | KO | 3 (10) | Jul 17, 1919 | Lexington Park, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 69 | Draw | 55-8-5 (1) | Harry Greb | NWS | 10 | Feb 25, 1918 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 68 | Win | 55-8-4 (1) | Joe Welsh | NWS | 6 | Dec 19, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 67 | Win | 54-8-4 (1) | Billy Kramer | NWS | 6 | Dec 15, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | World middleweight title at stake (via KO only) |
| 66 | Win | 53-8-4 (1) | Jack McCarron | NWS | 6 | Nov 24, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 65 | Win | 52-8-4 (1) | Al McCoy | KO | 6 (10) | Nov 14, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | Won NYSAC middleweight title |
| 64 | Win | 51-8-4 (1) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Nov 1, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 63 | Win | 50-8-4 (1) | Jerry Cole | TKO | 3 (10) | Oct 27, 1917 | Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 62 | Win | 49-8-4 (1) | K.O. Willie Loughlin | KO | 2 (10) | Oct 4, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 61 | Win | 48-8-4 (1) | Joe Connolly | TKO | 4 (12) | Sep 25, 1917 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 60 | Win | 47-8-4 (1) | Italian Joe Gans | NWS | 10 | Sep 6, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 59 | Win | 46-8-4 (1) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | PTS | 12 | Aug 28, 1917 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 58 | Loss | 45-8-4 (1) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 10 | Aug 17, 1917 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 57 | Win | 45-7-4 (1) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Aug 11, 1917 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 56 | Win | 44-7-4 (1) | Tommy Madden | KO | 3 (10) | Aug 9, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 55 | Win | 43-7-4 (1) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Jun 28, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 54 | Loss | 42-7-4 (1) | Zulu Kid | NWS | 10 | Jun 16, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 53 | Loss | 42-6-4 (1) | Ted "Kid" Lewis | NWS | 10 | May 24, 1917 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 52 | Win | 42-5-4 (1) | Silent Martin | NWS | 10 | May 22, 1917 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 51 | Win | 41-5-4 (1) | Italian Joe Gans | NWS | 10 | May 17, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 50 | Win | 40-5-4 (1) | Jack Britton | NWS | 10 | May 8, 1917 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 49 | Win | 39-5-4 (1) | Silent Martin | PTS | 15 | May 4, 1917 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 48 | Win | 38-5-4 (1) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 12 | Apr 17, 1917 | Grand Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 47 | Win | 37-5-4 (1) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Apr 12, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 46 | Win | 36-5-4 (1) | Frank Carbone | NWS | 10 | Mar 31, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 45 | Loss | 35-5-4 (1) | Joe Eagan | PTS | 12 | Mar 20, 1917 | Grand Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 44 | Loss | 35-4-4 (1) | Jack Britton | NWS | 10 | Jan 25, 1917 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 43 | Win | 35-3-4 (1) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 15 | Jan 3, 1917 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 42 | Win | 34-3-4 (1) | Johnny 'Kid' Alberts | NWS | 10 | Jan 1, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 41 | Win | 33-3-4 (1) | Jack Toland | TKO | 2 (12) | Dec 20, 1916 | National A.C., Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 40 | Win | 32-3-4 (1) | Eddie Moha | NWS | 10 | Nov 30, 1916 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 39 | Win | 31-3-4 (1) | Frank Carbone | PTS | 15 | Nov 15, 1916 | Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 38 | Win | 30-3-4 (1) | Frank Barrieau | KO | 6 (15) | Oct 23, 1916 | National A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 29-3-4 (1) | Mickey Sheridan | NWS | 10 | Aug 18, 1916 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 36 | Win | 28-3-4 (1) | Willie Adams | KO | 4 (10) | Jun 14, 1916 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 35 | Loss | 27-3-4 (1) | Jack Britton | PTS | 12 | Jun 6, 1916 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 34 | Win | 27-2-4 (1) | Joe Eagan | TKO | 9 (12) | Apr 25, 1916 | Arena (Armory A.A.), Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 33 | Win | 26-2-4 (1) | Jack Toland | NWS | 10 | Apr 6, 1916 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 32 | Win | 25-2-4 (1) | Terry Mitchell | TKO | 8 (10) | Mar 25, 1916 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 31 | Win | 24-2-4 (1) | Young Erne | NWS | 6 | Mar 18, 1916 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 30 | Draw | 23-2-4 (1) | Willie Schaeffer | PTS | 10 | Mar 13, 1916 | Academy of Music, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 29 | Draw | 23-2-3 (1) | Perry Graves | NWS | 10 | Dec 21, 1915 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 28 | Win | 23-2-2 (1) | Frankie Brennan | NWS | 10 | Dec 3, 1915 | Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 27 | Win | 22-2-2 (1) | Billy Kramer | NWS | 10 | Nov 29, 1915 | Arcadia Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 26 | Win | 21-2-2 (1) | Jakob "Soldier" Bartfield | NWS | 10 | Nov 12, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 25 | Draw | 20-2-2 (1) | Silent Martin | NWS | 10 | Oct 22, 1915 | Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 24 | Win | 20-2-1 (1) | Walter Monaghan | NWS | 10 | Sep 23, 1915 | Duluth Athletic Club, Duluth, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 23 | Win | 19-2-1 (1) | Freddie Gilmore | KO | 5 (10) | Aug 20, 1915 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 22 | Draw | 18-2-1 (1) | Willie Schaeffer | NWS | 10 | Jul 12, 1915 | Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | |
| 21 | Win | 18-2 (1) | Billy Perkins | KO | 3 (10) | Jun 4, 1915 | Unique Theater, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 20 | Loss | 17-2 (1) | Billy Miske | NWS | 10 | Apr 6, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 19 | Win | 17-1 (1) | Stockyards Tommy Murphy | TKO | 9 (10) | Mar 23, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 18 | Win | 16-1 (1) | Walter Monaghan | NWS | 10 | Mar 2, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 17 | Loss | 15-1 (1) | Willie Schaeffer | NWS | 10 | Feb 2, 1915 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 16 | Win | 15-0 (1) | Danny Hayes | NWS | 8 | Jan 15, 1915 | Hippodrome, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 15 | Win | 14-0 (1) | Young Pinky | KO | 1 (8) | Jan 8, 1915 | Hippodrome, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 14 | Win | 13-0 (1) | Billy Perkins | NWS | 10 | Dec 4, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 13 | Win | 12-0 (1) | Mike Graham | TKO | 8 (10) | Oct 9, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 11-0 (1) | Labe Safro | KO | 4 (8) | Sep 2, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 10-0 (1) | Cyclone Smith | TKO | 3 (6) | Jun 15, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 9-0 (1) | Charles Fuhrman | TKO | 3 (8) | May 22, 1914 | Arena, Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 9 | Win | 8-0 (1) | Harold Jensen | KO | 3 (8) | Feb 6, 1914 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 7-0 (1) | Charles Fuhrman | NWS | 6 | Nov 10, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 7 | Win | 6-0 (1) | Jack Pleunbush | KO | 2 (?) | Aug 15, 1913 | Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 6 | No decision | 5-0 (1) | Billy Miske | ND | 10 | Jul 6, 1913 | Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 5 | Win | 5-0 | Al Johnson | KO | 1 (?) | May 10, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 4 | Win | 4-0 | Henry Gardner | KO | 1 (?) | Apr 5, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 3 | Win | 3-0 | Mike Brown | KO | 1 (?) | Mar 5, 1913 | Grand Opera House, Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | Exact date uncertain |
| 2 | Win | 2-0 | Al Johnson | KO | 1 (?) | Feb 10, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1-0 | Harry Olsen | KO | 1 (?) | Jan 13, 1913 | Superior, Wisconsin, U.S. |