Benny Leonard

Leonard, Benny, 1896–1947, American boxer, originally named Benjamin Leiner, b. New York City. Leonard, a master boxer and hard puncher, fought in 209 professional bouts, losing only 5. He was lightweight champion from 1917 until 1925, when he retired as undefeated champion. After a brief comeback in 1931–32, he became a boxing referee.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.