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Item
Title
A6052-7
Date(s)
- 1937-09 (Creation)
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Tacoma boxer Freddie Steele, United States and National Boxing Association Middleweight Champion of the World, standing between his manager Eddie Miller (believed to be the man on the left) and another man. The handsome Freddie Steele, born Frederick Earl Burgett, has always wanted to be a boxer. At the age of 12, he began hanging out in the Tacoma Gym, located on Tacoma Ave. near 9th St., managed by Dave Miller. His determination and natural talent shone through and Miller became his teacher and mentor. Steele went professional as a featherweight shortly after his 15th birthday in 1927. He became World Champion Middleweight when he won a 15 round decision July 11, 1936 in Seattle against Babe Risko. He held the crown from 1936-1938. On August 25, 1937, Dave Miller died suddenly at the age of 36. Steele, distraught at the loss of his manager and friend, continued to fight with Dave Miller's brother Eddie as his new manager, winning a title defense bout against Ken Overlin. On July 28, 1938, Steele lost his title bout against Seattle boxer Al Hostak. He retired after the loss and became an actor. In his professional career, out of 133 fights, he lost only 5.
Steele, Freddie, 1912-1984; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1930-1940;