In the US, black women (Negros) had been matched in fights since the days of slavery. Once a sport enjoyed only by cruel slave masters, the "sport" enjoyed a re-birth in the 1920's. It wasn't until Sammy Davis, Jr., a close friend of Frank's, formed his own league in the early 1950's that it achieved the panache of a "society event."

Under Sammy's guidance, the Black women put on exciting (and often highly erotic) fights that kept the customers coming back for more. Sammy and Frank both wanted to stage a "unification" fight between Frank's "white" champion and Sammy's "black" champion, but even in liberal Hollywood, the thought of "race mixing" was anathama to the conservative studio heads who backed Frank's league.

Below we've tried to give as complete coverage as possible given the lack of accurate records. The standings are those given in a newsletter dated "Second Quarter 1955" although it's doubtful that all of the older women listed were still active.

NAME (birth date) COMMENTS
Eartha Kitt (1928) The Champion
Dorothy Dandridge (1923) #1 challenger
Lena Horne (1917) At age 33 in Idaho (1950) she beat two white ex-champions, Eleanor Powell & Esther Williams in one week while they were on location for a film!
Pearl Bailey (1918) A pioneer! Past her prime by the early 50's, she still fights and wins on occasion.
Diahann Carroll (1935) A bright young star with unlimited potential for stardom.
Diana Sands (1934) A 20 year old with a lot of potential.

Born in March of 1918, Pearl Bailey was born in Newport News, Virginia but spent her early life in Washington, DC where she received her early education. The sultry singer as a young woman toured the Pennsylvania mining towns as a dancer and then moved on to vaudeville. It was there she learned to fight and although she was nearly 40 by the time she reached Hollywood she enjoyed the combat enough to keep it up for several more years. Even though she has turned to coaching and managing (she currently manages Eartha Kitt) she still fights on occasion.

Dorothy Dandridge

"Dorothy Dandridge from Cleveland, Ohio will be a champion soon." That's what one newspaper said 5 years ago. She's fought for the title several times. Her first title fight ended with her securely bound as shown (above). The slender, early 30's fighter hasn't won it yet, but she can strike like a snake with fingernails honed sharp as razors. She earned her #1 challenger ranking on merit. Miss Kitt had better watch her back whenever this tough competitor is around.

Lena Horne

"Lovely, leggy, Lena Horne" is how this tall, light complected Black woman has been described and there's no denying the accuracy of the statement. Nearing 40, Miss Horne is often mistaken for being a decade or more younger. And it's not just her looks that fool people as anyone who has seen her in the ring can attest. Gifted by God with "eternal youth" this woman is said to be an even better fighter today than she was when she first fought in 1933 as a 16 year old chorus girl at Harlem's Cotton Club.

Eartha Kitt - Champion

Purrfectly suited to her role as "champion" is dusky beauty Eartha Kitt. Just in her mid-20's, the kittenish singer/dancer uses her cat-like reflexes and powerful legs to subdue opponents. Once Eartha gets a girl in her clutches, the last thing she can expect to hear is the dull throbbing of Eartha's purrrrrrrrr as she settles in and snuffs out the spark of resistance from her overpowered rival.

Diana Sands

Born in New York City, this talented young Black actress is appearing in her first film later this year. She's supported herself for several years fighting in one of the women’s fighting leagues that are currently popular in Hollywood. One of the favorites to succeed Eartha Kitt as champion.

Diahann Carroll

This teenager has already shown herself to be a tough competitor and will be watched closely as she develops her technique.