Robert Cohen

Bantamweight Champ 1954-1956

(copied from Jewsinsports) Cohen, a devout Jew who studied to be a cantor, was the world bantamweight champion from 1954-1956, winning the world title less than 7 months after winning the European bantamweight championship.

After turning professional in 1951, the diminutive (5'3 1/2") Cohen won 28 of his first 31 fights (10 knockouts). In November 1953, he defeated Maurice Sandeyron in a 15-round decision for the French bantamweight title. Three months later, he knocked out John Kelly in the third round for the European Bantamweight title. After successfully defending his European title three times, Cohen won the vacant world bantamweight championship in 1954 by defeating Thailand's Chamren Songkitrat in a 15-round decision before 70,000 people.

In 1955, a car accident injured Robert and rendered him unable to defend his crown, of which he was then stripped by the National Boxing Association. Cohen remained the New York State bantamweight champion until 1956, when he was knocked out by Mario D'Agata. After that loss, Cohen did not fight again until July 1959, when he faced Peter Lock in Zambia. Cohen lost a 10-round decision and promptly retired after the fight. A member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, Cohen won 36 of his 43 career fights.

Fights : 43
Won : 36
Lost : 4
KOs : 13
Draws : 3