Billy Miske, "The St. Paul Thunderbolt", was a beast, fighting while nursing a damned kidney disease that he knew was going to kill him. Miske was one hell of a fighter, he defeated and held his own with some of the greatest names this sport has ever known, names like Dempsey, Greb, Gibbons, Dillon, Norfolk, O'Dowd, Papke, Levinsky. He also possessed a granite chin, stopped only once in his career, by prime Dempsey when he was sick. He's in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and rightfully so. Here is his IBHOF profile in it's entirety.
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Born William Arthur Miske on April 12, 1894 in St. Paul, MN. He began boxing as a middleweight in 1913 and engaged in exhibitions with Fred Fulton, Mike O’Dowd and Billy Papke. Competing during the “no decision” era, Miske met some of the best middleweights, light heavyweights and heavyweights of his time. Among the top men he boxed include Hall of Famers Harry Greb, Tommy Gibbons, Jack Dillon, Battling Levinsky and Kid Norfolk, as well as Bill Brennan and Jack Renault.
In 1918 Miske was diagnosed with a kidney ailment known as Bright’s Disease. He kept his illness a secret from everyone, including his family, and continued to box. In 1920 Miske fought in the only title bout of his career and was stopped in three rounds by heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. Despite the painful effects of the illness, he kept a busy ring schedule and scored wins over Renault (KO 13) and Fulton (KO 7) in 1922. Following a 1st round kayo over Harry Foley on January 12, 1923, the pain was so intense, Miske retired.
Even with his health deteriorating, Miske convinced his manager to secure one last bout so he could provide a final Christmas to his family. Against all odds, he defeated Brennan (KO 4) on November 7, 1923 and used his purse to buy gifts for his family. He retired with a 48-2-2 (35 KOs), 54 ND record.
On January 1, 1924, “The St. Paul Thunderbolt” died at the age of 29.
Born: April 12, 1894
Died: Jan. 1, 1924
Bouts: 106
Won: 48
Lost: 2
Drew: 2
ND: 54
KOs: 35
Induction: 2010
Billy Miske
Back
Billy Miske and Jack Dempsey shaking hands before their final bout in 1920.
"Before Billy Miske was taken sick—back in the days when Billy really was good—he was a fast, clever man. And he went the distance twice with Dempsey. When Bill had slipped and had lost his speed, Dempsey fought him the third time—and knocked him out. But Jack wasn't fighting a fast, clever man that day."
I love this quote about Billy Miske by the legendary boxing fan and enthusiast Burt Bienstock:
"How do you define "heart?" Soaking up punishment and not giving up in the ring? Or is it the kind of "heart" and bravery that Billy Miske displayed when dying from Bright's Disease and having only a short time to live, Miske to put bread on his family's table and for their last Christmas together, fought Dempsey and other heavyweights, though at times so weakened was Miske, he could hardly stand up...But knowing he was soon to die Billy Miske fought to the end for his family...That too defines "heart" and courage..."
Billy Miske posing with a medicine ball. A medicine ball in boxing is a training method that is used to improve power, core strength, stamina, and technique by performing exercises that mimic boxing movements. These exercises include throwing, slamming, and twisting the ball, which helps build explosive power, develop rotational strength, and condition the body for the impact and movements of boxing. I've seen many boxers bang up it against their rib cage to better prepare themselves to take body shots.
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Billy Miske, "The St. Paul Thunderbolt", was a beast, fighting while nursing a damned kidney disease that he knew was going to kill him. Miske was one hell of a fighter, he defeated and held his own with some of the greatest names this sport has ever known, names like Dempsey, Greb, Gibbons, Dillon, Norfolk, O'Dowd, Papke, Levinsky. He also possessed a granite chin, stopped only once in his career, by prime Dempsey when he was sick. He's in the International Boxing Hall of Fame and rightfully so. Here is his IBHOF profile in it's entirety.
Home About IBHOF Gift Shop Support the Hall Inductees Sponsors News HOF Weekend Contact/Hours
Born William Arthur Miske on April 12, 1894 in St. Paul, MN. He began boxing as a middleweight in 1913 and engaged in exhibitions with Fred Fulton, Mike O’Dowd and Billy Papke. Competing during the “no decision” era, Miske met some of the best middleweights, light heavyweights and heavyweights of his time. Among the top men he boxed include Hall of Famers Harry Greb, Tommy Gibbons, Jack Dillon, Battling Levinsky and Kid Norfolk, as well as Bill Brennan and Jack Renault.
In 1918 Miske was diagnosed with a kidney ailment known as Bright’s Disease. He kept his illness a secret from everyone, including his family, and continued to box. In 1920 Miske fought in the only title bout of his career and was stopped in three rounds by heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. Despite the painful effects of the illness, he kept a busy ring schedule and scored wins over Renault (KO 13) and Fulton (KO 7) in 1922. Following a 1st round kayo over Harry Foley on January 12, 1923, the pain was so intense, Miske retired.
Even with his health deteriorating, Miske convinced his manager to secure one last bout so he could provide a final Christmas to his family. Against all odds, he defeated Brennan (KO 4) on November 7, 1923 and used his purse to buy gifts for his family. He retired with a 48-2-2 (35 KOs), 54 ND record.
On January 1, 1924, “The St. Paul Thunderbolt” died at the age of 29.
Born: April 12, 1894
Died: Jan. 1, 1924
Bouts: 106
Won: 48
Lost: 2
Drew: 2
ND: 54
KOs: 35
Induction: 2010
Billy Miske
Back
Billy Miske and Jack Dempsey shaking hands before their final bout in 1920.
"Before Billy Miske was taken sick—back in the days when Billy really was good—he was a fast, clever man. And he went the distance twice with Dempsey. When Bill had slipped and had lost his speed, Dempsey fought him the third time—and knocked him out. But Jack wasn't fighting a fast, clever man that day."
A few of my favorite Billy Miske photos.
I love this quote about Billy Miske by the legendary boxing fan and enthusiast Burt Bienstock:
"How do you define "heart?" Soaking up punishment and not giving up in the ring? Or is it the kind of "heart" and bravery that Billy Miske displayed when dying from Bright's Disease and having only a short time to live, Miske to put bread on his family's table and for their last Christmas together, fought Dempsey and other heavyweights, though at times so weakened was Miske, he could hardly stand up...But knowing he was soon to die Billy Miske fought to the end for his family...That too defines "heart" and courage..."
Billy Miske posing with a medicine ball. A medicine ball in boxing is a training method that is used to improve power, core strength, stamina, and technique by performing exercises that mimic boxing movements. These exercises include throwing, slamming, and twisting the ball, which helps build explosive power, develop rotational strength, and condition the body for the impact and movements of boxing. I've seen many boxers bang up it against their rib cage to better prepare themselves to take body shots.
Billy Miske with his son. The man loved his family.
Billy Miske striking poses for the camera at training camp.
Another great up close shot of Miske.
This is my favorite photo of Billy Miske, "The St. Paul Thunderbolt", he looks tough as nails.