At 5-2 (1.57) and 112 lbs. (51 kg.), Frankie Genaro originally wanted to be a jockey. But he became one of the greatest flyweights ever. Genaro’s victory in the flyweight class at the 1920 Olympics was only the start. He turned professional shortly thereafter and won his first fight from Joe Coletti. In 1922 Frankie Genaro decisioned all-time flyweight great, Pancho Villa, but Villa reversed that decision in a match for the vacant American flyweight title the following year. In 1925, Genaro was beaten by 1924 Olympic champion, Fidel La Barba, but La Barba retired shortly thereafter to enter college. In 1928 Genaro won a version of the world title, and in 1930 laid claim to the unified title by defeating Willie La Morte. In 1931 he was KO’ed in a title defense but continued to fight until 1934, retiring after 128 bouts. At his retirement he had 106 official bouts, finishing with a career record of 76 wins (17 by KO), 22 losses, and 8 draws. Famous boxing expert, Nat Fleischer, ranked Genaro the third greatest flyweight of all-time, behind Jimmy Wilde and Villa.
United States