As much as I love providing you guys with the most up-to-date boxing news, I also love diving into the history of the sport. While doing some research for this week’s post, I came across something I’d never heard of before, and I thought I’d share it with you – the famous “Murderers’ Row” in boxing. Now, I’d heard the term in baseball before, but I had no idea it had roots in boxing too!
For those who aren’t familiar, Murderers’ Row refers to a group of eight incredibly skilled African-American middleweights from the 1940s. Despite being some of the most feared and talented fighters of their time, racial discrimination and boxing politics denied them title shots and widespread recognition. Their stories remain one of the great untold legacies in boxing history, and it’s worth exploring how their influence still echoes today.
Why Were They Called Murderers’ Row?
The name “Murderers’ Row” was not given to these fighters lightly. It was a reflection of the danger they posed in the ring. This group of fighters was so feared because of their immense skill, power, and the sheer difficulty in facing them. The term “Murderers’ Row” originally came from baseball, referring to a particularly fearsome lineup of batters who could destroy opposing pitchers. The boxing Murderers’ Row earned their name for a similar reason – stepping into the ring with any one of these men was a dangerous proposition.
Promoters, managers, and fighters often avoided matching their boxers with these men, not only because they were difficult to beat, but because a loss to a member of Murderers’ Row could derail a champion’s career or tarnish their reputation. In an era where wins and losses greatly influenced a fighter’s marketability, champions steered clear of these dangerous opponents, even though they were some of the best in the sport.
The members of Murderers’ Row regularly fought each other because they had no other options. Denied fights with the top white fighters, they were left to compete in grueling matchups against one another, often multiple times. These fights were brutal, hard-fought contests between equally skilled opponents, and the fact that they survived (and often thrived) in this constant crucible of combat only enhanced their fearsome reputation. The name “Murderers’ Row” became synonymous with toughness, grit, and a level of skill that was unmatched in their era.
Who Were the Members of Murderers’ Row?
Murderers’ Row consisted of eight fighters: Charley Burley, Holman Williams, Lloyd Marshall, Eddie Booker, Jack Chase, Aaron Wade, Bert Lytell, and the lesser-known Cocoa Kid. Each of these fighters was renowned for their skill and toughness, and many of them ended up fighting each other, as the top white fighters of the era, including world champions, refused to get in the ring with them.
Charley Burley was perhaps the most famous of the group. Known for his slick style, intelligence in the ring, and punching power, Burley was widely avoided by both the welterweight and middleweight champions of the day. Sugar Ray Robinson, regarded as one of the greatest of all time, openly admitted that he didn’t want any part of Burley. That tells you something about just how good he was.
Holman Williams was another outstanding boxer who fought anyone and everyone. Known for his technical brilliance and defensive prowess, he was part of many classic matchups with his fellow Murderers’ Row members, particularly Burley. Williams’ defensive mastery made him a nightmare for any fighter looking for an easy night.
Lloyd Marshall was a heavy hitter who fought across multiple weight classes. He wasn’t just stuck in middleweight – Marshall even took on light heavyweights and managed to knock out Ezzard Charles, who went on to become the heavyweight champion of the world. His power and willingness to take on anyone made him a dangerous proposition for any fighter.
Other members like Eddie Booker, Jack Chase, and Bert Lytell added their own unique styles and legacies to the group, each contributing to the tough reputation of Murderers’ Row. They were consistently avoided by the big names of the time, and instead of the paydays and titles they deserved, they were left to fight each other in some of the most brutal matchups boxing has ever seen.
Why Weren’t They Given Title Shots?
The simple answer is racism and the politics of the sport at the time. During the 1940s, boxing – like much of the world – was still heavily segregated. Promoters, managers, and even champions avoided giving African-American fighters opportunities for fear of damaging their own careers. It wasn’t just about who was the best fighter, but who could bring in the most money and keep the public happy. Unfortunately, during that era, many white champions refused to face black contenders, especially ones as dangerous as those in Murderers’ Row.
These fighters were effectively blackballed from title contention, no matter how many fights they won or how good they were. Instead, they had to fight each other repeatedly in gruelling, high-level bouts, often for little money and no titles. This made their careers more dangerous and shorter, but it also built their legends as some of the toughest men to ever step into the ring.
What If They Were Still Around Today?
If Murderers’ Row were around today, it’s interesting to think about who might be included in a modern-day version. With the wealth of talent currently in boxing, there are definitely a few fighters who, despite their undeniable skills, seem to get avoided by the top names for one reason or another.
Here are a few modern fighters who could find themselves in a modern Murderers’ Row:
1. Demetrius Andrade (Middleweight)
Andrade is a prime example of a fighter who has struggled to land the big fights. Despite being a two-weight world champion with an undefeated record, he’s had a hard time securing matches against the likes of Canelo Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin. Like the original Murderers’ Row members, Andrade’s technical ability and awkward style make him a dangerous fight that many seem to want to avoid.
2. Jaron “Boots” Ennis (Welterweight)
One of the hottest rising stars in the welterweight division, Jaron Ennis has the skills, speed, and power to dominate. But despite his incredible talent, it seems like many of the top welterweights – including champions like Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. – aren’t rushing to fight him. Ennis has yet to secure that career-defining matchup, much like the fighters from Murderers’ Row who couldn’t break into the title scene.
3. Artur Beterbiev (Light Heavyweight)
Though Beterbiev is a champion with a perfect knockout record, he’s been somewhat avoided by other big names in his weight class, including the highly regarded Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev’s punishing style and reputation as a devastating puncher are reminiscent of Lloyd Marshall and other hard hitters from the original Murderers’ Row.
4. David Benavidez (Super Middleweight)
Known as the “Mexican Monster,” Benavidez has been knocking on the door for a fight with Canelo Alvarez, but so far, it hasn’t happened. Despite being one of the most feared fighters in the division and having an undefeated record, Benavidez has found himself struggling to get the biggest fights. His combination of power, speed, and aggression would make him a modern-day member of this exclusive club.
5. Shakur Stevenson (Super Featherweight/Lightweight)
Stevenson is already a two-division world champion, but his sharp, defensive style and incredible ring IQ have made some fighters think twice about stepping into the ring with him. He’s had trouble finding opponents willing to take the risk, despite his undeniable talent, echoing the struggles of some of the original Murderers’ Row fighters.
What Can We Learn From Murderers’ Row?
The story of Murderers’ Row is a reminder of both the brilliance and the unfairness that exists in sport. It highlights how greatness isn’t always recognised in the moment, especially when outside factors – like race or politics – play a role in determining who gets opportunities. Even without title shots or the recognition they deserved, the members of Murderers’ Row left a legacy that endures to this day.
As boxing fans, it’s important to remember these fighters and the challenges they faced. Their stories should be told and celebrated, not just as a chapter in boxing history but as a symbol of what it means to fight against the odds.