Red Cochrane
Sport: Boxing
Born: May 6, 1915
Died: January 1, 1993
Town: Elizabeth, New Jersey
Freddie "Red" Cochrane was born May 6, 1915, in Elizabeth. Red boxed professionally beginning in 1933 as a welterweight. In 1941, he became the welterweight world champion after beating Fritzie Zivic. He held this title for four years, although he did not fight in 1945 because of World War II.
In 1945, Red fought legendary Rocky Graziano in what The Ring proclaimed the "Fight of the Year." Red outboxed Graziano for the first eight rounds until he was knocked down in the 9th round. Red was saved by the bell from a knockout, only to be dropped again in the 10th round for the full count.
Two months later, Red fought Graziano again, and was knocked out in the 10th round for a second time. Red had been knocked down seven times to the nine count before he finally took the full count. Critics have accused Graziano of grabbing Red by the throat in the fight, choking him with his left hand and hitting him with his right.
In 1946, Red fought Marty Servo for the World Welterweight Title and lost on a 4th-round knockout. Servo relinquished the title in September of that year due to an "aching nose." Sugar Ray Robinson took the vacant title in December. Red had 116 fights as a professional, with 72 wins, 36 losses and 8 draws. He was credited with 26 knockouts. Red died on New Year's Day in 1993 at the age of 77.
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