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Hall of Famers

Hall of Famer

ALBERT 'FRENCHY' BELANGER

Inducted in 1956

Member Details

Date of Birth: December 4, 1906
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario
Date of Passing: May 27, 1969
Sport: Boxing
Member Category: Athlete

Career Highlights

1927

Beat "Newsboy" Brown

1929

Won Canadian title from Steve Rocco

World Flyweight Championship semi-finals - beat Frankie Genaro

Hall of Famer ALBERT 'FRENCHY' BELANGER
Sport

Story

Albert 'Frenchy' Belanger was a flyweight boxing star during the roaring twenties. Nicknamed the 'Canadian Wolverine' and the 'Canadian Tadpole', Belanger often got into fights as a boy on the streets of Toronto's Cabbagetown. He transferred his skills to the professional boxing ring and, under the guidance of manager David Garrity, was soon a leading contender for the flyweight championship. In 1927, Belanger beat American boxer Frank Genero, leading him into a legendary world title bout against England's Ernie Jarvis. The night of December 19, 1927, nearly 10,000 people crowded into Toronto's CNE grounds to witness the 12 thrilling rounds that lead the 21-year-old Belanger to victory and to the world flyweight championship title. Belanger lost the Canadian title to Steve Rocco in 1928 but won it back again in 1929. Later that year, however, he lost the bid for the U.S. flyweight title to Izzy Schwartz and never made it back to the top. He retired from the ring in 1932 after 52 professional bouts, which included 13 wins by knockout, 24 wins by decision, and seven draws.