Born in Belleville, France on August 15, 1893. Criqui turned pro in Paris in 1910 and won the French flyweight title in 1912. A 12-round TKO loss to Charles LeDoux ended his reign two years later.
In 1915 Criqui was called up for military service by the French Army during World War I and while serving, a portion of his jaw was shattered by a bullet. Out of the ring for two years, he came back to the squared circle in 1917 with wire and silver plates firmly secured in his jaw. Criqui returned to his winning ways and amassed an impressive record enroute to the French featherweight title, which he won via a one- round knockout in 1921. He scored a measure of revenge over LeDoux with a one- round knockout in his first title defense in early 1922. Later that year he added the European belt and scored three successful title defenses to round out the year.
On June 2, 1923 he engaged Johnny Kilbane for the world's featherweight championship. In his American debut, Criqui ended Kilbane's 11-year reign with a 6th round KO at New York's Polo Grounds. Criqui's time atop the division was short-lived, as Hall of Famer Johnny Dundee relieved him of the crown 54 days later. Criqui would continue to fight with moderate success until retiring from the ring in 1928 with a record of 99-17-14 (53 KOs).
One of the most revered athletes in French history, Criqui died on March 7, 1977 at Villepinte, France.
Born: Aug. 15, 1893
Died: Mar. 7, 1977
Bouts: 125
Won: 98
Lost: 16
Drew: 11
KOs: 56
Induction: 2005
Eugene Criqui
