Born April 25, 1839 in Birmingham, England. Standing 5’ 9 ½ ”, Allen began his career in 1861 in Birmingham before arriving in America on July 21, 1867.
In his first bout stateside, he lost on a foul in the first round to Joe Goss. Following a 43 round win over Bill Davis, Allen claimed the heavyweight championship of America. He bolstered his reputation by going the distance with Jem Mace (L 10) for the heavyweight championship of America and England on May 10, 1870. Upon Mace’s retirement, Allen met Mike McCoole for the heavyweight championship of American on September 23, 1873 and won in seven rounds (20 minutes). He drew against Ben Hogan (D 3) and lost the championship to Goss (LF 21) in 1876.
He continued to box - both with and without gloves - until giving up the ring in 1879. In retirement he operated a saloon in St. Louis, where he died on April 5, 1904.
Born: April 25, 1839
Died: April 5, 1903
Induction: 2014
Tom Allen
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