World bantamweight champion 1910-1914. Chicago, IL.

The “Unliftable Man”

Johnny Coulon was a Canadian-American professional boxer. He was born on February 12, 1889, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and soon moved to Chicago, Illinois. He was known as the world bantamweight champion from March 6, 1910, until June 3, 1914. Due to his boxing style and his roots in Chicago, Coulon earned the nickname “The Cherry Picker from Logan Square.”

Coulon had an impressive boxing record with 67 wins, 31 by knockout, 11 losses, 12 draws, and one no-contest out of 91 professional fights. He was also known for his unique ability to resist being lifted off the ground by larger opponents, which he demonstrated in vaudeville shows after he retired from boxing.

Johnny Coulon’s boxing career was quite remarkable. He began his professional career in 1905 and quickly rose through the ranks. Coulon became the world bantamweight champion on March 6, 1910, after defeating Frankie Conley in a 20-round bout. He successfully defended his title multiple times until he lost it to Kid Williams on June 3, 1914.

After retiring from boxing, Coulon became popular in physical culture and fitness. He ran a gym in Chicago and trained many boxers and athletes. Coulon also gained fame for his “unliftable” trick, where he challenged people to lift him off the ground. Despite his small stature, he used a clever technique involving balance and body positioning to make himself incredibly difficult to lift.

Coulon’s contributions to boxing and his unique post-retirement performances made him a well-respected and beloved figure in the sports community. Coulon was also a boxing manager; most notable was Hall of Famer and former light welterweight champion Eddie Perkins. He continued to be involved in boxing and physical fitness until his passing in 1973.

One of Johnny Coulon’s most famous fights was his bout against Frankie Conley on March 6, 1910, in Vernon, California, for the world bantamweight title. Coulon won the match and secured the championship by stopping Conley in the 19th round of a 20-round fight. His victory in this bout marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his reputation as a top bantamweight boxer.

Coulon was known for his dedication and discipline in terms of training methods. He emphasized the importance of physical fitness, proper diet, and rigorous training routines. Coulon’s training regimen included a combination of roadwork (long-distance running), shadow boxing, bag work, and sparring. He also focused on strength and conditioning exercises to build endurance and power.

Coulon’s philosophy on training extended beyond just physical preparation. He believed in the mental aspect of boxing and often spoke about the importance of confidence and strategic thinking in the ring. His approach to training and his success as a boxer made him a sought-after trainer and mentor for other fighters.

More on Coulon: The Secret of Johnny Coulon, the “Unliftable Man”

Johnny Coulon – Wikipedia