Alias: Astoria Assassin / Paralyzing Paul
Born: 1901-02-18
Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
Died: 1985-09-30 (Age:84)
Nationality: US American
Hometown: New York, New York, USA
Height: 5′ 10″ / 178cm
Reach: 72″ / 183cm
Paul Berlenbach (February 18, 1901 – September 30, 1985) was the light heavyweight boxing champion of the world from May 30, 1925, when he wrested the crown from Mike McTigue, until July 16, 1926, when he was defeated by his nemesis Jack Delaney.
Known as the "Astoria Assassin", Berlenbach was known for his punching power. The New York City-born Berlenbach was an AAU champion wrestler before turning to professional boxing in 1923. Eventually he scored a 10th round TKO over former champion "Battling Siki" to earn a title shot against champion Mike McTigue.
Described by writer Paul Gallico as "untutored, unlettered, slow-witted, slow-moving, and wholly lacking in animation or imagination", Berlenbach was, nevertheless, a formidable fighter. As Gallico noted, he possessed "a numbing, paralyzing body punch that caused his opponents suddenly to crumple up" as though shot. His weaknesses were his non-existent defense, and slow movements which enabled sharp shooting opponents, such as Jack Delaney, to hit him at will.
He retired with a record of 40 wins (33 KOs), 8 losses, and 3 draws. He was named #93 on the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
Upon his retirement, he owned and operated Paul Berlenbach's Ringside Restaurant in Sound Beach, New York in the 1950s.
rounds boxed 319
rounds boxed 10
Total Bouts 54 KO% 62.96
Paul Berlenbach was born a deaf-mute to French and German parents. When he was 18, while working as an instructor at a Westchester County institution for deaf-mutes, he went to the aid of a boy whose kite had become entangled in an electric wire 12 feet above the ground. Climbing a pole, he released the kite, but came in contact with the wire, received a shock, and fell to the ground. Those who came to his rescue feared him dead. First aid revived him. When he came to, he immediately found that he now had normal hearing. Subsequent treatment developed his speech.
He started as a wrestler but soon tired of grappling and became a boxer, winning 13 knockouts and three decisions as an amateur, earning an amateur boxing championship as well. In time, as a professional, Berlenbach became the World Light-Heavyweight Champion.
After his boxing career ended, he went back to wrestling for awhile. (He had first retired from boxing to enter the lumber business.)
Como Paul Berlenbach Le Ambati El Campeonato A Miki Me. Tigue .
