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Benny Leonard (b. April 17, 1896, d. April 18,
1947), born Benjamin Leiner, was an American boxer
and one of the greatest lightweight fighters of
all time.  The "Ghetto Wizard" as he was known was
born and raised in the Jewish ghetto, which was
then located in the lower east side of Manhattan,
New York City.  

Leonard was known for his speed, excellent boxing
technique and ability to think fast on his feet.
He also was a hard hitter, who scored 69 KOs out
of his 157 wins. Leonard was defeated 11 times and
was held to s draw on 5 occasions.  As was common
in the era in which he fought, Leonard engaged in
several no decision matches, and is believed to
have fought 213 bouts.

Leonard retired from boxing in 1924 as the
reigning world's lightweight champion. 
Unfortunaely, he lost his considerable fortune in
the stock market crash of 1929, and embarked on an
ill-advised comeback in 1931.  Although described
as pudgy and slow, the balding Leonard won 23
fights, albeit against non discript opposition,
before meeting a championship caliber fighter.  On
October 7, 1932 his career ended when he was TKOed
in 6 rounds by future champion Jimmy McLarnin.

Leonard also challenged welterweight champion Jack
Britton for his title on June 26, 1922.  In a
suspicious ending, Leonard appeared to be winning
the fight when he knocked Britton down in the 13th
round.  Then, in a totally uncharacteristic and
unexpected move, Leonard proceeded to hit Britton
when his opponent was down on one knee.  The
referee promptly disqualified Leonard.

After his boxing career was over, Leonard became a
popular referee. In 1947, while refereeing a
match, Leonard was stricken with a massive heart
attack and died in the ring.