Hall of Famer
Albert 'Frenchy' Belanger
Inducted in 1956
Member Details
Career Highlights
Beat "Newsboy" Brown
Won Canadian title from Steve Rocco
World Flyweight Championship semi-finals - beat Frankie Genaro
![Hall of Famer Albert 'Frenchy' Belanger](/media/member_files/upload/X981.513.1.3_u.jpg)
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Story
Albert 'Frenchy' Belanger was a flyweight boxing star during the roaring twenties. Nicknamed the 'Canadian Wolverine' and the 'Canadian Tadpole', Belanger often got into fights as a boy on the streets of Toronto's Cabbagetown. He transferred his skills to the professional boxing ring and, under the guidance of manager David Garrity, was soon a leading contender for the flyweight championship. In 1927, Belanger beat American boxer Frank Genero, leading him into a legendary world title bout against England's Ernie Jarvis. The night of December 19, 1927, nearly 10,000 people crowded into Toronto's CNE grounds to witness the 12 thrilling rounds that lead the 21-year-old Belanger to victory and to the world flyweight championship title. Belanger lost the Canadian title to Steve Rocco in 1928 but won it back again in 1929. Later that year, however, he lost the bid for the U.S. flyweight title to Izzy Schwartz and never made it back to the top. He retired from the ring in 1932 after 52 professional bouts, which included 13 wins by knockout, 24 wins by decision, and seven draws.