I learn more about the history of boxing in the great city of Cleveland everyday. Talking to knowledgeable people in the area like Jerry Fitch, Gene Glen, Tom Huff, Jim Borgen and Sal Marino, well...I just learn something new all the time.

Cecil Shorts was a wonderful welterweight who fought out of Cleveland in the 1950's and 60's. Born in 1938, Cecil turned pro in 1956 and won his first ten bouts. Among those wins were decisions over Larry Boardman and soon to be Hall Of Famer Eddie Perkins. Cecil lost his first bout in 1958 dropping a decision to Rudy Sawyer. He was then stopped in two rounds by Perkins in a rematch. Cecil bounced back to win three straight including a split decision victory over Benny "Kid" Paret. He was then halted by another Hall Of Famer, the crafty Luis Rodriguez.

Cecil had an up and down career against some of the best welterweights in the world. In 1960 he lost to Phil Moyer but defeated tough Vince Martinez. In 1961 Cecil suffered a KO loss to Gomeo Brennan and a decision defeat to Mick Leahy. He came back to beat the capable Isaac Logart but was then taken out in eight by Virgil Akins. Shorts lost a decision to rugged Jorge Fernandez but then got a points verdict over Billy Collins.

Shorts did not fight in 1962 and when he returned in 1963 he was stopped by Chuck McCreary. Next came a ninth round disqualification loss to Akron's Fate Davis. A 1964 return match with Davis saw Cecil on the short end of the decision. Cecil had one more fight winning a six rounder over Doug McLeod and then retired.

In all Cecil had 33 fights posting 21 wins and a draw. He lost eleven fights. He registered nine knockouts while he was stopped six times. He met four men who held world titles. Eddie Perkins, Benny Paret, Luis Rodriguez and Virgil Akins as well as several contenders. The city of Cleveland should be proud of the accomplishments of Cecil Shorts.

Jim Amato