Boxing Champion Johnny Kilbane statue in Cleveland

Johnny Kilbane was a featherweight boxer who held the world featherweight title from 1912 to 1923, the longest period in the division’s history. He was the second longest world title holder in boxing history, behind only Joe Louis.

He was also an Irish immigrant and Clevelander.

A crowd of 100 family and friends gathered at Kilbane’s former house at 7413 Herman on Cleveland’s West Side for a special ceremony in 2012.

A crowd of more than double that size congregated at Battery Park in Cleveland for the unveiling of a statue of Johnny Kilbane by world-class sculptor Rowan Gillespie.

Featherweight boxing champion Johnny Kilbane statue in Cleveland showing the 3 stages of his life.

The statue reflects 3 eras of Kilbane’s life: as a child, a boxing champion and as statesman.

More on the unveiling and dedication of the Johnny Kilbane statue