Following the name of the champion(s): Indicates the number of times the competitor has held that title at that point.
[...]
Indicates a gap in the listing where title changes are not known.
<
Title was held or changed hands no later than this. In these cases, it is known that a competitor held the title at a certain time but not when he/she won it.
@
Order uncertain. Different titleholders may be known for the same year, for example, but it is not known who held the title before whom.
#
Unofficial or disputable claims. These are usually matches that certainly took place, but where there is doubt that the competitor shown should be recognized as a true title holder. These listings are also italicized.
New York State Athletic Commission
World Lightweight Title [Pre-WBC]
* Bolded letters in the competitor's name, if any, indicate the surname/family name.
Benny Leonard
1917-05-28
New York, NY
Wins the world title from Freddie Welsh; boxing becomes illegal in New York State on 17-11-14 when the Frawley law dies (The Buffalo Enquirer, 17-11-15); legalized again in New York on 20-03-25 when the Walker Law is passed and NYSAC is reestablished (New York Tribune, 20-03-25); vacates on 25-01-15 upon (temporary) retirement.
