Isadore “Corporal Izzy” Schwartz was (New York) World Flyweight Champion from 1927 to 1929.
With the Flyweight championship vacant and rife with title claimants following the sudden death of champion Pancho Villa, Schwartz won the New York version of the World title on December 16, 1927, decisioning California contender Newsboy Brown in 15 rounds. Thirteen months earlier, he defeated another California claimant, Johnny McCoy. In a pair of 1928 bouts within 31 days—February (10 rounds) and March (12 rounds), both in Toronto—Schwartz decisioned NBA and IBU Flyweight Champion French Belanger.
Within six months of winning the Flyweight crown, the 5'1", 112-pound “Ghetto Midget” stepped up in weight. On May 23, 1928, he fought Bushy Graham for the vacant New York World Bantamweight title but lost the 15-rounder.
Corporal Izzy Schwartz learned to box in the U.S. Army. He defended his Flyweight title five times, officially retiring his crown. In fact, Schwartz lost his last title fight by a 15-round decision to Willie LaMorte. However, Izzy’s manager had become the opponent’s manager the night before the match. New York State refused to recognize the bout as a championship, declaring the title vacant because of the manager’s deception.
Schwartz’s professional record: 124 bouts—won 69 (7 KOs), lost 34 (3 KOs), drew 14, 8 no-decisions.
