Miller, Alvie

Alvie Miller – (1972)

 

Alvie Miller
(Deceased)

Professional boxing in Lorain enjoyed spectacular success at the turn of the century. When old-timers gather today, the first name they bring up is Alvie Miller. Miller fought fabled Johnny Kilbane three times for the world featherweight (126 pounds) championship. His first ambition, however, was to become a major league baseball player. When the realization hit him that 115 pounds was not enough to carry him to such heights, Miller turned his skills toward boxing. It was in this field that he achieved national recognition. His first bout of importance was against Billie Arnold. Miller won on a second round kayo and he split the $5 purse 50-50 with his manager, the late Eddie Kern. His first title meeting with Kilbane took place at Cedar Point on Labor Day, 1915. Local writers gave Miller the verdict, but Cleveland newspapers called it a draw. There was no referee’s or judges’ decision. They fought again in Youngstown in 1917, Kilbane winning this time on a decision. Later it was revealed Miller fought the last seven rounds with a broken jaw and x-rays were published to prove it. Their third fight took place at the old Lorain Opera House in 1921 with Kilbane scoring a kayo in the seventh round. His career began in 1912. When he quit the ring in 1923, Millier estimated he won two-thirds of his 80 professional fights and they included all big names of that golden era of boxing.