Ken Overlin

Who was Ken Overlin?

Ken Overlin, was an American-born middleweight boxer who fought professionally from 1931 to 1944, compiling a record of 131 wins, 18 losses, and 9 draws.

Overlin began boxing in the navy, having many of his early bouts in cities where his ship the U.S.S. Tennessee was stationed. Overlin would do most of his work based out of Norfolk, Virginia and in cities along the American eastern seaboard. A middleweight contender by the mid-to-late 1930s, Overlin received his first title shot on September 11, 1937 when he was knocked out in the 4th round of a match with Freddie Steele in Seattle. Overlin would win recognition as a world middleweight champion by the New York State Athletic Commission on May 23, 1940, when he won a unanimous decision over Ceferino Garcia at Madison Square Garden. Overlin would successfully defend his title twice against Steve Belloise, before losing his title to Billy Soose on May 9, 1941. Overlin would continue fighting without defeat until 1945, scoring notable wins over Ezzard Charles and Al Hostak, before his retirement.