Both fighters went the distance in their fourth and final match as the home
town favorite won by decision. Fitzpatrick the smaller fighter using his quick
foot work is consistent in his attack, out maneuvering Kahut throughout the fight.
Although both men missed their targets avoiding the many wild punches thrown in the
event, fought hard at times. The action was slow, but picked up in the later rounds,
as each fighter smelled victory. It appeared both were going for the knockout in the
last couple rounds, as the power punches added up.
Fitzpatrick was known for his viscous attacks across the ring and knocked out many
opponents in their own corner. Fitzpatrick was out of his corner so fast during his
fight against Lloyd Marshall, he had to wait for him to get up from his stool. Kahut
countered Fitzpatrick’s ring strategy by meeting him in the center of the ring at the
beginning of each round. Kahut and Fitzpatrick had a similar style of fighting and
Kahut knew how to win against him. If Fitzpatrick would have boxed more utilizing his
jab, he may have won all his bouts against Kahut. The film will show his advantage
when he worked his jab.
The fight was not filmed in its entirety as much of the action is broken up. A complete
fight film would have been a real treasure.
Joe Kahut was a top contender during the 1940’s and a premier main attraction in Portland,
Oregon. Joe made his first top ten ranking after his win over Fitzie Fitzpatrick, October
12th, 1945. In his next fight, Kahut had an opportunity to challenge Light - Heavyweight
Champ Gus Lesnevich, who recently was released from military duty. Kahut still in his prime
gave up the chance to be a world champion as both boys came in over the weight limit of 175 lbs.
Lesnevich kayoed Kahut in the first round. Joe never got another title shot.
Joe continued to be successful, ranking in the heavyweight division, fighting guys like, Freddie
Beshore, Ezzard Charles, Joey Maxim, Pat Comiskey, Tony Bosnich, and Rex Layne.
Larry C. Burton
