Benny Caplan (St. George's)
Born: 26/03/1911, Poplar, London
Died: 07/1989
Clever Benny Caplan was a product of the same amateur club as fellow Jewish East Ender Harry Mizler: the St. George's BC. Born in Richard Street, Poplar, Caplan was a brother of another leading East End pro, Phil Richards.
In 1931 Benny won the ABA featherweight crown, turned pro the same year and took the paid ranks by storm. He beat three British champions and drew with one reigning world champion, namely the legendary American southpaw Freddie Miller. Somehow, however, Caplan never won a national title himself. He won the Southern Area featherweight title in 1937 and challenged Spider Jim Kelly in the latter's Belfast backyard for the British championship in 1938. Caplan lost a close decision to Kelly but by that time was well past his prime.
In an 11-year pro career Benny Caplan beat Dick Corbett, Johnny Cusick, Dave Crowley, Benny Sharkey, Dave Finn and Tommy Hyams to name but a few. His record is a splendid one, and had he only been given a title-shot sooner he could well have been British champion.
Fight record
Won: 58
Lost: 16
Drawn: 7
Weight classes fought in
Lightweight
Featherweight
Fight videos
Benny Caplan vs. Johnny McGrory (1938):
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