Inducted on November 20, 1992
Bill Poland was born in New York City on October 14, 1917. He attended school in the Bronx, where he developed into an all-around athlete starring in football and swimming. He began boxing as a hobby, entered several amateur tournaments with great success, and decided to turn pro.
His professional career was launched in 1937 and he fought until 1947, ending with a record of 40 wins, 7 losses, and 4 draws. He was a solid puncher, scoring 40 knockouts. During his fighting days, he was managed by Pop Cook and trained by White Bimstein. Bill KO’d Tiger Roy Williams, Bill Comisky, Phil Donato, Eddie Blunt, Harry Bobo, and Jack Marshall. He defeated Joe Gatti, Al Delaney, and Don Hassett. He boxed a draw with Joe Barsi. For many years, he held the record for quickest KO in Madison Square Garden (26 seconds of Round One) and New Haven Arena (19 seconds of Round One). Poland boxed a scheduled 25 rounds against top contender Eddie Blunt and scored a 4th round knockout. He was slated to fight the great Joe Louis in 1943, but the fight never took place. He retired as a boxer in 1947.
In 1953, he appeared in the film “Champ for a Day”. He entered the nightclub business here in New Jersey and finally moved to Las Vegas in 1973 where he was employed by the Riviera Hotel. Bill is active with Ring 7-11 in Las Vegas where he serves as Vice President. He is Senior Vice Commander of the DAV in Las Vegas. Before moving to Las Vegas, he was an officer of Ring 25 for many years. He is a true credit to boxing, a fine gentleman, and a fine choice to enter the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.
Boxing Record: click