FREDDIE ‘RED’ COCHRANE

Inducted on September 23, 1973

He become Freddie “Red” Cochrane while performing in 85 Amateur Bouts around the State.

He started His career in June of 1932 and his last bout was March 1 st, 1946, after 120 Pro Bouts. Along the way He defeated Fritzie Zivic of Pittsburgh who was then Welter Weight Champion of the World.

He won the title on July 29, 1941 in a hard fought contest with Zivic at the Old Bears Stadium in Newark. “:Red”, was the first World’s Champion to enlist in the Armed Services, that was in 1941, after winning the Welter Weight Championship. He was also the second one from Elizabeth, N. J. to become the Welter Weight Champion of the World.

Although Freddie claims Fritzie Zivic was his best opponent he was in the squared circle with a lot of good boys such as Rocky Graziano and Lou Ambers.

Another story:

Freddie ‘Red’ Cochrane (born May 6, 1915 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States, and died January 1, 1993), was a professional boxer in the welterweight (147lb) division who became World Champion in 1941 in that class. Cochrane was a resident of Union, New Jersey at the time of his death.[1]

Cochrane turned pro in 1933 and was considered the World Welterweight champion in 1941 after beating Fritzie Zivic. Although he technically held the title for more than four years, he did not successfully defend it once due to World War II. In 1945 he fought a war with legendary Rocky Graziano in what was proclaimed 1945 Fight of the Year by Ring Magazine. Graziano was outboxed in the first eight rounds, but knocked down Cochrane in the 9th but the bell saved Cochrane from a KO. Cochrane was dropped again in the 10th for the full count. The Paid attendance for the bout was 18,071. Two months later he rematched Graziano and again was KO’d in the 10th round. Cochrane knocked down for seven nine counts before he took the full count in the tenth. The Paid attendance for the bout was 18,071 with a gate of $100,469. With this bout, Graziano became the latest “Million Dollar Baby“.

In 1946, Cochrane took on Marty Servo for the World Welterweight Title and lost via 4th round KO. Servo would relinquish the crown in September due to “an aching nose.” Sugar Ray Robinson would then win the vacant title in December.

January 19, 1993

Freddie (Red) Cochrane, Boxer, 77

LYONS, N.J., Jan. 18— Freddie (Red) Cochrane, a welterweight boxing champion in the 1940’s, died Saturday. He was 77.

Mr. Cochrane, of Union, N.J., died at the Lyons Veterans Administration Hospital. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born in Elizabeth and won a New Jersey Golden Gloves lightweight title before winning the world welterweight championship in July 1941 with a 15-round decision over Fritzie Zivic in Newark.

During World War II, Mr. Cochrane fought exhibitions and served overseas in an entertainment unit. He enlisted in the Navy, but was exempt from combat because he was born with one arm shorter than the other.

He lost the title in February 1946 when Marty Servo stopped him in the fourth round. After finishing his career with a record of 72-35 with 9 draws, he operated a tavern in Hillside and he worked as a liquor salesman.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta; two daughters, two brothers, a sister and four grandchildren.

Boxing Record: click