Boxing Champion Benny Leonard Visits Alton Military Academy

Leonard, considered one of the best lightweights of all time, gave a special performance for cadets in 1926.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In 1926, recently retired world lightweight boxing champion Benny Leonard visited Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois. Though a planned sparring exhibition had to be canceled, Leonard entertained the cadets with stories and a playful 'boxing' session with some of the younger students. The visit coincided with the start of a boxing tournament at the academy.

Why it matters

Leonard's visit highlighted his status as a sports and entertainment icon in the 1920s, especially among the Jewish community. His appearance at the military academy showcased his versatility beyond the boxing ring and his ability to connect with young audiences.

The details

Leonard, the son of Russian Jewish immigrants, had held the world lightweight title from 1917 to 1925 and was considered one of the greatest lightweights of all time. He had planned to give a boxing exhibition for the Western Military Academy students, but his sparring partner became ill, so the match was canceled. Instead, Leonard entertained the cadets with stories and a playful 'boxing' session with some of the younger students.

  • On February 19, 1926, Benny Leonard visited Western Military Academy in Alton, Illinois.
  • The visit coincided with the start of a boxing tournament at the academy under the direction of Coach Thompson.

The players

Benny Leonard

A recently retired world lightweight boxing champion who is widely considered one of the best lightweights of all time.

Frank Crosby

An Alton resident who fought in the longest boxing battle on record under the present-day rules, battling Harry Sharpe of St. Louis for 77 rounds before Sharpe won.

Fred Mayer

A Western Military Academy graduate from the class of 1916 who accompanied Benny Leonard on his visit.

Frank Glick

A 1915 football captain of Princeton who was among the first Jewish football stars in the United States and also accompanied Benny Leonard.

Coach Thompson

The boxing instructor at Western Military Academy who was directing a boxing tournament at the time of Leonard's visit.

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What they’re saying

“Will you ever fight again?' the champion was asked during his visit to W.M.A. 'Never,' was his reply.”

— Benny Leonard (Alton Evening Telegraph)

The takeaway

Benny Leonard's visit to the Western Military Academy in Alton showcased his status as a sports and entertainment icon in the 1920s, especially among the Jewish community. His appearance highlighted his versatility beyond the boxing ring and his ability to connect with young audiences, even when a planned sparring exhibition had to be canceled.