Johnny Miler (August 10, 1910 – June 17, 1976), born John Miletich, was a professional boxer who competed in the

1932 Summer Olympics The 1932 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the X Olympiad and also known as Los Angeles 1932) were an international multi-sport event held from July 30 to August 14, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States. The Games were held duri ...

in the light-heavyweight class for the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

. In late 1932 or early 1933, Miler defeated future heavyweight champion

Joe Louis Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1934 to 1951. Nicknamed the Brown Bomber, Louis is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential boxers of all time. He rei ...

in an amateur bout. Other notable fights included three professional bouts against "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom that ended in two losses and a no decision, and a four round exhibition bout against

Max Baer Max Baer may refer to: * Max Baer (boxer) (1909–1959), American boxing world champion ** Max Baer Jr. Maximilian Adelbert Baer Jr. (born December 4, 1937) is an American actor, producer, comedian, and director widely known for his role as ...

in 1934. Miler quit professional boxing in 1938. He is the great-uncle of UFC Hall of Fame mixed martial artist Pat Miletich.

Early life

Born John Miletich to Croatian immigrant parents in Hocking, Iowa, a vanished coal mining town just south of Albia, Miler farmed and worked the local coal mines. He supplemented his income by accepting the challenges of traveling carnival strongmen, defeating them in wrestling or boxing matches. He moved to Detroit in 1930.

Boxing

Joe Louis

Miler defeated Louis in three rounds in what was Louis' first organized boxing match, sending Louis to the mat seven times.

1932 Summer Olympics

Despite evidence that Miler had boxed professionally, he won the 1932 Olympic trials in San Francisco and represented the United States in Los Angeles in the light-heavyweight class. Miler lost to William Murphy of Ireland on points in the first match.

Professional boxing

Miler 'officially' debuted professionally as a light-heavyweight on January 12, 1933, against Leon Jasinski in Grand Rapids, Michigan, winning the bout on points. He went on to compile a 12 win (7 by knockout) – 12 loss – 3 draw record over the next years.

After boxing

Miler eventually joined the Navy then returned to Albia, joining the police force. Miler died on June 17, 1976, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Professional boxing record

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Ambrose Palmer Ambrose Harold Palmer (16 October 1910 – 16 October 1990) was a talented world-class professional prize fighter and a leading Australian rules footballer of the 1930s and early 1940s. Family The third child of the Victorian champion lig ...

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Ottumwa, Iowa Ottumwa ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Wapello County, Iowa, United States. The population was 25,529 at the time of the 2020 U.S. Census. Located in the state's southeastern section, the city is split into northern and southern halves b ...

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Grand Rapids, Michigan Grand Rapids is a city and county seat of Kent County, Michigan, Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. At the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city had a population of 198,917 which ranks it as the List of municipalities in Mi ...