The Forgotten Legends of Murderers’ Row: The Untold Stories of Jack Chase, Lloyd Marshall, and Bert Lytell
When you think of, names like Charley Burley, Cocoa Kid, and Holman Williams immediately come to mind—fighters with world-class skills who were often denied the chance to fight for titles in their prime. However, there were other members of this legendary group whose stories aren’t as widely known but are just as deserving of recognition. Jack Chase, Lloyd Marshall, and Bert Lytell were all exceptional fighters who faced similar obstacles to their more famous contemporaries. While these men may not have claimed world championships, their careers are packed with remarkable achievements that showcase the heart and grit of boxing’s golden era.
Lloyd Marshall: The Skilled Underdog
Lloyd “The Black Murderer” Marshall is often overlooked despite his impressive career and victories over future champions. Fighting from 1936 to 1951, Marshall compiled a 71-25-4 record, taking on a who’s who of boxing talent. His resume includes victories over Jake LaMotta, Joey Maxim, Ezzard Charles, Teddy Yarosz, and Ken Overlin—all men who held, or would hold, world titles. In fact, his win over Ezzard Charles in 1940 helped cement Marshall as one of the most dangerous contenders in the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Despite these successes, Marshall was never given a title shot.
Marshall’s journey took him to Britain late in his career, where he faced off against top competition, including Don Cockell and Tommy Farr. However, his greatest frustration remained that elusive title shot that was denied to him throughout his career. Even though he spent years fighting some of the toughest men in boxing, the belts continued to slip through his fingers. Marshall retired in 1951 but remains one of the most skilled and underappreciated fighters of his time.
Jack Chase: A Fighter Who Battled Life’s Obstacles
Jack Chase, born Isiah James ‘Jack’ Chase, had a tumultuous start to life, which shaped both his boxing career and post-fight life. Known as “Young Joe Louis” early in his career, Chase’s journey was marred by time spent in the juvenile system and, later, in jail. Despite these setbacks, he went on to become one of the most dangerous middleweights of his era, with an 81-24-12 record. He faced an array of tough opponents, including Archie Moore, Eddie Booker, Lloyd Marshall, and Aaron Wade.
At one point, Chase was ranked as the number two middleweight in the world, but his talent and efforts went largely unrecognized in terms of title opportunities. A major turning point came in the 1940s, when Chase was involved in a controversial incident where he was arrested for shooting and wounding fellow boxer Aaron Wade. However, after his release, Chase turned his life around. He became involved in a non-profit organization focused on helping troubled youths, including those who had recently been released from prison. He even appeared in Hollywood films, showing that his influence extended beyond the boxing ring.
Chase’s career ended in 1948, but his legacy lives on as a fighter who overcame life’s toughest hurdles and who helped others do the same. Tragically, his life was cut short by heart issues in 1972.
Bert Lytell: The Southpaw Who Almost Made It
Bert “Chocolate Kid” Lytell’s career didn’t begin until 1944, but by 1948, he had worked his way to the top of the middleweight ranks. A southpaw who fought at a time when black fighters faced significant challenges, Lytell was determined to prove himself against the best. Lytell’s 71-23-7 record, with six wins and one draw against fellow members of Murderers’ Row, speaks to his skill and resilience. In fact, in 1948, he was rated as the number one middleweight by Ring Magazine, a rare feat for a fighter who never fought for a world title.
Lytell’s career highlights include wins over Cocoa Kid and Archie Moore, but like many in Murderers’ Row, he was denied the opportunity to fight for a world title. Despite his success in the ring, he never got the recognition he deserved, and the opportunities for championship bouts were simply not there for him. Lytell’s status as the best middleweight who never got a title shot remains one of boxing’s great what-ifs.
Even though Lytell didn’t gain the fame he earned, his legacy as a fighter remains intact. Known for his smooth, elusive fighting style and technical skill, he showed that being overlooked didn’t mean being defeated. After boxing, Lytell retired from the ring with a well-earned reputation and left behind a lasting influence on the sport.
The Untold Stories of Murderers’ Row
While Burley, Cocoa Kid, and Holman Williams may be the names most associated with Murderers’ Row, the stories of Marshall, Chase, and Lytell show that this group was about far more than just the headline acts. These men, all incredibly talented in their own right, had careers that were impacted by bad luck, racial prejudice, and missed opportunities. Yet, they each left an undeniable mark on the sport of boxing.
In an era when fighters of color were routinely denied title opportunities, Murderers’ Row became a testament to resilience, talent, and the unyielding will to fight. Even if their stories weren’t the ones written in the record books, the legacies of Jack Chase, Lloyd Marshall, and Bert Lytell live on in the heart of boxing history.
These men deserve to be remembered—not for the titles they never won, but for the warriors they were inside the ring and for the impact they made on the sport that has continued to inspire generations of fighters.