20 Facts About Battling Siki

Louis Mbarick Fall, known as Battling Siki, was a French-Senegalese light heavyweight boxer born in Senegal who fought from 1912 to 1925, and briefly reigned as the world light heavyweight champion after knocking out Georges Carpentier.

Battling Siki was born in the port city of Saint-Louis, French Senegal.

Battling Siki was noticed by a Dutch dancer who offered to take him to Europe, where he worked washing dishes.

When World War I erupted, Siki joined the French army, serving in the 8th Colonial Infantry Regiment.

In October and November 1920 Battling Siki boxed two matches in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

Battling Siki was romantically involved with a Dutch woman, Lijntje van Appelteer, who became his common-law wife.

From 1 November 1919, until he faced Georges Carpentier for the world light heavyweight championship in 1922, Battling Siki compiled the impressive record of 43 wins in 46 bouts, suffering just one loss and two draws.

The referee claimed Battling Siki had tripped Carpentier, and awarded the bout to the unconscious champion on a foul.

Battling Siki then embarked on a well publicized rampage of partying and carousing.

Battling Siki would walk his pet lion down the Champs-Elysees while wearing his top hat and tuxedo.

Battling Siki was known to fire his revolvers in the air in public as a means of prompting his two Great Danes to do tricks.

Battling Siki was constantly reported drinking champagne in night clubs, and spent freely on flashy clothes and partying.

Battling Siki was fond of white women, and both his wives were white.

The bout was controversial and Battling Siki lost on decision, and so lost the title.

At the time of his wedding, friends of Battling Siki from France alleged that he was still married to a Dutch woman living in France who had born him a child two years earlier.

Battling Siki stated that he was on his way home, and walked off.

Battling Siki was survived by his widow Lillian Werner Phal, whom he had married a year earlier.

Battling Siki was initially buried at Flushing Cemetery, in an unmarked grave.

Cherif Djigo, first consul at the Senegalese Mission to the United Nations, stated "This stone represents to us a grand symbol that Battling Siki has not been forgotten".

In February 2023 the World Boxing Council hosted the Premiere of Ashley Morrison's documentary on Battling Siki's life entitled "Return To Your Corner" at the New York Athletic Club.