Philippines, 16 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Silvino Jamito: The First Filipino International Boxing Star


PhilBoxing.com




Silvino Jamito, the first Filipino boxer to journey to Australia, lived his mantra to the fullest: "Have gloves, can fight, will travel."

Born on February 2, 1894, in Talisay, Camarines Norte, he possessed moxie and delivered more punches than he received— a quality highly appreciated by aficionados of the fight game.

Throughout his illustrious career, which comprised an astounding 188 fights, Jamito boasted an official yet somewhat misleading record of 77 wins (12 by KO), 71 losses (8 by KO), and 39 draws, per BoxRec.com and BoxerList.com.

Like many Filipino youths during the Philippine-American War and occupation around 1912, Jamito served as a factotum and all-around helper. Initially employed by a wealthy Spanish family, he later assisted American Edward Gallaher, a US Marine and entrepreneur who organized boxing events in Subic Bay, Olongapo. Amidst the turmoil of World War I and the Philippine-American conflict, Jamito enlisted in the Philippine Army. It was under the guidance of US Marine Edward Gallaher, who promoted military boxing matches in Olongapo, that Jamito discovered his knack for boxing.

Observing soldiers and sailors train, spar, and fight, Jamito received formal training from Stewart Tait before engaging in his first fight. Jamito's debut victory came on December 13, 1913, with a KO3 win against David Paulino. The following year, he commenced with a draw (4/4) against Francisco Gamboa on February 28, 1914, followed by eight victories. However, his winning streak was stopped by a points loss to Paul Gyn (8/8) on July 18, 1914.

Despite his earlier successes, Jamito's career began to decline in the Philippines. However, fate intervened when he crossed paths with George Bailleau, an Australian writer, promoter, and ad man who recognized Jamito's potential. Bailleau believed that with sufficient resources and training, Jamito could compete with the best. Together with Maximiano (Macario) Villon and Francisco Reyes, Jamito embarked on a journey to Australia, setting sail on the NYK steamship Nikko Maru in August 1919.



Jamito's arrival in Australia sparked a wave of interest in Filipino boxing, prompting a succession of Filipino boxers to seek fame and fortune. Despite facing overt racism, Jamito captivated audiences with his aggressive tactics and remarkable skill. Boxing writer and editor of The Referee, W.F. Corbett, lauded Jamito's prowess, attributing his success to his natural abilities more than hard work and ingenuity, unfairly depicting Filipinos as savages. Despite facing formidable opponents, Jamito's matches in sold-out arenas were thrilling displays of his talent and determination.

However, despite his remarkable performances, Jamito faced setbacks in The Land Down Under, including spirited losses to two of his late friend and pupil Dencio Cabanela's opponents, Eugene Criqui (L 20 rd) on February 19, 1921, and Bert McCarthy (L20 rd) on September 20, 1921. After his time in Australia, Jamito migrated to the United States, where he continued to fight despite declining skills. His final bout ended in defeat, a swift TKO 2/12 at Queensboro Stadium in Long Island, New York, on July 24, 1928.

Following his retirement from boxing, Jamito tried driving public transportation in the East Coast before eventually settling in Salinas, John Steinbeck’s neck of the woods, where he worked in agriculture. He left behind a comfortable inheritance for his Australian wife and their child, Sydney. Jamito passed away at the age of 56 on February 16, 1950 in Monterey, California, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and unmatched skill in the boxing world.

Anne R. Tapp’s research paper entitled "Slam Jam" The Australian "Oriental Fancy" Silvino Jamito”, encapsulated the life and times of the first Filipino international boxing star and his challenges in the Antipodes.

“Jamito's popularity defied many precepts that indicate sports idols reflect or embody national characteristics. For a Filipino boxer to become, if not an idol, then a very popular Australian sporting figure in a country that supported a White Australia policy was incongruent with mainstream racial rhetoric. However, values with which most Australians could identify were attributed to Jamito: he was a Christian, a hard worker in the mold of the "Aussie battler", a family man, a decent fighter who abided the rules of sport, open and honest in his actions-always training in public view, uncomplaining, accepting of the Australian way of life, and a "bit of a larrikin" in the ring.”



The Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame proudly commemorate Mr. Silvino Jamito for his tremendous contributions to Philippine boxing history.

Notes:

• Photos of Silvino Jamito are part of the collection of the Philippine Boxing Hall of Fame (Public Domain) and are reprinted for non-commercial use in compliance with the United States Fair Use Doctrine.

• It with respect and gratitude that we mention Anne R. Tapp and her historical documentary "Slam Jam" The Australian "Oriental Fancy" Silvino Jamito”, Asian Studies Review, April 1994, page 143 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03147539408712959. Reprinting rights obtained from http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/casr20 by Philippine Boxing Historical Society)



Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 14 JULY 2025: Katie Taylor Makes 3-0 Over Amanda Serrano; Baumgardner Defeats Miranda; Stevenson Outclasses Zepeda; Sheeraz Stops Berlanga
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Champion Forever: A Century On, ‘The City By The Bay’ Honors Francisco Guilledo
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Philippines Shuts Out South Korea, 7-0, in WBSC Women’s Softball Asia Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Manny ready for Barrios
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Don King Productions Rejects Jake Paul's Demand for Mikaelian Step-Aside, Citing WBC Ranking Rules
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Argentinian former world champion "Locomotora" Oliveras Suffers Stroke
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • GM Antonio to compete in Taiwan chessfest
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • PACQUIAO-BARRIOS FIGHT WEEK IS HERE
    , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Unbeaten Prospect Alex Bray to Face Lesther Espino July 18, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Philippine Blu Girls Crush Thailand in Explosive Start to Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2025
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 15 Jul 2025
  • Manny motors to Vegas
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 14 Jul 2025
  • Bakbakan sa Elorde on July 19
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 14 Jul 2025
  • Ringside, Still: Remembering Chino Trinidad
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Hamzah Sheeraz Demolishes Edgar Berlanga in Stunner, Becomes Mandatory Challenger to Canelo Alvarez
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Shakur Stevenson Masterfully Tames William Zepeda to Retain WBC Lightweight Crown
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Score KO Wins in Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Yanon is PBF flyweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Taylor vs. Serrano Trilogy: Can Amanda Get The Nod?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • BERLANGA-SHEERAZ, STEVENSON-CEPEDA, MORELL-KHATAEV MAKE WEIGHT IN NEW YORK
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • Johnny Spell Takes on Chancellor Batttenberg on Saturday, July 19th at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA
    , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Make Weight for Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Philippine Under-12 Girls Team Shines Bright, Clinches Multiple Medals at 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Kenneth “Llover Boy” Takes on “El Nica” Concepcion Aug 17 on Gerry Peñalosa’s Show @ the Winford Resort and Casino Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez won’t be Boxing’s best kept secret in 2026
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated Gabriela Tellez Returns July 18 at “Night of Champions” Live on DAZN
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.