International Boxing Hall Of Fame

Born March 1, 1902 in Vallejo, CA. Shade turned pro in 1918 and engaged in dozens of four-rounders before garnering high praise following his knock down of welterweight king Jack Britton in 1921 (D 10).

Overshadowed early in his career by the ring exploits of older brothers George and Billy, Dave eventually became the star of the family and of manager Leo P. Flynn’s stable. He met Mickey Walker twice in 1921, losing in the eighth round when he broke his arm and a 12-round no-decision. He drew with Britton in a 1922 welterweight title bid. In 1925, Shade, 153 pounds, shocked the boxing world when he stopped future light heavy king Jimmy Slattery in three. He met Walker for the welter title in 1925, losing a controversial 15-round verdict. Shade eventually moved up to middleweight and defeated top men such as Ace Hudkins (W 10), Ben Jeby (W 10) and Al Gainer (W10).

Regarded as one of the cleverest boxers of his time, his low-crouching, bob-and-weave style frustrated foes who found him a difficult target. Shade retired in 1935 with a record of 124-23-46 (14 KOs), 26 ND, 1 NC. He died on June 23, 1983 at 81.