BROCK (SLOMOVITZ) PHILIP (ca. 1890-?), one of the finest lightweight boxers in the early 1900s, was the son of Russian immigrants Abraham and Anna Slomovitz. Brock, who fought in the era of the padded glove, was noted for the effectiveness of his left-hand punch and his staying power in the ring. Managed locally by Dave Langdon, Brock participated in boxing matches all over the country. As championship contender in the lightweight division (135 lbs.), he went to Los Angeles in 1907 to train for a bout with British champion Freddie Welsh. In an epic 25-round fight 30 May 1908 Brock lost to Welsh on points, and the following year, he lost to Welsh again in Boston. Later, he became a favorite of the bettors when he defeated both Welsh and contender Packy McFarland in a lightweight elimination tournament held on the west coast. In Cleveland, Brock boxed world champion Willie Richie 22 February 1912 at LUNA PARK, where they fought to a draw in 12 rounds. He remained in the city after his boxing career was over, and in 1930 he and his wife, Myrtle, were living on E. 85th St.
In 1976 Brock was inducted into the GREATER CLEVELAND SPORTS HALL OF FAME.