Career
The 5′9½″ boxer fought out of Bridgeport, Connecticut as a heavyweight, though he would be considered a light heavyweight under modern classifications. Hadley fought Grant a 10 more times while he was the colored champ, beating him eight times. In their seventh fight, held on May 4, 1882 in New York City, their four-rounder was declared a no-contest.
Their next fight, on June 20 of the same year, saw Morris finally beat the undefeated Hadley (whose "official" record was 12-0-2 at the time), besting the champ on points in a four rounder.
Morris lost three more fights to Hadley during his championship reign and one after Hadley lost his title to Godfrey. Hadley KO-ed Morris in the third round.
Their last fight was on December 8, 1883-1812-08, exactly one year and one day after they had last met in the ring. Morris apparently was outpointed by the ex-champ and retired from pro boxing.
In a career that lasted from 1869 to 1891, Hadley racked up a record of 25 wins (14 by knock-out) against 13 losses (being KO-ed five times) with six draws.