In the early part of the 1900s there were generally about 5000 registered pro fighters in NYC. That is more than there are in the world today, or than have been at any time over the last 20 years or more. So, sure, you are going to have some less than stellar guys in that number.
In those days, however, you made your money from live gates, and people pay to see good fights. that is in direct contrast to the recent practice of pitting top guys against losers just so they get kos. But then, you had to fight to get paid. In my youth, the Olympic Auditorium made money doing fights, and had for years before, because Don "War A Week" Chargin made good fight. In the 1990s, that same arena lost money doing fights with popular Mexican fighters because they put them in with victims.