On December 2, 1924, Sharkey lost on a second round disqualification against Frankie Fasano when he reportedly and uncharacteristically attacked the referee. He had claimed to be a victim of a foul which the referee disallowed. According to the New York Times, the event greatly disquieted the audience. After striking referee Eddie Purdy in the jaw, his boxing license was revoked the following day and he did not box for the remainder of the year. He boxed in New York four months later in April 1925.His license was revoked in "Jack Sharkey's License Revoked By Commission", The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, Maryland, p. 15, 4 December 1924. On May 14, 1925, he lost again to Fasano in a ten-round points decision at Manhattan Casino in New York after being reinstated. He lost his momentum by the second round."Sharkey Defeated in Ten Round Bout With Fasano", The News-Herald, Franklin, Pennsylvania, pg. 8, 14 May 1925
