1. James Archibald McLarnin was an Irish professional boxer who became a two-time Undisputed Welterweight World Champion and an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.
18 Facts About Jimmy McLarnin
1. 2.
Jimmy McLarnin himself was unsure as to the exact location and at various times claimed to be born in Inchicore, Dublin, in modern-day Ireland, or the Lisburn Road in Belfast, Ireland, modern day Northern Ireland.
3.
Jimmy McLarnin later married Mary Ferris from Belfast and they settled in County Down before being drawn into Belfast.
4.
When Jimmy McLarnin was three years of age the whole family emigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada via Liverpool.
5.
Jimmy McLarnin took up boxing at the age of 10 after getting into a fight defending his newspaper-selling pitch.
6.
Jimmy McLarnin constructed a makeshift gym for McLarnin to train in, sure that he would one day be the champion of the world.
7.
However, like many similar fighters Jimmy McLarnin suffered several hand injuries throughout his career.
8.
Towards the end of his career Jimmy McLarnin was forced to become more of a scientific boxer to reduce further injuries to his hands.
9.
Jimmy McLarnin lost his first title shot on 21 May 1928 in New York against world lightweight champion Sammy Mandell.
10.
Jimmy McLarnin won by knockout after only 2 minutes 37 seconds.
11.
The first fight, on 28 May 1934, was won by Ross, but Jimmy McLarnin regained his title in their next match four months later.
12.
Jimmy McLarnin retired in November 1936 still at the top of his game, having won his last two fights against all-time greats Tony Canzoneri and Lou Ambers.
13.
Jimmy McLarnin's record was 54 wins, 11 losses, and 3 draws in 68 contests.
14.
Jimmy McLarnin never returned to the ring despite large incentives for him to do so.
15.
Unlike many boxers, Jimmy McLarnin invested his money wisely and retired a wealthy man.
16.
Jimmy McLarnin opened an electrical goods store, and did some acting, golfing, and lecturing.
17.
Jimmy McLarnin died on 28 October 2004 at the age of 96 in Richland, Washington.
18.
Jimmy McLarnin was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.