12 Facts About Les Darcy

Les Darcy was a middleweight, but held the Australian Heavyweight Championship title at the same time.

Les Darcy was the 2003 Inductee for the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame Old Timers category and was the first to be elevated to Legend status in 2009.

Les Darcy started boxing as an amateur at age fifteen and quickly turned professional.

Les Darcy won his first sixteen fights before challenging the veteran Bob Whitelaw for the Australian welterweight title.

Les Darcy graduated from regional bouts to fighting in Sydney Stadium, in Rushcutters Bay, and promoters began to import talent to challenge him.

Les Darcy lost his first two fights in Sydney, one by decision and one by foul, to America's Fritz Holland.

The next year Les Darcy faced another American, Jeff Smith, in what was considered a contest for the Australian world middleweight title.

When Les Darcy complained of a low blow at the end of the fifth round, the referee believed that Les Darcy did not want to continue and awarded the decision to Smith.

Les Darcy's opponents are said to have admired his courage, stamina, and punching power.

In 1916, Les Darcy knocked Harold Hardwick out to capture the Australian heavyweight title.

Les Darcy became embroiled in the politics of conscription during World War I, and left Australia for the United States to avoid the aggravation.

Les Darcy died on 24 May 1917 from septicaemia and medical complications, which was speculated to be from dental work he received to replace teeth that had been knocked out during a bout.