Sammy McCarthy was a British professional boxer who was the featherweight champion between 1954 and 1955.
11 Facts About Sammy McCarthy
1.
2.
Sammy McCarthy fought for the British lightweight title and the European and British Empire featherweight titles.
3.
Sammy McCarthy turned professional under managers Jarvis Astaire and Ben Schmidt, and made his pro debut in April 1951 with a first round knockout of Hector Macrow.
4.
Sammy McCarthy was unbeaten in his first 28 fights, which included wins over Freddie King, Jackie Turpin, Ronnie Clayton, and Jim Kenny.
5.
Sammy McCarthy suffered his first defeat in October 1953 when he was beaten on points at the Royal Albert Hall by future World champion Hogan "Kid" Bassey.
6.
Sammy McCarthy lost his next fight, to former European champion Ray Famechon, before challenging for the European title himself when he faced Jean Sneyers at the Harringay Arena in February 1954.
7.
Sammy McCarthy beat Teddy Peckham in April before challenging for the British title that Clayton had held for almost 7 years in June 1954 at White City Stadium.
8.
Sammy McCarthy was offered a rematch with Kelly, but after failing to make featherweight against Sneyers in November 1955 decided to move up to lightweight, winning his first fight at the weight against Austrian champion Willi Swoboda.
9.
Sammy McCarthy beat Midlands Area champion Johnny Mann twice that year and beat Johnny Miller and Jacques Dumesnil, but in January 1957 lost on points in what proved to be his final fight, against Guy Gracia.
10.
Sammy McCarthy subsequently ran the Prince of Wales pub and went into boxing management, working with boxers such as Terry Spinks and Bobby Day.
11.
Sammy McCarthy later turned to crime and served three prison sentences for armed robbery of banks before living in retirement in Wanstead.