Jimmy McLarnin

jofre · 11-05-2004, 08:55 PM

Its sad that such an all-time great like Jimmy got so little press on his passing.

JIMMY MC LARNIN
November 4, 2004 - Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin, widely considered as one of the greatest welterweights of the sport, died on Thursday morning from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Richland, WA.* McLarnin was born in December 19, 1907 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Often called “The greatest welterweight in America” during his time, McLarnin fought the best in the world over his 13-year career (1924-1936), including Tony Canzoneri, Barney Ross, Benny Leonard and Young Corbett III. McLarnin fought 15 world champions – back in the days when only one belt existed for just eight weight divisions – over a 77-fight career. McLarnin was the Welterweight Champion of the World from 1933-1934 and 1934-1935. Born in Ireland, McLarnin moved with his family to Vancouver, Canada as a 3 year-old child. He began to box at the age of 10 and he began his professional career at 15. McLarnin was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991 with a record of 62 wins, 3 draws and 1 No Decision with 20 knockouts against 11 losses. Courtesy of FightNews

According to Patrick Myler of Dublin, Ireland, McLarnin was born in Hillsborough, County Down, about 12 miles from Belfast, on December 19, 1907, which is a year later than shown in several record books. Myler has a copy of Jimmy's birth certificate.

maxx · 11-05-2004, 10:11 PM

Here's another real shame: I went to high school in Richland, WA (a relatively small city in eastern WA) and still go back quite often. McLarnin had been one of my favorite lighter weight fighters in the board game. Never once have I ever heard that the great Jimmy McLarnin lived in town. No news articles I can ever remember (and I read everything boxing-related I could get my hands on) . . . no VIP during parades . . . no school visits . . . nothing.

crusadecat · 11-05-2004, 11:10 PM

Sorry to hear of his passing and of the lack of coverage. There was a good editorial in the latest Ring Magazine about how the sports press ignores boxing and they make a good case to show that boxing isn't as unpopular as the media would have us think.

ACGord · 11-05-2004, 11:16 PM

I grew up in the Tri-Cities also and I never heard that McLarnin lived there.

Cap · 11-06-2004, 01:41 AM

Canadian fight fans revered him and mourn the passing of such a great ring-master.

Cap

wildhawke11 · 11-08-2004, 11:38 AM

One great little fighter and a gentleman.
Rest In Peace Old Timer.

shane6969 · 11-08-2004, 06:21 PM

RIP to a great fighter from a tough era.

11-05-2004, 08:55 PM	#1
jofre Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 2,139	Jimmy McLarnin Its sad that such an all-time great like Jimmy got so little press on his passing. JIMMY MC LARNIN November 4, 2004 - Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin, widely considered as one of the greatest welterweights of the sport, died on Thursday morning from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at his home in Richland, WA.* McLarnin was born in December 19, 1907 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Often called “The greatest welterweight in America” during his time, McLarnin fought the best in the world over his 13-year career (1924-1936), including Tony Canzoneri, Barney Ross, Benny Leonard and Young Corbett III. McLarnin fought 15 world champions – back in the days when only one belt existed for just eight weight divisions – over a 77-fight career. McLarnin was the Welterweight Champion of the World from 1933-1934 and 1934-1935. Born in Ireland, McLarnin moved with his family to Vancouver, Canada as a 3 year-old child. He began to box at the age of 10 and he began his professional career at 15. McLarnin was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991 with a record of 62 wins, 3 draws and 1 No Decision with 20 knockouts against 11 losses. Courtesy of FightNews According to Patrick Myler of Dublin, Ireland, McLarnin was born in Hillsborough, County Down, about 12 miles from Belfast, on December 19, 1907, which is a year later than shown in several record books. Myler has a copy of Jimmy's birth certificate. __________________ jofre Last edited by jofre; 11-05-2004 at 08:56 PM.

11-06-2004, 01:41 AM	#5
Cap Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Large Province in God's Country Posts: 7,972	Canadian fight fans revered him and mourn the passing of such a great ring-master. Cap Attached Images __________________ "...There were Giants in Those Days.."

11-08-2004, 11:38 AM	#6
wildhawke11 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: united kingdom Posts: 1,952	R I P One great little fighter and a gentleman. Rest In Peace Old Timer.

11-08-2004, 06:21 PM	#7
shane6969 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Bendigo, Australia Posts: 1,013	RIP to a great fighter from a tough era. __________________ Hatred is an acid that corrodes the soul

11-05-2004, 10:11 PM	#2
maxx All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 716	Here's another real shame: I went to high school in Richland, WA (a relatively small city in eastern WA) and still go back quite often. McLarnin had been one of my favorite lighter weight fighters in the board game. Never once have I ever heard that the great Jimmy McLarnin lived in town. No news articles I can ever remember (and I read everything boxing-related I could get my hands on) . . . no VIP during parades . . . no school visits . . . nothing.

11-05-2004, 11:10 PM	#3
crusadecat All Star Reserve Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 827	Sorry to hear of his passing and of the lack of coverage. There was a good editorial in the latest Ring Magazine about how the sports press ignores boxing and they make a good case to show that boxing isn't as unpopular as the media would have us think.

11-05-2004, 11:16 PM	#4
ACGord Minors (Single A) Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 78	I grew up in the Tri-Cities also and I never heard that McLarnin lived there.