The British Boxing Board of Control awards luncheon on March 17 was an absolute blast! Witnessing the gathering of numerous British boxers, capturing moments with their cameras, was truly delightful. Among them, Clinton McKenzie stood out as one of the finest British champions from the late 1970s, in my opinion.
Although I typically focus on British boxers in my column, I couldn’t help but recall the accompanying picture. It has been a part of my collection for quite some time and captures a remarkable moment where five legendary world welterweight champions gathered in Los Angeles. Interestingly, three of these champions have also competed in the UK, with one of them having a significant number of fights there.
The upcoming fight between Jimmy McLarnin and Young Corbett III in May 1933 set the stage for a significant event. In the photograph, McLarnin stands second from the right, exuding the determination of a promising contender. It seems his team devised a clever tactic, strategically placing the challenger among four former champions to make a bold statement. Their plan yielded great results, as Corbett was swiftly defeated in just one round, solidifying McLarnin’s rightful position among the esteemed legends captured in this picture.
Young Jack Thompson, the victor of the 1930 championship, is depicted on the left. Having recently retired from boxing, Thompson earned his title by defeating Jackie Fields. Prior to this achievement, he had suffered a defeat in a 10-round match against McLarnin at Madison Square Garden. Sadly, Thompson’s life was cut short at the age of 41 when he passed away in 1946.
Beside him, stands Tommy Ryan, a champion who claimed the title in 1894 by defeating Mysterious Billy Smith after an intense 20-round battle. In 1902, Ryan journeyed to the UK to defend his title at the National Sporting Club (NSC). In a remarkable display of skill, he secured victory over another American contender, Johnny Gorman, with a third-round knockout. Coinciding with the coronation of King Edward VII, a passionate boxing enthusiast and regular attendee of the club, the NSC organized a week-long tournament to commemorate the occasion.
Gus Ruhlin, Tom Sharkey, Denver Ed Martin, and Joe Walcott were some of the prominent Americans who participated in boxing that week. It remains unknown what their thoughts were regarding the club and its members, who strictly adhered to a no-talking policy during the matches.
At the heart of the scene stands Mickey Walker, a remarkable figure in boxing history. In 1922, he secured the prestigious world welterweight champion title. Not only that, but he also left an indelible mark as one of the greatest middleweight champions of all time. In 1927, at Olympia, Kensington, Walker defended his title against the British champion, Tommy Milligan from Hamilton. The match unfolded in a one-sided manner, ultimately crushing Milligan’s aspirations within 10 rounds. Despite Milligan having a few notable moments, Walker’s superiority was evident. By 1933, Walker had shifted his focus to the light-heavyweight division after a relatively unsuccessful stint as a heavyweight. In 1931, he had a draw against Jack Sharkey, but the following year, he faced defeat by Max Schmeling in just eight rounds. After this setback, Walker wisely decided to reconsider his choices.
Beside McLarnin stands the renowned Dixie Kid, who secured the welterweight championship in 1904 after defeating Joe Walcott. However, the legitimacy of his victory is highly questionable as the referee, who prematurely ended the match in the final round, had actually placed a bet on the Dixie Kid to emerge triumphant. Despite this controversial circumstance, the Kid was an exceptional fighter and garnered immense popularity in the UK and Europe. From 1911 to 1920, he exclusively campaigned in these regions, participating in a remarkable 58 bouts at various notable venues. Notably, in 1914, he even showcased his skills at the end of the pier in Great Yarmouth, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure within the boxing community.
The Ring, Blackfriars held a special place in his heart as his spiritual sanctuary in London, and he headlined numerous times at that venue. Unfortunately, the Dixie Kid passed away merely a year after this photograph was captured, tragically falling from a window in a high-rise building in Los Angeles. Like countless others in similar circumstances, he succumbed to a life of destitution.
Despite the competition, he stands proudly among the top performers in his division.
