Jimmy McLarnin

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Jimmy McLarnin

Statistics

Real name James McLarnin

Nickname(s) Baby Faced Assassin

Beltin' Celt

Dublin Dynamiter

Dublin Destroyer

Murderous Mick

The Belfast Spider

The Jew Killer

The Jew Beater

Hebrew Scourge

The Irish Lullaby

Rated at Flyweight to welterweight

Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
 Reach 67 in (170 cm)

Nationality Irish

Born 19 December 1907

Hillsborough, County Down, Ireland

Died 28 October 2004 (aged 96)

Richland, Washington, US

Stance Orthodox

Boxing record

Total fights 68

Wins 54

Wins by KO 21

Losses 11

Draws 3

James Archibald "Jimmy" McLarnin (19 December 1907 – 28 October 2004) was an Irish-
Canadian professional boxer who became a two-time welterweight world champion and
an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.[1]McLarnin has been referred to as the greatest
Irish boxer of all time. BoxRec ranks McLarnin as the 11th best pound-for-pound fighter of all-
time, the second best Canadian boxer of all time after Sam Langford, and the third greatest
welterweight of all time.[2][3]

Contents
[hide]

 1Background
 2Boxing career
 3Life after boxing
 4Death
 5Professional boxing record
 6References
 7External links

Background[edit]
There was often confusion over McLarnin's exact place of birth and his date of birth. McLarnin
himself was unsure as to the exact location and at various times claimed to be born
in Inchicore, Dublin or the Lisburn Road in Belfast. Adding to the confusion he went by
nicknames the Dublin Destroyer and Belfast Spider. It was Irish boxing historian Patrick Myler
who later unearthed McLarnin's birth certificate which showed that McLarnin was born
in Hillsborough, County Down, Ireland in 1907.[4][5]
McLarnin's father, Sam McLarnin, a Methodist from Dublin, was described as 'a typical Dublin
Irishman' and travelled throughout Britain and Ireland for work. He later married Mary Ferris
from Belfast and they settled in County Down before being drawn into Belfast. When McLarnin
was three years of age the whole family emigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada via Liverpool.
The McLarnin’s started out as a wheat farmers but years later following a particularly harsh
winter the family later moved to Vancouver where they opened a second-hand clothes store in
Vancouver's east end.[6][7][4][7][5]
McLarnin was prodigious athlete, his main sports were football, baseball and boxing and was
considered a model of propriety by Rev. A.E. Roberts at the Methodist mission in Vancouver.
He took up boxing at the age of 10 after getting into a fight defending his newspaper-selling
pitch. Former professional boxers Charles "Pop" Foster recognised McLarnin's talent at the
age of 13. He constructed a makeshift gym for McLarnin to train in, sure that he would one day
be the champion of the world. The two of them would remain close, and when Foster died, he
left everything he had to McLarnin.[6][7]

Boxing career[edit]
Following a successful start to his career in Vancouver, McLarnin's grew aggrieved at the low
pay he was receiving for bouts and decided to move south. We had to go to the United States
to make our money. We owe Vancouver nothingsaid McLarnin.[6]
Foster took McLarnin to San Francisco, where his youthful appearance made it difficult to get a
fight until he lied about his age. It is for this reason that McLarnin was known as the "Baby-
faced Assassin". Despite his youthful appearance, McLarnin had incredible power with both
fists, his right being particularly feared. However, like many similar fighters McLarnin suffered
several hand injuries throughout his career. Towards the end of his career McLarnin was
forced to become more of a scientific boxer to reduce further injuries to his hands.[8]
McLarnin lost his first title shot on 21 May 1928 in New York against
world lightweight champion Sammy Mandell. However, he did go on to beat him twice in the
following two years. It would be five years before McLarnin would next get a title shot, during
which time he knocked out gifted contenders Al Singer, Ruby Goldstein, and Sid Terris.[9]
McLarnin's second title shot came against welterweight champion Young Corbett III. McLarnin
won by knockout after only 2 minutes 37 seconds. Following his title success, McLarnin fought
an epic three-fight series with Barney Ross. The first fight, on 28 May 1934, was won by Ross,
but McLarnin regained his title in their next match four months later. In the deciding fight on 28
May 1935, McLarnin lost his title for the final time in a narrow decision.
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. His record was 54 wins, 11 losses,
and 3 draws in 68 contests. In 1996 Ring Magazine voted McLarnin the fifth-greatest
welterweight of all time.
Life after boxing[edit]
McLarnin never returned to the ring despite large incentives for him to do so.[10] Unlike many
boxers, McLarnin invested his money wisely and retired a wealthy man. He opened an
electrical goods store, and also did some acting, golfing, and lecturing.[10]
In 1937, he appeared with boxers Maxie Rosenbloom, James J. Jeffries, Jack Dempsey,
and Jackie Fields, in MGM's Big City, a film involving rough competition between two rival taxi
companies.[11]
In 1938, he appeared in a background gymnasium scene for the successful 1938, MGM boxing
movie, The Crowd Roars with boxers Abe "The Newsboy" Hollandersky, Joe Glick, Maxie
Rosenbloom, Jack Roper, and Tommy Herman.[12]
In 1946, he appeared in Monogram Pictures' boxing movie, Joe Palooka, Champ, with cameos
by real boxing greats Joe Louis, Henry Armstrong, Ceferino Garcia, and Manuel Ortiz (boxer).
Heavyweight Jack Roper appeared as the character Waldo. The simple plot involved young
boxer Joe and his girl resisting mob influence while Joe trains to fight the champ.[13]

Death[edit]
McLarnin died in Richland, Washington at aged 96, and was interred in the Forest Lawn
Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.

Professional boxing record[edit]

54 Wins (21 Knockouts), 11 Defeats (1 Knockout), 3 Draws[14]

Rd.,
Res. Record Opponent Type Date Location Notes
Time

55–11– Lou 1936- Madison Square Garden,

Win UD 10
11-20
3 Ambers New York City, New York

53–11– Tony 1936- Madison Square Garden,

Win UD 10
10-05
3 Canzoneri New York City, New York

52–11– Tony 1936- Madison Square Garden,

Loss UD 10
05-08
3 Canzoneri New York City, New York

52–10– Barney 1935- Polo Grounds, New Lost World

Loss UD 15
05-28 Welterweight Title
3 Ross York City, New York

Barney 1934- Madison Square Garden Won World

Win 52–9–3 SD 15
09-17 Welterweight Title
Ross Bowl, Queens, New York

Lost World
Barney 1934- Madison Square Garden Welterweight Title
Loss 51–9–3 SD 15
05-28
Ross Bowl, Queens, New York The Ring magazine's
"Fight of the Year"
 (1934)

Win 51–8–3 Young TKO

1 (10), 1933- Wrigley Field, Los Won World
Corbett III 2:37 05-29 Angeles, California Welterweight Title

Sammy 8 (10), 1932- Madison Square Garden,

Win 50–8–3 TKO
2:58 12-16
Fuller New York City, New York

Benny 6 (10), 1932- Madison Square Garden,

Win 49–8–3 TKO
2:55 10-07
Leonard New York City, New York

Lou 1932- Yankee

Loss 48–8–3 SD 10
08-04
Brouillard Stadium, Bronx, New York

Billy 1931- Yankee

Win 48–7–3 UD 10
08-20
Petrolle Stadium, Bronx, New York

Billy 1931- Madison Square Garden,

Win 47–7–3 UD 10
05-27
Petrolle New York City, New York

Billy 1930- Madison Square Garden,

Loss 46–7–3 UD 10
11-21
Petrolle New York City, New York

3 (10), 1930- Yankee

Win 46–6–3 Al Singer KO
2:21 09-11 Stadium, Bronx, New York

Jack 1930- Madison Square Garden,

Win 45–6–3 UD 10
03-28
Thompson New York City, New York

Sammy 1930- Chicago Stadium,

Win 44–6–3 UD 10
03-01
Mandell Chicago, Illinois

Ruby 1929- Madison Square Garden,

Win 43–6–3 KO 2 (10)
12-13
Goldstein New York City, New York

Sammy 1929- Chicago Stadium,

Win 42–6–3 UD 10
11-04
Mandell Chicago, Illinois

Sergeant 1 (10), 1929- New York

Win 41–6–3 KO
2:01 10-09
Sammy Baker Coliseum, Bronx, New York

1929- Madison Square Garden,

Win 40–6–3 Ray Miller UD 10
03-22 New York City, New York

2 (10), 1929- Madison Square Garden,

Win 39–6–3 Joe Glick KO
1:37 03-01 New York City, New York
 1929- Madison Square Garden,
Win 38–6–3 Joe Glick UD 10
01-11 New York City, New York

1928- Olympia Stadium,

Loss 37–6–3 Ray Miller RTD 7 (10)
11-30 Detroit, Michigan

Stanislaus 1928- Olympia Stadium,

Win 37–5–3 KO 4 (10)
08-02 Detroit, Michigan
Loayza

Phil 1 (10), 1928- Madison Square Garden,

Win 36–5–3 TKO
2:45 06-21 New York City, New York
McGraw

Sammy 1928- Polo Grounds, New For World

Loss 35–5–3 UD 15
05-21 Lightweight Title
Mandell York City, New York

1 (10), 1928- Madison Square Garden,

Win 35–4–3 Sid Terris KO
1:47 02-24 New York City, New York

Billy 1927- Olympia Stadium,

Win 34–4–3 PTS 10
11-23
Wallace Detroit, Michigan

Louis 1927- Chicago Stadium,

Win 33–4–3 KO 8 (10)
10-18
Kaplan Chicago, Illinois

San Diego
1927-
Win 32–4–3 Don Long KO 3 (10)
09-23
Coliseum, San Diego,
California

Charlie San Diego

1927-
Win 31–4–3 KO 2 (10)
09-09
Coliseum, San Diego,
McBride California

Legion
30–4– Lope 1927- Stadium, Hollywood,
Win PTS 10
3 Tenorio 06-24 California

29–4– Johnny Legion

1927-
Win PTS 10
05-27
Stadium, Hollywood,
3 Lamar California

28–4– Freeman San Diego

1927-
Win KO 2 (10)
05-06
Coliseum, San Diego,
3 Black California

27–4– Tommy 1927- Olympic Auditorium,

Win PTS 10
04-05
3 Cello Los Angeles, California
 26–4– Tommy 1927- Recreation Park, San
Draw PTS 10
02-22
3 Cello Francisco, California

26–4– Legion
1926-
Loss Doc Snell PTS 10
10-15
Stadium, Hollywood,
2 California

26–3– 1926- Vernon

Win Joe Glick PTS 10
09-07
2 Arena, Vernon, California

25–3– Johnny 1926- Olympic Auditorium,

Loss PTS 10
03-17
2 Farr Los Angeles, California

25–2– Joey 1926- Olympic Auditorium,

Win KO 3 (10)
03-03
2 Sangor Los Angeles, California

24–2– 1926- Vernon

Loss Bud Taylor PTS 10
01-12
2 Arena, Vernon, California

24–1– 1925- Vernon

Win Bud Taylor DQ 2 (10)
12-08
2 Arena, Vernon, California

23–1– Jackie 1925- Olympic Auditorium,

Win KO 2 (10)
11-12
2 Fields Los Angeles, California

22–1– Pancho 1925- Oaks Park, Emeryville,

Win PTS 10
07-04
2 Villa California

21–1– 1925- Vernon

Loss Bud Taylor PTS 10
06-02
2 Arena, Vernon, California

21–0– Eddie 1925- Recreation Park, San

Win KO 6 (6)
04-18
2 Spec Ramies Francisco, California

20–0– Young 1925- Lyceum A.C., Los

Win PTS 6
04-11
2 Farrell Angeles, California

19–0– Teddy 1925- Vernon

Win PTS 10
03-24
2 Silva Arena, Vernon, California

18–0– Fidel 1925- Vernon Pacific Coast

Win PTS 10
01-13 Flyweight Title
2 LaBarba Arena, Vernon, California

17–0– Memphis 1924- Vernon

Draw PTS 4
12-09
2 Pal Moore Arena, Vernon, California

Draw 17–0– Fidel PTS 4 1924- Vernon

 1 LaBarba 11-11 Arena, Vernon, California

Fidel 1924- Vernon

Win 17–0 PTS 4
10-28
LaBarba Arena, Vernon, California

Young 1924- Vernon

Win 16–0 PTS 4
10-14
Nationalista Arena, Vernon, California

Frankie 1924- Vernon

Win 15–0 PTS 4
10-07
Dolan Arena, Vernon, California

Benny 1924- Vernon

Win 14–0 PTS 4
09-30
Diaz Arena, Vernon, California

1924- Arena, Vancouver,

Win 14–0 Mickey Gill MD 10
8-15 British Columbia

Abe 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 13–0 KO 2 (4)
05-14
Gordon Arena, Oakland, California

Jimmy L-st
1924-
Win 12–0 PTS 4
05-02
Arena, Sacramento,
Griffiths California

Jockey 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 11–0 PTS 4
04-30
Joe Dillon Arena, Oakland, California

Johnny 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 10–0 PTS 4
04-23
Jockey Lightner Arena, Oakland, California

Frankie 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 9–0 PTS 4
04-09
Grandetta Arena, Oakland, California

Jimmy 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 8–0 PTS 4
04-02
Griffiths Arena, Oakland, California

Sammy 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 7–0 PTS 4
03-26
Lee Arena, Oakland, California

Frankie 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 6–0 PTS 4
03-19
Sands Arena, Oakland, California

1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 5–0 Joe Conde TKO 3 (4)
03-05 Arena, Oakland, California

Eddie 1924- Oakland Auditorium

Win 4–0 TKO 3 (4)
02-22
Collins Arena, Oakland, California
 Frankie 1924- Oakland Auditorium
Win 3–0 PTS 4
02-13
Sands Arena, Oakland, California

Hastings
1923-
Win 2–0 Mickey Gill MD 7
12-28
Gym, Vancouver, British
Columbia

Hasting
1923-
Win 1–0 Young Fry KO 1 (6)
12-19
Gym, Vancouver, British
Columbia