Jimmy McLarnin

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James Archibald McLarnin (19 December 1907 – 28 October 2004) was an Irish professional boxer who became a two-time Undisputed Welterweight World Champion and an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.[1]

As of September 10, 2025, BoxRec ranks McLarnin as the second greatest pound for pound fighter of all time, only behind Sugar Ray Robinson.[2][3]

Background

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, in modern-day Ireland, or the Lisburn Road in Belfast, Ireland, modern day Northern Ireland. 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 traveled throughout Britain and Ireland for work as a butcher. 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 McLarnins started out as a wheat farmers, but years later, at the age of 10 and following a particularly harsh winter, the family moved to Vancouver where they opened a second-hand clothes store in Vancouver's east end.[4][5][6][7][8]

McLarnin was a 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 boxer Charles "Pop" Foster recognized 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

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 nothing" said 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.[9]

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 Al Singer, Ruby Goldstein, and Sid Terris.[10]

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

McLarnin never returned to the ring despite large incentives for him to do so.[11] 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.[11]

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.[12]

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.[13]

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. 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.[14]

Death

McLarnin died on 28 October 2004 at the age of 96 in Richland, Washington.[15] He was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Age Location Notes
69 Win 55–11–3 Lou Ambers UD 10 Nov 20, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
68 Win 54–11–3 Tony Canzoneri UD 10 Oct 5, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
67 Loss 53–11–3 Tony Canzoneri UD 10 May 8, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
66 Loss 53–10–3 Barney Ross UD 15 May 28, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
65 Win 53–9–3 Barney Ross SD 15 Sep 17, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
64 Loss 52–9–3 Barney Ross SD 15 May 28, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
63 Win 52–8–3 Young Corbett III TKO 1 (10) May 29, 1933 Template:Age in years and days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
62 Win 51–8–3 Sammy Fuller TKO 8 (10) Dec 16, 1932 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
61 Win 50–8–3 Benny Leonard TKO 6 (10) Oct 7, 1932 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
60 Loss 49–8–3 Lou Brouillard SD 10 Aug 4, 1932 Template:Age in years and days Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
59 Win 49–7–3 Billy Petrolle UD 10 Aug 20, 1931 Template:Age in years and days Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
58 Win 48–7–3 Billy Petrolle UD 10 May 27, 1931 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
57 Loss 47–7–3 Billy Petrolle UD 10 Nov 21, 1930 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
56 Win 47–6–3 Al Singer KO 3 (10) Sep 11, 1930 Template:Age in years and days Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
55 Win 46–6–3 Jack Thompson UD 10 Mar 28, 1930 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
54 Win 45–6–3 Sammy Mandell UD 10 Mar 1, 1930 Template:Age in years and days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
53 Win 44–6–3 Ruby Goldstein KO 2 (10) Dec 13, 1929 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
52 Win 43–6–3 Sammy Mandell UD 10 Nov 4, 1929 Template:Age in years and days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
51 Win 42–6–3 Sergeant Sammy Baker KO 1 (10) Oct 9, 1929 Template:Age in years and days New York Coliseum, Bronx, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
50 Win 41–6–3 Ray Miller UD 10 Mar 22, 1929 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
49 Win 40–6–3 Joe Glick KO 2 (10) Mar 1, 1929 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
48 Win 39–6–3 Joe Glick UD 10 Jan 11, 1929 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Loss 38–6–3 Ray Miller RTD 7 (10) Nov 30, 1928 Template:Age in years and days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 38–5–3 Stanislaus Loayza KO 4 (10) Aug 2, 1928 Template:Age in years and days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 37–5–3 Phil McGraw TKO 1 (10) Jun 21, 1928 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Loss 36–5–3 Sammy Mandell UD 15 May 21, 1928 Template:Age in years and days Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 36–4–3 Sid Terris KO 1 (10) Feb 24, 1928 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 35–4–3 Billy Wallace PTS 10 Nov 23, 1927 Template:Age in years and days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 34–4–3 Louis Kaplan KO 8 (10) Oct 18, 1927 Template:Age in years and days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Win 33–4–3 Don Long KO 3 (10) Sep 23, 1927 Template:Age in years and days San Diego Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 32–4–3 Charlie McBride KO 2 (10) Sep 9, 1927 Template:Age in years and days San Diego Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 31–4–3 Lope Tenorio PTS 10 Jun 24, 1927 Template:Age in years and days Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 30–4–3 Johnny Lamar PTS 10 May 27, 1927 Template:Age in years and days Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 29–4–3 Freeman Black KO 2 (10) May 6, 1927 Template:Age in years and days San Diego Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 28–4–3 Tommy Cello PTS 10 Apr 5, 1927 Template:Age in years and days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Template:DrawDraw 27–4–3 Tommy Cello PTS 10 Feb 22, 1927 Template:Age in years and days Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Loss 27–4–2 Doc Snell PTS 10 Oct 15, 1926 Template:Age in years and days Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 27–3–2 Joe Glick PTS 10 Sep 7, 1926 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Loss 26–3–2 Johnny Farr PTS 10 Mar 17, 1926 Template:Age in years and days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 26–2–2 Joey Sangor KO 3 (10) Mar 3, 1926 Template:Age in years and days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Loss 25–2–2 Bud Taylor PTS 10 Jan 12, 1926 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 25–1–2 Bud Taylor DQ 2 (10) Dec 8, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 24–1–2 Jackie Fields KO 2 (10) Nov 12, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 23–1–2 Pancho Villa PTS 10 Jul 4, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Oaks Park, Emeryville, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Loss 22–1–2 Bud Taylor PTS 10 Jun 2, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 22–0–2 Eddie Spec Ramies KO 6 (6) Apr 18, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 21–0–2 Young Farrell PTS 6 Apr 11, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Lyceum A.C., Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 20–0–2 Teddy Silva PTS 10 Mar 24, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 19–0–2 Fidel LaBarba PTS 10 Jan 13, 1925 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won Pacific Coast flyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Template:DrawDraw 18–0–2 Memphis Pal Moore PTS 4 Dec 9, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Template:DrawDraw 18–0–1 Fidel LaBarba PTS 4 Nov 11, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 18–0 Fidel LaBarba PTS 4 Oct 28, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 17–0 Young Nationalista PTS 4 Oct 14, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 16–0 Frankie Dolan PTS 4 Oct 7, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 15–0 Benny Diaz PTS 4 Sep 30, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Vernon Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 14–0 Mickey Gill MD 10 Aug 15, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Abe Gordon KO 2 (4) May 14, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Jimmy Griffiths PTS 4 May 2, 1924 Template:Age in years and days L-st Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Jockey Joe Dillon PTS 4 Apr 30, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Johnny Jockey Lightner PTS 4 Apr 24, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Frankie Grandetta PTS 4 Apr 9, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Jimmy Griffiths PTS 4 Apr 4, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Sammy Lee PTS 4 Mar 26, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Frankie Sands PTS 4 Mar 19, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Joe Conde TKO 3 (4) Mar 5, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Eddie Collins TKO 3 (4) Feb 22, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Frankie Sands PTS 4 Feb 13, 1924 Template:Age in years and days Oakland Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Mickey Gill MD 7 Dec 28, 1923 Template:Age in years and days Hastings Gym, Vancouver, British ColumbiaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Young Fry KO 1 (6) Dec 19, 1923 Template:Age in years and days Hasting Gym, Vancouver, British ColumbiaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Titles in boxing

Major world titles

The Ring magazine titles

Regional/International titles

Undisputed titles

See also

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ "Pretty Boy to HeMan", Dallas Morning News, pg. 12, Dallas, TX., 9 August 1938.
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Jimmy McLarnin, Top Boxer Called Baby Face, Dies at 96

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check World Welterweight Champion
29 May 1933 – 28 May 1934 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check The Ring Welterweight Champion
29 May 1933 – 28 May 1934 Template:S-ttl/check
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check World Welterweight Champion
17 September 1934 – 28 May 1935 Template:S-ttl/check
The Ring Welterweight Champion
17 September 1934 – 28 May 1935 Template:S-ttl/check

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