For those who have delved into the history of boxing, it is clear that few sports offer as much heartbreak and tragedy. From the dedicated fighter cheated out of his earnings, to the once-great champion who hangs on for too long, to the young talent who suffers an unexpected knockout and is never the same – sad stories are plentiful in the fight game. It’s important to take a moment to appreciate the more uplifting side of boxing, the stories of triumph and success. And Jimmy McLarnin, one of the greatest boxers of all time, was undoubtedly a member of that fortunate group.
Jimmy was born in Hillsborough, Ireland, and his family moved to Canada when he was young. They settled in Vancouver where a boxing enthusiast, Charles “Pop” Foster, noticed his talent. With Foster’s guidance and a backyard gym, Jimmy quickly rose in the boxing world. By age 16, he held the amateur flyweight title of British Columbia and won his first professional fight in Vancouver.
In 1924, Jimmy and Foster headed to California to pursue bigger opportunities. Despite being only sixteen and using a false age (“Babyface”), Jimmy quickly gained attention with his powerful performances. He scored a decisive victory over Pancho Villa, the world flyweight champion, and his reputation grew rapidly.
Jimmy’s career continued to flourish, with wins and setbacks along the way. Despite hand injuries, he rose to become the undisputed welterweight champion by defeating Young Corbett III. His legendary battles with Barney Ross captivated audiences and solidified his place in boxing history.
Despite his success in the ring, McLarnin faced challenges outside of it. He fought against boxers of various ethnicities, with each match drawing crowds of supporters. Jimmy retired at the peak of his career, leaving behind a legacy of victories and financial security. His post-boxing life was fulfilling, and he lived a long and prosperous life, a rare happy ending in the world of boxing.
