Jim Lee Elder

[writehooks]

Does anyone have information regarding the 1972 death of this much-hyped Texas heavyweight? Elder turned pro in 1970 and was 12-1 with 10 KOs when he died at age 25. Biggest win was a UD over 21-2 Pedro Agosto in the Felt Forum in April of '71. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[vatech1983]

He lost only 1 fight as a pro and had a good amateur career in the navy as a boxer. He died of natural causes and was living in NY at the time training at Gleason's Gym............If he would win 6 fights in a row he was scheduled for about with then Champion Joe Frazier.................

[sweetsci]

Elder was a "flat footed fighter with deceptively fast hands," per the New York Times after the Agosto bout. After Agosto, Abe Margolies bought his contract and planned to take him to the next level. He moved from Texas to New York State and began working out at Gleason's. As Vatech said, if he won all of his 1972 bouts, he was promised a shot at Joe Frazier. But after moving to New York he began getting debilitating headaches & was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and was given five to six months to live. He died in late May 1972.

This information is from the book, The Last Great Contenders.

[writehooks]

Much obliged, fellas. Thanks!