BoxRec

"Fighting Irish". An excellent book on Irish boxers throughout history. You can get it on Amazon.com(I reviewed it there).

Things to know:
BENNY LYNCH was born in Scotland, but was actually Irish.
JIM DRISCOLL was considered one of Wales' greatest, but was also Irish.
HARRY GREB was half Irish, as was BOB FITZSIMMONS.
MUHAMMAD ALI'S great-grandfather was Irish, born in Ireland.

Other great Irish champs and contenders: Mickey Walker, Tommy Loughran, Billy Conn, Terry McGovern, Jimmy McLarnin, Nonpareil Jack Dempsey, Jack Dempsey, Jack McAuliffe, Jack Britton, Ike Weir, Tom Sharkey, John L Sullivan, Jim Corbett, Jake Kilrain, The Gibbons Bros., Peter Maher, George Gardner, Mike McTigue, Jimmy Slattery, Jack Dillon, Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, Mike O'Dowd, Jim Bradock, Rinty Monoghan, Barry McGuigan, Joey Archer, Bob Murphy, Jimmy Warnock, Wayne McCullough ....many more

And a million more clubfighters ,prelim kids and journeymen who never quite made it. Years ago it was almost expected that we Irish Americans learn to box. It was tradition I guess. My Grandfather was always talking about certain Irish fighters that he was a big fan of. He adored Mickey Walker. Also some real popular Irish Amateurs he would follow too. There were a few here in Chicago he used to talk about all the time. The Oshea brothers, Rory, Tommy and Brian were all National Golden Gloves Champions in the early 60s. Jimmy Christy a popular C.Y.O champ. A relative, Gene Higgins, He was always talkin about these guys. So naturally all the boys in my Family took to Boxing cuz we were raised in that tradition. I was the only one who had any pro fights but I had two or three cousins who were more talented than me but they just wanted to fight in the amateurs. Anyway, the point is it used to be a huge sport in our community but I dont think it is so much anymore. But its nice to see all those greats listed there Nero thanks.

expug wrote:And a million more clubfighters ,prelim kids and journeymen who never quite made it. Years ago it was almost expected that we Irish Americans learn to box. It was tradition I guess. My Grandfather was always talking about certain Irish fighters that he was a big fan of. He adored Mickey Walker. Also some real popular Irish Amateurs he would follow too. There were a few here in Chicago he used to talk about all the time. The Oshea brothers, Rory, Tommy and Brian were all National Golden Gloves Champions in the early 60s. Jimmy Christy a popular C.Y.O champ. A relative, Gene Higgins, He was always talkin about these guys. So naturally all the boys in my Family took to Boxing cuz we were raised in that tradition. I was the only one who had any pro fights but I had two or three cousins who were more talented than me but they just wanted to fight in the amateurs. Anyway, the point is it used to be a huge sport in our community but I dont think it is so much anymore. But its nice to see all those greats listed there Nero thanks.

No problem. GET THAT BOOK! It's fantastic.

I have only seen him fight once, and he belted the guy out of there in the first round. He looked real good and I think that kid was unbeaten also. I'm lookin forward to watching him develop.

Nero3000 wrote:

expug wrote:And a million more clubfighters ,prelim kids and journeymen who never quite made it. Years ago it was almost expected that we Irish Americans learn to box. It was tradition I guess. My Grandfather was always talking about certain Irish fighters that he was a big fan of. He adored Mickey Walker. Also some real popular Irish Amateurs he would follow too. There were a few here in Chicago he used to talk about all the time. The Oshea brothers, Rory, Tommy and Brian were all National Golden Gloves Champions in the early 60s. Jimmy Christy a popular C.Y.O champ. A relative, Gene Higgins, He was always talkin about these guys. So naturally all the boys in my Family took to Boxing cuz we were raised in that tradition. I was the only one who had any pro fights but I had two or three cousins who were more talented than me but they just wanted to fight in the amateurs. Anyway, the point is it used to be a huge sport in our community but I dont think it is so much anymore. But its nice to see all those greats listed there Nero thanks.

No problem. GET THAT BOOK! It's fantastic.

What about my grandfather, Jack Doyle?

KO Atrist wrote:

Nero3000 wrote:

expug wrote:And a million more clubfighters ,prelim kids and journeymen who never quite made it. Years ago it was almost expected that we Irish Americans learn to box. It was tradition I guess. My Grandfather was always talking about certain Irish fighters that he was a big fan of. He adored Mickey Walker. Also some real popular Irish Amateurs he would follow too. There were a few here in Chicago he used to talk about all the time. The Oshea brothers, Rory, Tommy and Brian were all National Golden Gloves Champions in the early 60s. Jimmy Christy a popular C.Y.O champ. A relative, Gene Higgins, He was always talkin about these guys. So naturally all the boys in my Family took to Boxing cuz we were raised in that tradition. I was the only one who had any pro fights but I had two or three cousins who were more talented than me but they just wanted to fight in the amateurs. Anyway, the point is it used to be a huge sport in our community but I dont think it is so much anymore. But its nice to see all those greats listed there Nero thanks.

No problem. GET THAT BOOK! It's fantastic.

What about my grandfather, Jack Doyle?

Chicago fighter,? Amateur or pro?

KO Atrist wrote:

Nero3000 wrote:

expug wrote:And a million more clubfighters ,prelim kids and journeymen who never quite made it. Years ago it was almost expected that we Irish Americans learn to box. It was tradition I guess. My Grandfather was always talking about certain Irish fighters that he was a big fan of. He adored Mickey Walker. Also some real popular Irish Amateurs he would follow too. There were a few here in Chicago he used to talk about all the time. The Oshea brothers, Rory, Tommy and Brian were all National Golden Gloves Champions in the early 60s. Jimmy Christy a popular C.Y.O champ. A relative, Gene Higgins, He was always talkin about these guys. So naturally all the boys in my Family took to Boxing cuz we were raised in that tradition. I was the only one who had any pro fights but I had two or three cousins who were more talented than me but they just wanted to fight in the amateurs. Anyway, the point is it used to be a huge sport in our community but I dont think it is so much anymore. But its nice to see all those greats listed there Nero thanks.

No problem. GET THAT BOOK! It's fantastic.

What about my grandfather, Jack Doyle?

I knew I forgot someone!

I'm Irish and there's a few good Irish boxers, goin about...

Brian Magee
Eamonn Magee
Darren Corbett
Jim Rock

And there's still stories goin about he North of the exploits of

Freddy Gilroy
Renty Monaghan
Billy Turkingtion
Henry Turkington
Patsy McCauley

AND

Ray "Nothing Comes" Close,
who was balantly robbed in a title fight with Chris Eubank.

Close won by at least 3 rounds!!! EASY!

Crease wrote:I'm Irish and there's a few good Irish boxers, goin about...

Brian Magee
Eamonn Magee
Darren Corbett
Jim Rock

And there's still stories goin about he North of the exploits of

Freddy Gilroy
Renty Monaghan
Billy Turkingtion
Henry Turkington
Patsy McCauley

AND

Ray "Nothing Comes" Close,
who was balantly robbed in a title fight with Chris Eubank.

Close won by at least 3 rounds!!! EASY!

Whatever happened to Bernard Dunne?

I'd like to add a few more: "The Roscommon Giant" Jim Coffey. And Frank Moran. And the Quarrys. And Gerry Cooney.

Few more Packey Mcfarland, Jimmy Barry, Gene Tunney.

expug wrote:Few more Packey Mcfarland, Jimmy Barry, Gene Tunney.

I think Jimmy McLarnin is the greatest Irish-born fighter ever, with Mickey Walker getting the honors in the Irish-American category.

Im suprised no one has mntioned Barry Mcguigan.

RazorKO wrote:Im suprised no one has mntioned Barry Mcguigan.

I did. Check the first post

As many of you already know I am from Scranton PA and I box at the Irish Boxing Club at Weston Field in Scranton. You don't have to be Irish to join the club but it seems like you have to be Irish to be a successful fighter in this town. There are some Italians and a few black guys but it seems like they all fail to make it in the pros. Here is a list of most of the pros I can remember from my hometown.

Chris Walsh - 19-7-1 (7)kos former WBF intercontinental middleweightchampion. Holds a win over Hector Camacho,also fought Jermaine Taylor, and Mads Larsen

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=31057

Geen Reed - 26-8-2 (6)kos former IBC and WAA lightweight champion. fought Dennis Holbeck Pederson, Artur Grigorian, Philip Holiday,and King Soloman.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=6146

Jason Gavern - 8-1-2 (4)kos Heavyweight who fights alot on FSN. He moved away from Scranton last year. Fought Malcom Tann and Travis Walker.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=179373

Marty Flynn - 9-1(5)kos Good LghtHeavywgt prospect and former amature star who trains with Bernard Hopkins but has run into problems with injuries and has not fought since 2004. I see him around the gym once in a while

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=42421

Chris Mills - 26-2(22)kos former toughman fighter who was once regaurded as a great lghtheavy prospect but lost when he steped up against Robert Koon and Tony Meenefee. He was a great puncher but lacked stamina

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=23331

Bruce Corby - 16-24 (14)kos Former WBF welterweight champion. He was a street fighter who began boxing on a bet. He never trained seriously but was one of the hardest punchers I've ever seen. Fought lots of contenders including Jason LaHullier,Willie Gibbs, Julio the cuban lover Garcia, Nadar Hamden, and MAnard Reed. He holds first round knockout victories over Ron Crull, Thomas Cameron, and Joe Freytag.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=20095

Ryan Poletti - 21-1 (16)kos He was also once considered to be a future champ at crusier but was kayoed in his only step up against Jacob Mofokeng

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=17487

Tommy Finn - 10-5(8)kos another former toughman who showed flashes of greatness but long layoffs and lack of serious training stoped him short.He was kayoed by Marty Flynn in his last fight. He holds a win over Dennis Burley and fought a great trilogy against Ron Krull wining 2 out of 3 times.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=41910

Dennis Burley - 14-42-1(7)kos A journey man from the begining. He only had one amature fight then he got in the ring in his first fight against Drake Thadzi. He also fought Boris Sinitsin in his 10th pro fight.He has fought many top guys and has a hard overhand right. He is also a freind of mine and a great guy.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=1513

Waklimi Young - 4-15-2(2)kos This guy is a total asshole and I hope I never see him again. Every time he sparred he would try and knock the other man out then when he starts to lose he will just get fed up and quit. He fought Miguel Cotto and was stopped in 2. He was convicted of selling crack and sentenced to 5 years. I hope he never gets out

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=040884

Anthony Cussamano - 0-1-1(0)kos A crafty fighter with good handspeed good combos but lacked power and chin. He could have been a decent pro if he fought in the amatures for a few years

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=187162

Mike Daugherty - 0-4 (0)kos An exelent amature who for whatever reason didn't fare well at all in the pro's. He was knocked out in all his fights. Great guy and good friend of mine.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=079486

All of these fighters have since retired or moved and my beloved gym has kind of gone to shit. There are only a few amatures left and we are without trainers and just kind of lost. Geen Reed comes around once in a while but he dosen't work with anyone like he used to. Us amatures are forced to fend for ourselves. My town has seen many great fighters in the past but I don't think our area will ever get back on the map. Here is a list of old timers from Scranton who once fought pro.

Jerry Tomasetti - 13-6 (9)kos Heavyweight contender who fought Chuck Wepner 4 times knocking him out in their 3rd fight. I think his record is incomplete on this site

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=16102

Jerry Foley - 13-13(9)ko's Another heavy jouneyman who gave Mitch Green his first pro win.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=015849

Tom Sheean - 10-18-1(5)kos Heavy who also fought Wepner

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=16119

Billy Dohlphin - 12-3-1(7)kos A good middleweight who never realy took a step up.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=78323

Tony Berrios - 15-11-1(6)kos A good welterweight and middleweight but he never quite made it against the better fighters of his day.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=23052

Billy Kelly - 26-10-4(3)kos Former PA Flyweight champion. A good solid pro and if he had any power at all might have made it to the top


Pete Latzo - 73-34-4(23)kos FORMER WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION!
Pete Latzo is by far the best fighter to ever come from Scranton. He won the world title by beating Mickey Walker! He then went on to fight for the Light heavyweight title but lost in 2 attempts. A great boxer and a hard puncher he would have been even better but he cut a tendon in his hand on a piece of broken glass and his hand was never the same. He also fought Tommy Loughran, Leo Lomski(who he beat)Maxie rosenbloom(who he also beat) and Tiger Flowers. Thats a pretty good list of opponents if you ask me.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=12068

I hope you enjoyed reading about the local legends from Scranton PA. Maybe someday I'll be on this list.


p.s. sorry about my horrible spelling

Very interesting thanks for that info. Obviously the sad news is your Gym situation.I hope everything works out for you. If you decide to turn pro, would you have to leave town to train, relocate?

The Scranton Assassin wrote:As many of you already know I am from Scranton PA and I box at the Irish Boxing Club at Weston Field in Scranton. You don't have to be Irish to join the club but it seems like you have to be Irish to be a successful fighter in this town. There are some Italians and a few black guys but it seems like they all fail to make it in the pros. Here is a list of most of the pros I can remember from my hometown.

Chris Walsh - 19-7-1 (7)kos former WBF intercontinental middleweightchampion. Holds a win over Hector Camacho,also fought Jermaine Taylor, and Mads Larsen

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=31057

Geen Reed - 26-8-2 (6)kos former IBC and WAA lightweight champion. fought Dennis Holbeck Pederson, Artur Grigorian, Philip Holiday,and King Soloman.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=6146

Jason Gavern - 8-1-2 (4)kos Heavyweight who fights alot on FSN. He moved away from Scranton last year. Fought Malcom Tann and Travis Walker.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=179373

Marty Flynn - 9-1(5)kos Good LghtHeavywgt prospect and former amature star who trains with Bernard Hopkins but has run into problems with injuries and has not fought since 2004. I see him around the gym once in a while

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=42421

Chris Mills - 26-2(22)kos former toughman fighter who was once regaurded as a great lghtheavy prospect but lost when he steped up against Robert Koon and Tony Meenefee. He was a great puncher but lacked stamina

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=23331

Bruce Corby - 16-24 (14)kos Former WBF welterweight champion. He was a street fighter who began boxing on a bet. He never trained seriously but was one of the hardest punchers I've ever seen. Fought lots of contenders including Jason LaHullier,Willie Gibbs, Julio the cuban lover Garcia, Nadar Hamden, and MAnard Reed. He holds first round knockout victories over Ron Crull, Thomas Cameron, and Joe Freytag.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=20095

Ryan Poletti - 21-1 (16)kos He was also once considered to be a future champ at crusier but was kayoed in his only step up against Jacob Mofokeng

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=17487

Tommy Finn - 10-5(8)kos another former toughman who showed flashes of greatness but long layoffs and lack of serious training stoped him short.He was kayoed by Marty Flynn in his last fight. He holds a win over Dennis Burley and fought a great trilogy against Ron Krull wining 2 out of 3 times.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=41910

Dennis Burley - 14-42-1(7)kos A journey man from the begining. He only had one amature fight then he got in the ring in his first fight against Drake Thadzi. He also fought Boris Sinitsin in his 10th pro fight.He has fought many top guys and has a hard overhand right. He is also a freind of mine and a great guy.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=1513

Waklimi Young - 4-15-2(2)kos This guy is a total asshole and I hope I never see him again. Every time he sparred he would try and knock the other man out then when he starts to lose he will just get fed up and quit. He fought Miguel Cotto and was stopped in 2. He was convicted of selling crack and sentenced to 5 years. I hope he never gets out

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=040884

Anthony Cussamano - 0-1-1(0)kos A crafty fighter with good handspeed good combos but lacked power and chin. He could have been a decent pro if he fought in the amatures for a few years

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=187162

Mike Daugherty - 0-4 (0)kos An exelent amature who for whatever reason didn't fare well at all in the pro's. He was knocked out in all his fights. Great guy and good friend of mine.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=079486

All of these fighters have since retired or moved and my beloved gym has kind of gone to shit. There are only a few amatures left and we are without trainers and just kind of lost. Geen Reed comes around once in a while but he dosen't work with anyone like he used to. Us amatures are forced to fend for ourselves. My town has seen many great fighters in the past but I don't think our area will ever get back on the map. Here is a list of old timers from Scranton who once fought pro.

Jerry Tomasetti - 13-6 (9)kos Heavyweight contender who fought Chuck Wepner 4 times knocking him out in their 3rd fight. I think his record is incomplete on this site

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=16102

Jerry Foley - 13-13(9)ko's Another heavy jouneyman who gave Mitch Green his first pro win.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=015849

Tom Sheean - 10-18-1(5)kos Heavy who also fought Wepner

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=16119

Billy Dohlphin - 12-3-1(7)kos A good middleweight who never realy took a step up.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=78323

Tony Berrios - 15-11-1(6)kos A good welterweight and middleweight but he never quite made it against the better fighters of his day.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=23052

Billy Kelly - 26-10-4(3)kos Former PA Flyweight champion. A good solid pro and if he had any power at all might have made it to the top


Pete Latzo - 73-34-4(23)kos FORMER WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION!
Pete Latzo is by far the best fighter to ever come from Scranton. He won the world title by beating Mickey Walker! He then went on to fight for the Light heavyweight title but lost in 2 attempts. A great boxer and a hard puncher he would have been even better but he cut a tendon in his hand on a piece of broken glass and his hand was never the same. He also fought Tommy Loughran, Leo Lomski(who he beat)Maxie rosenbloom(who he also beat) and Tiger Flowers. Thats a pretty good list of opponents if you ask me.

http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=12068

I hope you enjoyed reading about the local legends from Scranton PA. Maybe someday I'll be on this list.


p.s. sorry about my horrible spelling

Wow. Nothing I admire more than a man who is proud of- and knows the boxing history of- his hometown. My family came from Ireland and settled in Oil City PA.

Wow realy. Check this out, I just found a fighter who live in Scranton but moved here from Count Mayo Ireland

Hughie Glynn - 4-4-(2)kos


http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=060499