As I was going through boxing records, I came across a familiar name. And only when I popped in a DVD of the famous John Ford film "The Quiet Man" did I realize, the boxing record I had in hand was that of the actor who played John Wayne's brother-in-law.
Victor McLaglen.
Throughout his life he was not only an actor, but a professional wrestler, circus strongman, police man, a prospector and, as in question, a professional boxer.
After five bouts (3-1-0, with 1 NC, 2 KO's) he had an exhibition bout with then Heavyweight champion Jack Johnson in Canada in March of 1909. The bout ironically enough was promoted as for the Heavyweight championship of the world; it was scheduled for 6 rounds. It wasn't the only time McLaglen would get a chance to spar with a champion, as he had an exhibition bout with future champion Jess Willard in 1911.
Throughout 1909-1914, however, McLaglen had numerous bouts at athletic shows promoted by a traveling circus. The gimmick was, whomever could last three rounds with McLaglen, they would be awarded twenty five dollars.
The only known professional bout he had in 1913-1914 was a show down between white hope Dan 'Porky' Flynn. McLaglen won the bout, only to return to his native country of England to pick up the Heavyweight title of the British Army in 1918. He retired from the ring in 1920.
In 1924, he ventured out to Hollywood and the rest is history, as he got roles in The Beloved Brute, What Price Glory, and would take honors of 'Best Actor' in 1935 for his role in The Informer. McLaglen, however, is possibly best known for his role as Maureen O'Hara's brutish brother in The Quiet Man.
Something tells me that even well into his 60's, Victor McLaglen would have probably kicked John Wayne's ass in a real fight, rather than how the script went in the fight scene between the two men.
Other facts? The Quiet Man's fight scene, still holds the record, for the longest fight scene in a motion picture. And, John Wayne's true name was Marion Michael Morrison, his great grand-nephew was Tommy "The Duke" Morrison.
Victor McLaglen died in 1959. His record as a professional was 11-6-1, with 1 NC, he had scored 9 knock outs.
The Quiet Man
Decagon wrote:Not if he came from a brother.T.M.K wrote:Very interesting mate, I love stories like that.
best wishes
"T.M.K"
ps: how can Morrison be the great-grand-nephew? Wouldn't it be a great grandson? Otherwise surely they'd have different surnames?
Good point Mr Decagon.
*T.M.K has been sitting here with eyes half-closed, plotting a family tree*
John Wayne's brothers grandson u mean.
Fair play to you.
"T.M.K"