Jimmy Connors
Name: Jimmy Connors
Birth Name: James E Connors
Hometown: New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
Birthplace: New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
Died: 2021-04-01 (Age:84)
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 168cm
Pro Boxer: Record
Amateur Boxer: Record
- Member of the McGuire Air Force Boxing Team
- 1956: 126 pound Northeast Air Force Champion
- 1956: 118 pound All-Air Force World Wide Champion
- 1956: National AAU Tournament Quarter-Finalist
- Amateur record: 40-5-0 (14)
- The Ring magazine "Prospect for the Month" - November 1957
Record courtesy of Dan Cuoco and the International Boxing Research Organization, IBRO Journal #77.
Obituary
"The 1950s and 60s featherweight Jimmy Connors died on April 1, 2021, at the age of 84.
"Connors began amateur boxing while a New Bedford Vocational School student, learning under school custodian Ozzie Bernard’s tutelage. Later, he joined the Air Force to escape a Continental Screw factory job. As an amateur, Connors became a National AAU Quarter-Finalist and All-Air Force World Wide Champion.
"On January 31, 1957, Connors turned pro with a 2nd round KO over Chris Alexander. Most of his early bouts took place at Rollaway Arena in Revere, Massachusetts. Jimmy had an impressive 14-0-1 record with eight kayoes. Unlike many prospects, Connors wasn’t being fed a steady diet of stiffs. Johnny Johniken was a veteran of 33 fights, and Merrill Olmstead had 55 contests when they met Jimmy early in his career. Connors was really tested when he faced hard-punching Johnny Juliano in Revere. Jimmy walked into a hard shot in the 3rd round. Jimmy’s next memory was Clem Crowley telling him it’s the start of the last round. He was happy to receive a draw after six stanzas.
"Pappy Gault was the big early test of Jimmy’s career. Gault had 76 pro bouts, having fought Jimmy Carruthers for the World Bantamweight Title. Connors won a hard-fought 8 round decision, but not before being severely tested by the Spartanburg, South Carolina veteran!
"Due to his early success, The Ring magazine selected Jimmy as their featherweight prospect of the month in November 1957.
"Next for Connors was a ten-rounder in Boston against undefeated Pat McCarthy, Jr., who had defeated him in the amateurs. McCarthy was 19-0-1 with 10 KOs. Jimmy captured a 10 round decision and was rewarded with a bout against former featherweight champion Willie Pep. Connors considers it his career highlight. He compiled a professional record of 29-8-1 (KO 16/KO by 4).
"He never won a professional title but always remembered a coach’s advice to save his money and invest it wisely. He always said, 'I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for boxing.' When the time came to retire from the ring, he opened his first business, 'The Luncheonette,' followed by Jimmy Connors Town Tavern, JC’s Office, Split Decision, The Main Event, Jimmy Connors Lane Tavern, 37 Union St., Jimmy Connors Irish Pub, and The Garden. He enjoyed greeting his customers, usually with a friendly 'Hi Champ, How ya doing?' and a light punch to the shoulder. He was a great storyteller and was generally at the center of any event. His parting words would always include, 'Keep your head down and your hands up!'
"His other love was animals, his many dogs were treated royally, and he spared nothing to make their life the best. He enjoyed his home, traveling, eating ice cream, and spending time with his many good friends and family."
Contributing sources: South Coast Today, Austin Killeen (article), BoxRec, and Ring 4.
- "Jimmy Connors: The Pragmatic Pugilist" by Austin Killeen: [1]