Stephen McDonald

Name: Stephen McDonald
Alias: Young McDonald
Hometown: Albany, New York, USA
Died: 1917-01-30 (Age:22)
Pro Boxer: Record

A right-hand punch to his heart killed Stephen McDonald (Young McDonald), resulting in New York State abolishing boxing until 1920, when the Walker Law legalized the sport once more. He had entered the ring against the advice of his father, who was seated ringside when the fatal blow was struck. [1] [2] [3]

His death came close on the heels of a charge of extortion brought by a fight promoter against the Commission's chairman. The Governor came out the next day in favor of abolishing the commission, stating "public exhibitions that amount to less than prize fighting" could be held even without the Frawley Law.

According to the January 14, 1924 Plattsburgh Daily Press, p. 1, the bout was one of the preliminaries on a full card. The promoters continued the program despite McDonald's death. Governor Charles E. Whitman was so disgusted by the procedure that he called for repeal of the Malone Law.

See also, Death under the Spotlight: The Manuel Velasquez Boxing Fatality Collection: [4]