Jimmy Young (boxer)
| Jimmy Young | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born |
November 14, 1948 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | February 20, 2005 (aged 56) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 56 |
| Wins | 34 |
| Wins by KO | 11 |
| Losses | 19 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 1 |
Jimmy Young (November 14, 1948 – February 20, 2005) was an American professional boxer who had his greatest success at heavyweight during the mid 1970s, most notably when he beat George Foreman in 1977 and lost the year beforehand a disputed decision against Muhammad Ali in 1976. Young fought many significant fighters of his era, including twice outpointing Ron Lyle and losing only by a split decision to then-number one contender Ken Norton in a title eliminator in late 1977.
Inexperienced in only his 11th professional fight, Young was matched against contender Earnie Shavers, who had a 42-2 record at the time and suffered his first KO loss. Young had tried trading blows and was caught early on by one of the division's hardest punchers. Shavers was infamous for his overwhelming early attacks. They would fight again, however.
After this Young learnt fast and went undefeated for three years which included a win over contender Ron Lyle and a controversial draw in a re-match with Earnie Shavers (many observers scored the bout for Young). It would not be the last time Young lost a decision in a big fight. He had worked better on defense against this known devastating hitter. It was still enough to earn him a title fight with Heavyweight Champion of the World Muhammad Ali.
Young made his name globally and with the public when he fought Muhammad Ali in Landover, Maryland in April 1976 for the world heavyweight title, although boxing circles had already noted his ability. Ali weighed in at 230 pounds, the highest for any of his fights up to that point (he would weigh 236.25 pounds in his fight against Trevor Berbick), and was consequently slow and immobile throughout the bout. Seven years younger and 21 pounds lighter, Young adopted a strategy of fighting aggressively from a distance, landing numerous light blows while dodging and parrying Ali's counterpunches, and using his body blows, which had little power behind them but were effective at scoring points. At close quarters, Young would turn passive. He retreated whenever possible, and often kept his head ducked very low to avoid serious blows when Ali would fight from the inside.
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