Leroy McGuirk
| Leroy McGuirk | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Birth name | Leroy Michael McGuirk |
| Born |
December 13, 1910 Garvin, Oklahoma, United States |
| Died | September 9, 1988 (aged 77) Claremore, Oklahoma |
| Children | Mike McGuirk |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Leroy McGuirk |
| Debut | 1933 |
| Retired | 1950 |
Leroy Michael McGuirk (December 13, 1910 - September 9, 1988) was an American wrestler and professional wrestling promoter. He was involved in professional wrestling for more than fifty years. As one of the longest surviving members of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), he was affiliated with the promotion from 1949 to 1982.
He was born in Garvin, Oklahoma. He suffered the loss of his father before he was twelve and had to endure the loss of sight in one of his eyes due to a swimming mishap. McGuirk overcame many adversities to persevere in wrestling. He started wrestling at Tulsa Central High School and competed at Oklahoma A&M from 1928 to 1932 under Edward Gallagher.
Despite losing in the quarterfinals of the 1930 NCAA Tournament, McGuirk claimed the 155-pound title at the 1931 NCAA Tournament on March 28 in Providence. A year later, McGuirk competed in the 1932 NCAA Tournament at 174 pounds.
After graduation from college, McGuirk went to work for Sam Avey. On March 5, 1934, he beat Hugh Nichols in Tulsa for the World Light Heavyweight championship. He was also endorsed by the National Wrestling Association.
McGuirk enjoyed several runs as champion. On May 16, 1938, McGuirk beat Danny McShain to capture his second world light heavyweight title. The National Wrestling Association had a 190-pound title (later raised to 200) that was known as the World Junior Heavyweight Championship. McGuirk won this title on June 19, 1939 from John Swenski.
Between Tulsa and Hollywood, McGuirk dominated the Junior Heavyweight division, but at least three other Junior Heavyweight Champions were recognized at the time. On December 28, 1949, McGuirk unified the National Wrestling Association World Junior Heavyweight Championship with the National Wrestling Alliance’s version by defeating Billy Goelz in Des Moines.
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