Mick Leahy (boxer)
| Mick Leahy | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Michael Leahy |
| Weight(s) | Middleweight |
| Nationality | British |
| Born |
12 March 1935 Cork, Ireland |
| Died | 5 January 2010 (aged 74) Coventry, England |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 72 |
| Wins | 51 |
| Wins by KO | 16 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 10 |
Mick Leahy (12 March 1935 – 5 January 2010) was an Irish-born British professional boxer. Born in Cork, he became a British citizen in 1961 and lived the rest of his life in Coventry. In a career which spanned from 1956 to 1965, Leahy won the British Middleweight title and fought such names as László Papp and Nino Benvenuti. However, he is perhaps most notable for beating Sugar Ray Robinson, who is frequently cited as being the greatest boxer of all time.
Leahy began boxing as an amateur in Cork during the 1950s, where he became the Amateur Irish Lightweight Champion. After moving to Coventry to work in the building trade he was spotted by the manager George Middleton and he turned professional in 1956.
Leahy made his professional debut on 22 October 1956 in Leicester. It did not take long for Leahy to record his first victory as his opponent, Steve Gee, was knocked out during the first round. After remaining undefeated throughout the first year of his career (16 wins and 1 draw), Leahy suffered his first loss on 28 October 1957 in Birmingham, where he was knocked out in one round by Tommy Tagoe.
Leahy fought 13 more times in the UK (8 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws) before travelling overseas to fight in Australia and New Zealand from April to October 1959. Leahy fought 11 times in Australia, compiling a record of 8 wins and 3 losses which included bouts in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. In his last bout before returning to the UK Leahy lost a 12 round decision to Tuna Scanlan in Wellington.
Belfast, Northern Ireland was the location for Leahy's first fight in the UK since returning from Australia. The fight took place on 23 April 1960, Leahy made a winning return as he beat Al Sharpe by a decision over 8 rounds. On 23 February 1961 Leahy unsuccessfully challenged the Welshman Brian Curvis for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, he was knocked out in the eighth round. On 10 November 1962 Leahy travelled to the United States to fight Joey Archer. Although Leahy was knocked down twice, the fight, which took place at Madison Square Garden, went the 10 round distance, all three judges scored the fight to Archer.
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