Jimmy Young (boxer)

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Jimmy Young (November 16, 1948 – February 20, 2005) was a Philadelphian heavyweight boxer who had his greatest success during the 1970s.

[edit] Professional Career

Young made his name when he fought Muhammad Ali in Landover, Maryland in 1976 for the World Heavyweight Title. The fight lasted for the full standard 15 rounds with the judges' victory going to Muhammad Ali in the end. The decision, however, was controversial. Many journalists and boxing afficionados thought Young clearly outfought Ali and should have been crowned the new champion.

Jimmy Young had to work hard to get a new shot at the World Title as a result of his loss to Ali. He chose to fight one of the most feared boxers in the world at the time, George Foreman, who had begun a comeback after losing the title to Muhammad Ali in "The Rumble in the Jungle". It is a widespread belief that Foreman was not the same boxer mentally after that defeat.

The fight between Foreman and Young was held in Puerto Rico and Young surprised many boxing fans by succeeding over George Foreman in the fight, particularly for knocking him down in the 12th and final round. On this occasion, there was no controversy about the judges' decision to name Jimmy Young the winner. George Foreman had a religious near-death experience after this bout and would not fight again for 10 years.

Jimmy Young next fought Ken Norton for the right to challenge for the World Title again. The fight was staged in Las Vegas, Nevada in November 1977. Norton and Young fought for 15 rounds and the fight resulted in Jimmy Young losing by a split decision.

After fading in the late 1970's, Young came back on the scene fiercely in 1981, beating several contenders and being named Ring Magazine comeback of the year for his successes.

Jimmy Young kept fighting, with mixed results, until, in 1988, he finally announced his retirement at the age of 39. His career mark was 34-19-2 with 11 knockouts.

[edit] Retirement and Death

The years after Young's retirement were not kind. Young fought drug addiction and was rumored to be suffering from dementia pugilistica. He died, aged 56, of heart failure in Philadelphia on February 20, 2005.