Jimmy Young (boxer)

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Jimmy Young (November 16, 1948 – February 20, 2005) was a skilled Philadelphia heavyweight boxer who had his greatest success during the 1970s. Young was very hard to hit, had a effective left jab and straight right hand, and an equally effective body attack. He displayed good stamina and an excellent chin.

[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 15 rounds with the controversial decision going to Ali. Many journalists and boxing afficionados thought Young clearly outfought Ali and should have been crowned the new champion. Longtime Ring Magazine boxing writer Lester Bromberg called it "a travesty of a decision."

Young hit Ali easily with both his straight left hand and straight right hand throughout the fight. In adddition, Young continuously landed numerous body punches to Ali's unprotected midsection. The fight exposed the flaws in Ali's style both offensively and defensively. Ali could not hit Young with his left jab, his right hand, or his circular left hand slap. Ali never gave Young a return fight.

Jimmy Young then beat top contender Ron Lyle in a 12-round bout, winning 11 of 12 rounds on one judge's card.

Young then beat George Foreman, knocking Foreman down in the final round and winning a 12-round decision. Ring Magazine named the Foreman-Young bout 1977 Fight of the Year. Ali still refused to give Young a return fight for the title.

Jimmy Young next fought Ken Norton. Norton was awarded 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 countinued fighting with mixed results until 1988. His career mark was 34-19-2 with 11 knockouts.