Bruce Curry
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Bruce Curry (born March 29, 1956 in Marlin, Texas), is a former professional boxer who was world Jr. Welterweight champion from 1983 to 1984.
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[edit] Personal
He and his brother Donald were popular celebrities in Dallas during the early to middle 1980s. Fellow boxer Graylin Curry is also his brother.
[edit] Amateur career
Curry was a two-time Texas Golden Gloves State Champion, was a runner up to Sugar Ray Leonard in the 1976 U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials. Curry reportedly had an amateur record of 315-11.
[edit] Professional career
During his career, Curry faced some of the best known boxers of his time. He knocked Wilfred Benitez down three times in their first fight and yet lost the decision. Curry then fought in Japan less than week before his return fight with Benitez, having to fly back to the US during the time he should have been training.
Bruce Curry became world champion by winning the WBC's world Jr. Welterweight title from Leroy Haley on a twelve round unanimous decision in Las Vegas on May 18, 1983.
Bruce Curry retained his title by a knockout in seven rounds over Hidekazu Akai in Japan, and, on October 19, with a split decision in a rematch with former world champion Haley, also in Las Vegas.
On January 29, 1984 he lost the title to Billy Costello.
[edit] Troubles Outside the Ring
Some bizarre events followed the Curry-Costello bout almost immediately after it was over: the day after the fight, Curry flew to Las Vegas, where he usually held his training camp sessions. Then, two days after the fight, he allegedly shot at his trainer and manager Jesse Reid three times with a firearm, missing with each shot. Curry was subsequently found incompetent to stand trial and he was sentenced to spend time at a mental hospital.
[edit] Comeback and Retirement
Curry returned briefly in 1986, winning one fight.
His final boxing record was 35 wins and 8 losses, with 17 knockouts.
| Preceded by Leroy Haley |
WBC Light Welterweight Champion 18 May 1983– 29 Jan 1984 |
Succeeded by Billy Costello |
