| Terry McGovern | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Joseph Terrence McGovern |
| Nickname(s) | Terrible |
| Rated at | Lightweight |
| Nationality | USA |
| Born | 1880-03-09 Johnstown, PA |
| Died | February 22, 1918 (aged 37) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 80 |
| Wins | 65 |
| Wins by KO | 44 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 7 |
| No contests | 2 |
Terrible Terry McGovern (March 9, 1880–February 22, 1918), born John Terrence McGovern in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, United States, was a boxer who held the world bantamweight and featherweight titles.
McGovern won the bantamweight crown in 1899 when he knocked out Pedlar Palmer in 1 round. He never defended the title and relinquished it in 1900.
He then moved up in weight and captured the featherweight crown from George Dixon on January 9, 1900, by scoring a technical knockout in the eighth round. As a featherweight, McGovern was involved in some controversial bouts. For example he is credited with knocking out Aurelio Herrera in defense of his crown in 5 rounds. Herrera afterwards claimed he had been doped during the fight. McGovern is also credited with scoring a 2 round knockout over Joe Gans. Gans claimed that he threw the fight.
McGovern lost his crown when he was stopped by Young Corbett II in 2 rounds on November 28, 1902. Corbett also won their rematch
McGovern finished his career with a record of 65 wins (42 KOs) 5 losses and 5 draws. As was common in that era, he also engaged in many No Decision bouts. In 2003, McGovern was named to the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. Boxing historian Nat Fleischer ranked McGovern as the greatest featherweight of all time.
McGovern spent much of his later life in mental institutions. He died of pneumonia and kidney ailment in the charity ward of King's County Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, USA, on February 22, 1918.