Jimmy Young (boxer)

Jimmy Young (November 16 1948 – February 20 2005) called "the man who gave Ali a boxing lesson," was a skilled Philadelphia heavyweight boxer who had his greatest success during the 1970s. Young was very hard to hit, had an effective left jab and straight right hand, and an equally effective body attack. His career record was 34-19-2 with 11 knockouts.

Professional career

Young made his name when he fought Muhammad Ali in Landover, Maryland in April 1976 for the world heavyweight title. Six years younger and 25 pounds lighter, Young adopted a strategy of fighting aggressively from a distance, landing numerous blows while dodging and parrying Ali's counterpunches. Many fight historians have written that Young made Ali miss more often than did any other opponent. At close quarters Young gave Ali a continuous beating with body punches.

The fight went the full 15 rounds with the controversial unanimous decision going to Ali. Referee Tom Kelly scored it 72-65; judges Larry Barrett and Terry Moore had it 70-68 and 71-64, respectively. [http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000276 Jimmy Young ] ]

Longtime RING magazine writer Lester Bromberg scored the fight 11 rounds to 4 for Jimmy Young.Bromberg called the official decision "a travesty of a decision." Even Ali's ever loyal trainer Angelo Dundee admitted it was the champion's worst fight.

In November 1976 Young beat top contender Ron Lyle in a 12-round bout, winning 11 of 12 rounds on one judge's card.

In March 1977 Young beat George Foreman, knocking him down in the final round and winning a 12-round decision. "Ring Magazine" named the Foreman-Young bout its 1977 "Fight of the Year."

Young's next major opponent was Norton. In November 1977, Young lost a split decision in Las Vegas.

Young faded in the late 1970s, losing three of his next six bouts. He came back on the scene fiercely in 1981, beating several contenders and being named Ring Magazine comeback of the year for his successes. His loss to Greg Page in 1982 ended his run as a serious contender. He continued fighting with mixed results until 1988.

Death

Young died on February 20, 2005 from heart failure. Like many former boxers, it was reported in his later years that he suffered from pugilistica dementia.

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