Print, Photographic

Name/Title

Print, Photographic

Entry/Object ID

2007.24.002

Description

At age 16, Pat McMurtry poses for a photo as he trains for another upcoming boxing match. McMurtry, who was nicknamed “Irish” and attended Lincoln High School in Tacoma, had a successful boxing career. Before turning pro in 1954, McMurtry had 105 amateur fights and lost only twice. As a pro, he won his first 16 fights and finished 33-4-1, losing his last two fights. He was a huge fan favorite in Tacoma and was considered to be a legitimate heavyweight title contender. He was arguably the Pacific Northwest's biggest sports start. In July 1956, 10,729 fans packed Tacoma's Lincoln Bowl to watch him beat Ezzard Charles, a great fighter and former heavyweight champion. McMurtry won by a unanimous decision.

Lexicon

Search Terms

Boxing, Professional/Semi-Pro

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

McMurtry, Pat

Person or Organization

Lincoln High School