Name/Title
Print, PhotographicEntry/Object ID
2007.24.117Description
Tacoma's Pat McMurtry was perhaps the biggest sports star of the Northwest back in the 1950s. In this heavyweight fight in Seattle back in 1955, McMurtry, who was nicknamed “Irish,” takes on Bob Albright, California's heavyweight champ. Despite having a 28 pound disadvantage, McMurtry used his quickness and counter punched Albright. The fight was stopped in the eighth round and ruled a draw. They two heavyweights met again in 1959 and the fight was stopped after the fifth round when a ringside physician said Albright's nose was broken and McMurtry won by a technical knockout. Two weeks later, McMurtry fought again in what would be his last fight. He lost by a first-round knockout to Eddie Machen and knocked out for about 16 minutes. Doctors later said X-rays showed McMurtry had brain damage and that would effect his balance for the rest of his life. In retirement, McMurtry sold appliances for sears and drove a truck for the Pierce Country road department.Lexicon
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Boxing, Professional/Semi-ProRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
McMurtry, PatPerson or Organization
Albright, Bob