Jimmy Slattery
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James Patrick Slattery (born August 25, 1904 in Buffalo, NY was a professional boxer in the Light Heavyweight (175lb) division.
Slattery, son of a Buffalo fire fighter, turned pro in 1921 and came up short in his challenge for the World Light Heavyweight Title against Paul Berlenbach in 1925. His KO loss in 1925 to Dave Shade was named Ring Magazine Upset of the Year. Slattery won the vacant NBA light heavyweight title in August of 1927 with a decision over Maxie Rosenbloom, only to loose it to Tommy Loughran in December of that year.
He won the NYSAC World Light Heavyweight Title by beating Lou Scozza in 1930. Slattery lost the title later that year in a bout against Maxie Rosenbloom for the NYSAC World Light Heavyweight Title and the Undisputed World Light Heavyweight Title. The verdict was "highly unpopular" with the 15,000 fans at the fight. The United Press score sheet gave Rosenbloom 8 rounds and Slattery 4, with 3 even. Referee Patsy Haley, after being almost knocked out by one of Rosenbloom's wild swings, gave his decision to Slattery. He was overruled by two judges, both of whom voted for Rosenbloom [1].
Alcoholism almost certainly shortened Slattery's life, career and marriage (he had famously eloped with 19 year old Elizabeth A. Pendergast). It caused him to crash his car, beat up strangers and distance himself from his son and other relatives. Near the end of his life, Slattery regretted ever taking up boxing. A play about Slattery's life, "Jimmytown", was produced in Buffalo in 1997 and Jimmy Slattery place, in south Buffalo was named in his honor in 2006.
Slattery died August 30, 1960 in Buffalo, New York, USA
His former wife, Elizabeth Ann Burgess (nee Pendergast) died in 1998
His grandson, James E. Slattery III died of leukemia in July of 1999.
Career Record: Won 109 (KOs 47) Lost 14 Draw 0
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2006
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] Sources
"A good life scotched", Buffalo News 8-22-2006, byline Tim Graham
"Toast of the town", Buffalo News 8-20-2006, byline Tim Graham
"Ceremony to unveil Slattery Place" Buffalo News 8-22-2006, byline Tim Graham
"Fighting trim, 'Jimmytown', the ring of truth" Buffalo News 9-19-1997, byline Terry Doran
"James E. Slattery III, worked in finance" Buffalo News 7-22-99, Obit.
"Elizabeth A. Burgess, eloped with boxing champion" Buffalo News 1-26-98, Obit.
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