Harry Matthews (boxer)
Harry Matthews (December 9, 1922 – February 21, 2003) nicknamed Kid Matthews was an American professional Boxer who who competed from 1937 to 1956.He climbed to a top contender ranks and scored 90 victories,lost 7 times,draw 5 times and 1 no contest.His most impressive wins where over former Champions Al Hostak, Bob Murphy and Ezzard Charles.He lost to Rocky Marciano in 1952,who went on becoming World Champion less than two mounts after their fight.There were plans to cut weight and fight Sugar Ray Robinson but the fight didn't happen.[1]
Background
Borned in Emmett, Idaho and moved to [[:Seattle where he started working out and training.He fought and managed to win over Eddir Booker and former champion Al Hostak before being recruited to American Army for World War 2.After returning from a war he went on a long winning streak,including beating Irish Bob Murphy.Matthews and his menager wanted heavyweight division title,but there were also plans of potential fight with Suger Ray Robbinson.The fight however didn't happen.After beating Freddie Beshore and Rex Layne he ended up in a fight agaisnt top contender and future world champion Rocky Marciano.Both Men had impressive winning steaks,Marciano was unbeaten and had high knockout percentage and Matthews had no losses since he retuned from war.Rocky Marciano won by knockout with a vicious double left hook.Matthews scored wins over Ted Lowry,Harley Breshears and Ezzard Charles,but lost to Don Cockell. Later in life,Harry Matthews was also a trainer of professional boxer Ibar Arrington.He died on February 21, 2003 in Seattle at the age 80.