James 'Les' Darcy, East Maitland, NSW, Australia
S 32° 45.382 E 151° 36.497
56H E 369630 N 6374864
James 'Les' Darcy, East Maitland, NSW, Australia
Waymark Code: WM4W6P
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 10/04/2008
Views: 17
Les Darcy is widely considered to be the best boxer ever from Australia. Considered one of the greatest middleweights of all-time, Darcy proved his mettle in his native Australia. He started boxing as an amateur at age fifteen and quickly turned professional. He won his first sixteen fights before challenging the veteran Bob Whitelaw for the Australian welterweight title. Darcy lost the twenty-round decision but, in a rematch, knocked Whitelaw out in five.
Darcy graduated from regional bouts to fighting in Sydney Stadium, and promoters began to import talent to challenge him. He lost his first two fights in Sydney, one by decision and one by foul, to American Fritz Holland. The next year Darcy faced another American, Jeff Smith, in what was considered a contest for the Australian world middleweight title. When Darcy complained of a low blow at the end of the fifth round, the referee believed that Darcy did not want to continue and awarded the decision to Smith. In a rematch, Darcy was awarded the victory when Smith punched him in the groin.
As Australian world middleweight champ, Darcy defeated such top-flight visiting Americans as Eddie McGoorty, Billy Murray, Jimmy Clabby, George Chip, George "KO" Brown, and Buck Crouse, as well as knocking out Smith and Holland in rematches.Darcy's opponents are said to have admired his courage, stamina, and punching power. In 1916, Darcy KO'd Harold Hardwick to capture the Australian heavyweight title.
Description:
James 'Les' Darcy was a famous Australian Middleweight Boxer, and World Middleweight Boxing Contender.
Date of birth: 10/31/1895
Date of death: 05/24/1917
Area of notoriety: Sports
Marker Type: Monument
Setting: Outdoor
Visiting Hours/Restrictions: Open 24/7
Fee required?: No
Web site: [Web Link]
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