George Gardiner (boxer)

George Gardner (born March 17, 1877 in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare – July 8, 1954), was an Irish-born American boxer who was an internationally famous fighter.

Personal

Gardner's last name is sometimes spelled "Gardiner". He was the son of an Irish prizefighter. The elder Gardner most likely taught his sons the trade of a fighter. Gardiner was the older brother to other well known boxers Billy Gardner and Jimmy Gardner. The Gardner brothers were all boxing champions. George and Jimmy Gardner were the first Irish - American world champions in history who were brothers. George Gardiner was almost six feet tall and weighed anywhere from 155 - 175 pounds. He normally went 20 rounds with boxers who outweighed him. Gardner also had one of the heaviest punches in the business.

Pro career

Gardner, a hard hitter, became a professional boxer in 1897 and was considered one of the biggest names in boxing history. Other fighters avoided him and in 1901 he defeated Kid Carter for the Middleweight Championship. Then in 1902 he defeated Joe Walcott, the Barabados Demon and then went 20 rounds with first black Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson, who outweighed him at twenty or thirty pounds. Then in 1903 Gardner knocked out Peter Maher within one round. Gardner captured the World Light-Heavyweight Title in 1903 with a KO win over Jack Root. He lost the title later that year in a defense against Bob Fitzsimmons after 20 rounds. Gardner was about 25 years old while Fitzsimmons was in his early forties. It is likely that it was a publicity stunt by Gardner's manager. Gardiner retired in 1908 and his son Morgan Gardiner (Gardner) also became a professional boxer, but soon retired and became a well known narcotics detective in Chicago.

Gardner was once ranked the #1 fighter in the world and he is considered one of the top heavyweights of all - time, as well as one of the top light - heavyweights of all time.

Record

Total: 66

Wins: 44

KOs: 32

Losses: 12

Draws: 7

See also

* List of bare-knuckle boxers
* List of light heavyweight boxing champions

External links

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