Best fights of Jimmy McLarnin
Over 13 years as a professional, Jimmy McLarnin compiled a 55-11-3 (21) record, including six title fights across three weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Jimmy McLarnin defeats Barney Ross in their 2nd fight
On September 17, 1934 Jimmy McLarnin fought Barney Ross for the NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles. It was their second meeting. McLarnin was 26 years old with a record of 52-9-3, and Ross was 24 with a record of 53-2-3. McLarnin was coming off a loss, while Ross was on a 3-fight winning streak. McLarnin won via split decision. Crowned the new welterweight champion.
2. Jimmy McLarnin KOs Benny Leonard
On October 7, 1932 Jimmy McLarnin faced Benny Leonard in a lightweight bout. McLarnin was 24 years old with a record of 49-8-3, and Leonard was 36 with a record of 185-21-9. McLarnin was coming off a loss, while Leonard was on a 17-fight winning streak. McLarnin stopped Benny Leonard via TKO in the 6th round.
3. Jimmy McLarnin defeats Pancho Villa
On July 4, 1925 Jimmy McLarnin faced Pancho Villa in a flyweight bout. McLarnin was 17 years old with a record of 22-1-2, and Villa was 23 with a record of 90-7-4. McLarnin was coming off a loss, while Villa was on a 8-fight winning streak. McLarnin won via points decision.
4. Jimmy McLarnin loses to Barney Ross via split decision
On May 28, 1934 Jimmy McLarnin defended his NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles against Barney Ross. McLarnin was 26 years old with a record of 52-8-3, and Ross was 24 with a record of 52-2-3. McLarnin was on a 3-fight winning streak and Ross was on a 2-fight winning streak. McLarnin lost via split decision. Lost the titles. Went the distance with Ross.
5. Jimmy McLarnin defeats Tony Canzoneri in their 2nd fight
On October 5, 1936 Jimmy McLarnin faced Tony Canzoneri in a lightweight bout. It was their second meeting. McLarnin was 28 years old with a record of 53-11-3, and Canzoneri was 27 with a record of 122-17-8. McLarnin was on a 2-fight losing streak and Canzoneri was coming off a loss. McLarnin won via unanimous decision.
6. Jimmy McLarnin loses to Barney Ross in their 3rd fight via unanimous decision
On May 28, 1935 Jimmy McLarnin defended his NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles against Barney Ross. It was their third meeting. McLarnin was 27 years old with a record of 53-9-3, and Ross was 25 with a record of 56-3-3. McLarnin was coming off a win and Ross was on a 3-fight winning streak. McLarnin lost via unanimous decision. Lost the titles. Went the distance with Ross.
7. Jimmy McLarnin KOs Young Corbett III
On May 29, 1933 Jimmy McLarnin fought Young Corbett III for the vacant NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles. McLarnin was 25 years old with a record of 51-8-3, and III was 0 with a record of 0-0. McLarnin was on a 2-fight winning streak. McLarnin stopped Young Corbett III via TKO in the 1st round. Won the vacant titles.
8. Jimmy McLarnin KOs Sid Terris
On February 24, 1928 Jimmy McLarnin faced Sid Terris. McLarnin was 20 years old with a record of 35-4-3, and Terris was 0 with a record of 0-0. McLarnin was on a 8-fight winning streak. McLarnin stopped Sid Terris via KO in the 1st round.
9. Jimmy McLarnin KOs Phil McGraw
On June 21, 1928 Jimmy McLarnin faced Phil McGraw. McLarnin was 20 years old with a record of 36-5-3, and McGraw was 0 with a record of 0-0. McLarnin was coming off a loss. McLarnin stopped Phil McGraw via TKO in the 1st round.
10. Jimmy McLarnin KOs Sergeant Sammy Baker
On October 9, 1929 Jimmy McLarnin faced Sergeant Sammy Baker. McLarnin was 21 years old with a record of 41-6-3, and Baker was 0 with a record of 0-0. McLarnin was on a 3-fight winning streak. McLarnin stopped Sergeant Sammy Baker via KO in the 1st round.