McLarnin, "Jimmy" (James A.)
Boxing
b. Dec. 17, 1905, Inchacore, Ireland
McLarnin grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and began boxing professionally there in 1923. After winning ten fights, he went to California in 1924 with his shrewd manager, Pop Foster, to face better competitors. He beat most of them, including Fidel LaBarba, Jackie Fields, Pancho Villa, and Bud Taylor.
On May 21, 1928, McLarnin fought Sammy Mandell for the world lightweight championship in New York City but lost a 15-round decision. He beat Mandell twice in the next two years in non-title bouts.
McLarnin moved into the welterweight division in 1932 and won the world title by knocking out Young Corbett III in the first round on May 29, 1933 in Los Angeles. He lost the title to Barney Ross in his first defense, on May 28, 1934; won it back from Ross on September 17, 1934; and lost it again on May 28, 1935. All three fights were 15-round decisions.
After splitting a pair of decisions with Tony Canzoneri and winning a decision over Lou Ambers in 1936, McLarnin retired. During his career, he had twenty-one victories over title-holders and future champions. Overall, he won 63 bouts, 20 by knockout; lost 11, 1 by knockout; and fought 3 draws.