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Jimmy Archibald McLarnin, (December 19 1907
– October 28 2004), was a two-time
welterweight boxing champion of the world.


==Childhood==
He was born in Hillsborough, County Down, Northern
Ireland, but emigrated to Vancouver with his
family at the age of 3.  He took up boxing at the
age of 10 after getting into fight trying to
defend his newspaper-selling pitch.  Former
professional Charles Foster (boxer)|Charles "Pop"
Foster recognised McLarnin's talent at the age of
13.  Foster constructed a makeshift gym for
McLarnin to train in, sure that he would one day
be the champion of the world.


==Boxing Career==
Following a successful start to his career in
Vancouver, Foster took McLarnin to San Francisco,
where his youthful appearance made it difficult to
get a fight until he lied about his age, it is for
this reason that McLarnin earned the nickname
"Babyface". Despite his youthful appearance,
McLarnin had incredible power with both fists, his
right being particularly feared.  However, like
many similar fighters Mclarnin suffered several
hand injuries throughout his career, towards the
end of his career McLarnin was forced to become
more of a boxer due to this.

McLarnin lost his first title shot on May 21 1928
in New York against world lightweight champion
Sammy Mandell.  Though he did go on to beat him
twice in the following two years. It would be 5
years before McLarnin would next get a title shot,
during which time he knocked out several top names
including Al Singer, Ruby Goldstein, and Sid
Terris.

McLarnin's second title shot came against
welterweight championYoung Corbett III, Mclarnin
won by knockout after only 2 minutes 37 seconds.
Following his title success, McLarnin fought an
epic three fight series with Barney Ross.  The
first fight, on May 28 1934, was won by Ross,
McLarnin regained his title in their next match
four months later. The deciding fight was on May
28 1935, McLarnin lost his title for the final
time to a narrow points decision, for the rest of
his life McLarnin claimed he had done enough to
retain his belt.

McLarnin retired in November 1936 still at the top
his game, he won his last two fights against
all-time greats Tony Canzoneri and Lou Ambers. His
record was 62 wins, 11 losses, 3 draws, and 1 no
decision from 77 contests.  


==Life after boxing==
Unlike many boxers, McLarnin invested his money
wisely and retired a wealthy man. He opened an
electrical goods store, and also did some acting,
golfing, and lecturing, he never returned to the
ring despite the large incentives for him to do
so.

In 1996 Ring Magazine voted McLarnin as the
fifth-greatest welterweight of all time.