Description
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Packey McFarland
Born: November 1, 1888 Chicago, Illinois
Died: September 22, 1936 (aged 47) Chicago, Illinois
Height: 5’7″
Weight: 137
Division: Lightweight, Welterweight
Record:
Total fights: 104
Wins: 64
Wins by KO: 47
Losses: 1
Draws: 5
No Decision: 34
Biography:
Patrick “Packey” McFarland (November 1, 1888 – September 22, 1936) was an American boxer in the lightweight and welterweightdivisions. Despite an extraordinary winning record, he was unable to secure a match for either world title. The Ring Record Book and Boxing Encyclopedia suggests McFarland was the best fighter to never become a world champion.
Boxing historian Tracy Callis wrote: “Packey McFarland was a fast and clever boxer with exceptional skills. He possessed an educated left jab, stiff punches, fast feet, and a savvy of boxing that always kept him a step ahead of his opponent. Packey was one of the greatest fighters to ever hail from Chicago.”
Packey had a stiff punch and used it well, especially during the early part of his career. He scored 31 knockouts in his first 37 bouts and had a 36-1 record, the lone loss coming during his first year when he was inexperienced and got caught by a shot that dropped him and knocked him out of time. (Some sources report an unconfirmed second loss).
During his entire career, Packey engaged in 104 bouts and lost just the one. He never forgot the loss and as he moved up in competition, placed caution first and preferred to outbox his man with shiftiness and speed rather than try to put him out and risk getting caught by a lucky punch. For the remainder of his career, he was floored only twice – by Ray Bronson and “Cyclone” Johnny Thompson.
More info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packey_McFarland
http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Packey_McFarland
http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/Article-PackeyMcFarland.htm