Charles Kid McCoy - Underrated ?

never let the truth get in the way of a good story

 

There have been a few bios written, I think...

 

He beat Gus Ruhlin, Peter Maher and Choynski when all three were top 5 contenders, he nearly stopped Tom Sharkey in his prime, flooring him twice which was more than Jeff was doing to him at that time. The Corbett thing stank to high heaven and he also beat the likes of Goddard and O'Donnell while holding the likes of Jack O'Brien even. While semi-retired he beat good contender types Stewart and PO Curran. Not many 160 pounders ever have duplicated that type of havoc in the heavyweights ever, Greb maybe?

 

He also elicited commendations from the Freckled Wonder, who favorably compared the p4p punching power packed by Selby to his own after they sparred... and praised his ring IQ as well.

It really is a shame about the fixes and penchant for trickery, because he even without them had world class ability, ever a formidably skilled and unflappably courageous pug and yet remembered primarily for his association (or rather, misassociation) with a part of the vernacular, and with being a real SOB.

 

Well I think he beats Klaus and Papke, hell Jack O'Brien too as well as Gardiner. Marvin Hart probably and maybe Burns. Anyone with me on this?

 

Forgotten is more about men like Harry Harris or Johnny Coulon, for example.

 

Underrated... yeah I guess. But then again how do you accurately rate a guy with the amount of crazy and wacky stunts in his record (officially and unofficially) like he does? One thing is for certain the guy was a damn near unanimity in his time and to whoever witnessed him fight, both in terms of talent and in terms of viciousness.

There's a cool article about McCoy on the IBRO site BTW, to whoever might interest. Real good read.

 

I would pick McCoy to win over all the names in group, with Burns being his toughest match.

I disagree on Corbett vs McCoy. I have read a fight report or two and it was a war with heavy exchanges and aggression.

 

Nice one Doug. McCoy was a real SOB in and out of the ring. For example a past his prime McCoy was having a rough go with Jack Root.

Down a few times, the Kid needed an edge. The story goes he asked his corner for some help in between rounds. He lured Root into his corner, then clinched him. At that point in time one of McCoy's corner man sprayed Root in the face with ammonia.

 

Aww, hadn't seen this picture since the early seventies as a golden glover. It may have been in the old Police Gazette magazine and it include script from McCoy on the how too. I tried to learn and use it but usually only sprained my wrist doing it.

The old Ring mag. under Fleisher use to put in articles about him yearly but since then mention of him anywhere has been a rarity.