Former two-time junior welterweight world champion Eddie Perkins passed away at his home in Chicago, surrounded by family, on Thursday evening at the age of 75. Perkins was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in 2008. The following is a short biography on Perkins that was distibuted by the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Friday: Born March 3, 1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Perkins moved to Chicago when he was just a year old. Perkins compiled a 26-10 amateur record before turning pro in 1956. Under the managerial eye of Hall of Famer Johnny Coulon, Perkins developed a crafty boxer / puncher style. In 1961 and 1962 he engaged in a trilogy with Italys Duilio Loi that saw Perkins draw, win and lose in junior welterweight title bouts. In 1963 he regained the title with a 15-round win over the Philippines Roberto Cruz. He defended his title in Japan and Jamaica before losing a disputed decision to Carlos Hernandez. A true world champion, Perkins fought in over 20 countries. During his career Perkins met the top junior welterweights and welterweights, including Jose Napoles (L 10), Kenny Lane (W 12), Nicolino Locche (L 10), Clyde Gray (W 10) and Angel Espada (W 10) among others before retiring in 1975 with a 74-20-2, 2 NC (21 KOs) record. Eddie Perkins was a globe-trotting world champion. In the ring he was a gifted defensive fighter with terrific boxing skills, said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his pass
RIP. To be honest I'm surprised he lived another 4 years past his induction to the hall of fame when i saw him. He was unable to sign and looked to be a bit frail.
R.I.P Great fighter....one of the most skilled I ever seen....(only watched his fight with Sorimachi but you can see in there that the guy was impressive, one of the best feinters ever)
Would have had an Emile Griffith-like standing if he constantly fought on his home turf. Great fighter who did it the hard way.
But it means something that he lived to be honored in this way, and got to be there to soak up the:hail accolades. Even before his nomination for Canastota, was recognized as a well respected competitor, worthy champion and excellently skilled boxer. He was able to leave us surrounded by family at home, evidently a far better family than the garbage which Jimmy Bivins had to be rescued from. Goodbye Eddie, and well done!
