So with the death of Éder Jofre, a friend and I were just talking about how living to 86 is pretty good for a pro boxer who had a ton of fights, while it’s fairly normal for the general population. This got us to wondering if any well known boxer had made it to 100. The closest I could think of was Max Schmeling, who died at 99. With how many pros there have been throughout the world in the history of boxing, there have to be some… but is there anyone who is at least somewhat well known? I’m having a hard time even finding more than about 10 who made it to 90.
I don't think so. Max and Billy Fox made it into their 90's. I don't think anyone of note made it to 100.
Yeah, he was 96. Here’s the guys we have thought of so far who have lived to at least 90. Max Schmeling: 99 Jimmy McLarnin: 96 Jake LaMotta: 95 Johnny Wilson: 92 Jimmy Bivins: 92 Jack Sharkey: 91 Al Hostack: 90
Schmeling missed 100 by a few months and it was stated late in life it was a goal of his. He had fairly good health right til the end when he caught pneumonia and couldn’t beat it
I remember my granddad telling me about Schmeling dying and how he listened to his fights against Louis on the radio and how big of a deal it was. I think I was just vaguely familiar with Schmeling at the time; I was a boxing fan but mostly just knew about active fighters.
To these we can add: Johnny Farr: 94 (world ranked junior-lightweight 1929) Robert Cohen: 91 Pete Rademacher: 91 Henry Hook: 91 (world ranked bantam 1935) I can't think of a well-known or semi well-known boxer who made it to his 100th birthday - but among the hundreds of thousands obscure fighters who have entered the ring over the years, surely there must have been some, who reached this milestone (one would think!).
I can't recall any centenarian ex boxers of note. I do know though that Gene Tunneys wife died just short of her one hundred and first birthday, so was a centenarian.
Lightheavy Billy Fox, big contender in the 50's and recipient of Lamotta's thrown fight, made it to 96.
Likely the fights were over that last glass’ worth of wine left in the bottle. Proverbial Wino’s fight. By that stage, knocking Gene over would’ve been as easy as knocking a Granny off her chamber pot (one of my Dad’s favourite sayings and now mine also, of course ).
As far as I know, Roy Harris is still alive and will reach 90 next year luck permitting. I read that he was still practising law not too long ago. Roy: “I object your Honour”. Judge: “What are you objecting to?” Roy: “Damned if I can remember. Is anybody else hungry? Let’s grab some lunch”. Meanwhile, the colour completely drains from the face of Roy’s client.
