Notable stories of Boxers using their skills in self defense?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by MixedMartialLaw, Jun 27, 2025 at 5:12 PM.


  1. MixedMartialLaw

    MixedMartialLaw Fight sports enthusiast Full Member

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    Dempsey famously beat off 2 muggers at 75, any other stories of boxers past or present using their skills outside of the ring?
     
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  2. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Eddie Futch once decked a mugger when he was in his eighties.
     
  3. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Did they have the common courtesy to give him a reacharound?
     
  4. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 Philippians 2:10-11 Full Member

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    Devin Haney heroically used his supreme eating-the-hook technique to tire out the steroid addict Ryan Garcia so he could sue him later on
     
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  5. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Out For Milk Full Member

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    Dempsey countless times said to have fought off Hobos who were trying to have their “way” with him as a pretty kid on the rails. Larry Holmes had a fair share, John L, Corbett and Johnson - old timers could also wrestle, actually everyone on that list could to a decent extent… Fitzsimmons started off fighting random folks at the smithy. There was a boxer who used to roll dealers by punching them up I can’t remember… Hurricane Jackson hit someone with a “tool” because he believed the myth about his hands being registered weapons LOL.
     
  6. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

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    I’m a lil bit skeptical about some stories but they’re fun to read nonetheless.

    I read one story re an older Archie Moore who had a pro career into advanced age at any rate.

    However I think the event occurred post career when he was walked up on by a much younger, big burly black construction worker looking to fight on a bridge.

    The way Moore related it sounded very authentic but of course I can’t vouch for it 100%.

    Anyway, Arch was realistically and duly wary and try to diffuse but ultimately was left with no option but to flatten the big fella.

    I’ve tried to chase up the original article I read - but no luck. If anyone else can or fill in the details it would be very much appreciated.
     
  7. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    We have newspaper reports about Tyson winning a street fight with Mitch Green. This is one of the only accounts I've ever heard of where two quality boxers square off in a documented steet fight. (Holmes/Berbick is another, and the only one caught on film that I know of.)

    Sullivan fought semi-illegal, semi-bareknuckle contests, and also assaulted people in civilian life, though I can't call to mind any specific assaults.
     
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  8. Terror

    Terror free smoke Full Member

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    He did what
     
  9. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think I remember that story. I think it took place in Nigeria when Moore was training their Olympic boxing team. The story was Moore was out and about taking pics over in Nigeria and he took a pic of that construction site you mentioned, but one of the workers took offense to it. And that was where the fight ensued. i think archie said he injured a knuckle punching out the dude.
     
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  10. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Walker and Greb continued one of their fights in the back of a bar.
     
  11. Greg Price99

    Greg Price99 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    This content is protected
     
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  12. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT Full Member

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    Thanks Scar! That’s filled in some much needed details. If I ever do come across the source article I will definitely link it.
     
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  13. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Out For Milk Full Member

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    Oh God I can only imagine what it’d be like to have Archie Moore punch you in the face by surprise… you square up to a happy looking old dude and you’re just blinded by the light.
     
  14. SolomonDeedes

    SolomonDeedes Active Member Full Member

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    I think I read this in The Ring about 35 years ago. Moore had to go to hospital when the cut on his hand got infected and reflected that, "If a man can bite my fist before I can get it out of his mouth, I'd better stop fighting in the streets."
     
  15. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I just read this and spit coffee out of my nose. Lol!
     
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