Jewogle - Larry Boardman

Biography:

Larry Boardman (born March 21, 1936, in Marlborough, Connecticut) was an America boxer.

At the end of 1956, he was ranked as the # 2 Lightweight contender in the world.

Fighting from 1952-63, his record in 56 fights was: Won 45 (KOs 23), Lost 10, Drawn 1.

Between early 1956 and late 1956 Boardman defeated four world champions: Wallace "Bud" Smith, Sandy Saddler, Paddy DeMarco, and Jimmy Carter.

Boxing career:

His father had been an unsuccessful journeyman fighter. As a young boy he was enthralled about learning as much as he could about his father’s career. For his ninth birthday he asked for and received a pair of boxing gloves, and had his father show him how to box.

At age 15 his father started him fighting in semi-pro bouts in Connecticut. He went unbeaten in six fights, winning five by knockout. His father moved his family to Florida for the winter 1952-53 because it was the only state where Larry could box under the age of 18.

16-year old Boardman made his pro debut as a featherweight on December 12, 1952, in West Palm Beach, Florida, winning a four round decision over Tony Grosse. His record after two years as a pro stood at 22-1-0 (11).

In November 1956, Boardman brought his overall record of 32-2-0 (16) to Philadelphia and beat his fourth current or past world champion in nine months, former lightweight champion Paddy DeMarco.

In 1958 he joined the United States Marine Reserves, and spent six months on active duty.

After his discharge from active duty, he resumed his professional boxing career.

He moved back to Connecticut where he worked for Sears for 25 years, before retiring and moving back to Florida.