The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of light heavyweight and heavyweight standout Jimmy Bivins. He passed away yesterday at McGregor Home in East Cleveland, OH. He was 92.
1999 Hall of Fame Inductee Jimmy Bivins
Born December 6, 1919 in Dry Brach, GA, he moved to Cleveland as a youth. He turned pro in 1940. With a strong and quick left jab and excellent defensive skills, from 1941 to 1943 he beat the best fighters in the middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions including Hall of Famers Teddy Yarosz, Billy Soose, Joey Maxim and Ezzard Charles. In an unprecedented move, The Ring ranked Bivins as the number one heavyweight and light heavyweight contender at the close of 1942. The boxing world froze the titles in each weight class during World War II. In March of 1944, Bivins entered the U.S. Army but was honorably discharged in November. During this time he was known as the interim heavyweight champion. In 1945, he knocked out Hall of Famer Archie Moore in six rounds. From June 22, 1942 to February 25, 1946, Bivins went unbeaten in 26 consecutive bouts. Throughout his illustrious career, a world title fight managed to elude Bivins. He retired in 1955 with a record of 86-25-1 and 31 knockouts. He met seven Hall of Famers, beating four, and 11 world champions, defeating eight.
“Jimmy Bivins was a great fighter,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “He fought and beat many of the best fighters of his era. As the boxing community mourns his passing, the Hall remembers his many contributions to the sport.”
In 1999, Bivins was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
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