Jimmy Lyggett Sr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jimmy Lyggett |
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|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Nationality |  American |
| Born | 1897. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Died | 1955.(?) in USA |
Jimmy Lyggett (born 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – died around 1955 in the US) was an American boxer and a boxing trainer. He was known for his powerful punches and his skill in the ring.
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Jimmy Lyggett's Boxing Career
Jimmy Lyggett started his boxing journey when he was 17 years old. He quickly showed great talent.
Becoming a Champion
By the time he was 20, Jimmy won a special championship. It was called the United States Championship for professional Black boxers. This was a big achievement for him.
Just one year later, he faced Eddie Palmer in a tough match. Jimmy won by a knockout (KO) in the 19th round. This victory earned him the title of the "Colored Championship of the World".
Fighting Top Boxers
Throughout his career, Jimmy Lyggett fought many famous boxers. He boxed against Jack Blackburn in 1918. He also fought George Robinson in 1919. George Robinson later competed for a world middleweight title.
After winning his world title, Jimmy traveled to Europe. He wanted to prove he was one of the best boxers anywhere. He fought many top European boxers. These included champions and vice-champions from Germany like Rudolf Arndt and Max Schmeling. He also fought boxers from Denmark and Italy.
Jimmy Lyggett boxed Max Schmeling twice. The first fight was in 1924, where Jimmy lost. But in a rematch in 1925, the two boxers fought to a draw. After these matches, Jimmy even became Max Schmeling's training partner for a while.
Jimmy Lyggett as a Boxing Trainer
Jimmy Lyggett stopped his boxing career when he was 33 years old. He then became a dedicated boxing trainer.
Training in Croatia
While living in Vienna, Austria, Jimmy met and married Roza. They moved to Zagreb, Croatia, in the 1930s. There, Jimmy opened his own boxing school. It was located on Ilica street.
He trained many young boxers in Zagreb. He worked with several boxing clubs, including Croatia, Herkules, Makabi, and Radnik. He even became friends with a local tavern owner. This friend let Jimmy use his warehouse as a training hall.
Coaching the National Team
Later, Jimmy Lyggett was asked to train the Croatian national boxing team. He helped prepare them for the 1940 Olympics. However, those Olympic Games were canceled.
Returning to the US
Before World War II ended, Jimmy's brother asked him to come back to the United States. Jimmy decided to accept the invitation. He convinced his wife, Roza, to move with him.
In 1945, they started their journey to the US through Italy. They waited for months for a ship to take them across the ocean. Sadly, his wife became ill and passed away in Milan. Jimmy Lyggett returned to America alone.
The exact date and place of his death are not fully clear. Some records suggest he died in the US around 1955.
