Ron Richards (boxer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ron Richards |
|
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Ranold/Randell William Richards |
| Rated at | middle/light heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 10+1⁄2 in (1.79 m) |
| Reach | 72+1⁄2 in (184 cm) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Born | 8 May 1910 Ipswich, Queensland |
| Died | 14 January 1967 (aged 56) Sydney |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 131 |
| Wins | 95 (KO 57) |
| Losses | 25 (KO 7) |
| Draws | 10 |
Ron Richards was a famous Australian boxer. He was born Ranold William Richards on May 8, 1910, in Ipswich, Queensland. He passed away on January 14, 1967, in Sydney. Ron was an Indigenous Australian and is remembered as one of the best boxers Australia has ever seen. He fought many professional matches, winning several championship titles. People thought he could even become a world champion in his weight classes.
Contents
Ron Richards' Early Life and Career
Ron Richards went to a local school for Aboriginal children. When he was 14, he worked with his father cutting timber. His family was allowed to move freely around the Boonah area. This was because they were exempt from a law called the Aboriginal Protection Act. Sometimes, they worked as share-croppers, sharing crops with landowners. Ron's brother, Maxie, was also a very good boxer.
How Ron Richards Started Boxing
Like many Aboriginal boxers, Ron began his career fighting in traveling shows. His father was also a bare-knuckle boxer. Ron then moved on to fighting in big stadiums. He competed for and won many Australian championships. He also fought against famous boxers from America and England. His success in boxing allowed him to buy four houses.
Ron married Dorothy Elizabeth Iselin in Brisbane in 1935. Later, he married Colleen Boyle, who was from Ireland. Ron was known for fighting very hard. Sometimes, he would win fights even when organizers wanted him to lose. He often fought against boxers who were heavier than him. He was a very skilled and famous boxer. Many believed he could become a world champion. He won 34 out of 50 fights against well-known international boxers.
Life After Boxing
After his boxing career, Ron faced some tough times. His first wife, Dorothy, passed away in 1937. This affected him deeply. He eventually used up all his earnings. In 1947, he was sent to the Woorabinda Aboriginal settlement. He was released after three years.
He lived in Brisbane for a short time, then moved to Sydney. Later, he was sent to the Aboriginal reserve on Palm Island, Queensland. There, he worked in gardens and as a carpenter's helper. He also managed a home for single men. Ron did not like to talk about his boxing career during this time. He eventually returned to Sydney.
Ron Richards passed away from a heart condition in Dulwich Hill in 1967. He was buried at Rookwood cemetery. Many Australian boxing stars attended his Catholic funeral. He was survived by his daughter.
Ron Richards' Boxing Legacy
Ron Richards' achievements in boxing are still remembered. In 2003, he was honored by being added to the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame. This shows how important he was to Australian boxing history.
Ron Richards' Professional Boxing Achievements
Ron Richards fought at different weights during his career. He fought as a middleweight and a light heavyweight. Here are some of the important titles he won:
- Queensland State heavyweight champion
- Queensland State middleweight champion
- Australian middleweight champion: 1933 and 1936-1942
- Australian lightweight champion: 1936-1938 and 1941
- Australian heavyweight champion
- Australian light heavyweight champion
- British Empire middleweight champion
