Wilbert McClure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wilbert McClure |
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picture of Wilbert McClure from 1963
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| Statistics | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Skeeter | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rated at | Middleweight | |||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 6+1/2 in | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nationality | American | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | October 29, 1938 Toledo, Ohio |
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| Died | August 7, 2020 (aged 81) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stance | Orthodox | |||||||||||||||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Draws | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Wilbert McClure (born October 29, 1938 – died August 6, 2020) was a famous American boxer. He was known for winning gold medals. He won these medals in the light middleweight division. This happened at the 1959 Pan American Games and the 1960 Olympics. After his amateur career, he became a professional boxer. He competed from 1961 to 1970.
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Wilbert McClure's Life and Education
Wilbert McClure was not just a boxer. He was also a very smart person. In 1961, he earned degrees from the University of Toledo. He studied literature and philosophy. Later, in 1973, he earned a special degree. This was a doctorate in psychology from Wayne State University.
After his boxing career, McClure became a public servant. He worked as a state boxing commissioner in Massachusetts. This meant he helped manage boxing events. In 2012, he was honored for his work. This special recognition came from Harvard Law School.
McClure's Amazing Amateur Boxing Career
Wilbert McClure had a fantastic amateur boxing career. He was very successful before becoming a professional.
In 1960, he went to the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. There, he won a gold medal. He beat a boxer named Carmelo Bossi in the light middleweight final. This was a huge achievement for him and for the United States.
Highlights of His Amateur Boxing
- 1960: He was the U.S. Olympic trials champion in the 156-pound weight class.
- 1960: He won the National AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) championship at 156 pounds.
- 1959: He was named the "Outstanding Amateur Boxer" in the U.S.
- 1959: He won a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
- 1959: He was the National AAU champion again.
- 1959: He won the 160-pound Intercity Golden Gloves championship.
- 1958 & 1959: He was the 160-pound Chicago Golden Gloves champion.
- 1958: He won the International Diamond Belt championship in Mexico City.
McClure's Professional Boxing Career
Wilbert McClure was known as "Skeeter" in the boxing world. He started his professional career in 1961. He had some good fights, but he didn't fight for a major world title.
During his professional career, he faced some tough opponents. He fought against famous boxers like Luis Manuel Rodríguez and Rubin Carter. He even had one draw (a tie) with Rubin Carter. He also fought Johnny Pritchett. Wilbert McClure retired from professional boxing in 1970.
