Harry Matthews, 80; Boxer Won 61 Fights by Knockouts
- Share via
Harry “The Kid” Matthews, 80, a boxing contender in three divisions, died of heart failure Feb. 21 at a nursing home in Escondido.
Matthews, who fought from 1937 to 1956, compiled an 87-7-7 professional record with 61 knockouts. He competed in the middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. His career faltered after he was knocked out by Rocky Marciano in the second round of a 1952 fight in Yankee Stadium.
Growing up the son of a blacksmith and City Council member in Boise, Idaho, Matthews began taking boxing lessons at the age of 9 after he was picked on by a classmate. He was dubbed “The Kid” after his first professional fight at 14.
Matthews worked briefly as a sheriff’s deputy. He owned a tavern in Seattle and a rental equipment and welding business in Everett, Wash.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
