Talk:Jerry Quarry

did he every fight in a championship bout? How many times? against whom? Were they close? Kingturtle 02:58 May 8, 2003 (UTC)

He lost to Jimmy Ellis for the vacant WBA's world Heavyweight title that Muhammad Ali had left vacant, and lost by a unanimous 15 round decision. While most of the public did not recognize it as a world championship bout in view that they still believed Ali to be the true champion, it was, nevertheless, still a world championship bout.

Antonio Catch me cause you can Martin

The basics on Jerry Quarry

Here's some basic info on boxer Jerry Quarry that make him one of the sport's most interesting figures ever. First, Jerry Quarry is considered by most boxing experts to be the greatest heavyweight ever not to hold the title, and better than more than a few heavyweight champions. Born in California in 1945, JQ was raised in the sport by his former-fighter dad from the age of five. While Jerry showed remarkable athletic ability in a number of other sports throughout his youth, boxing was the family sport, and would also make a world-title contender out of younger brother Mike at 175 lbs. in the 1970's. The Quarry family was well-known for their enthusiasm and tight-knit support for both Quarrys. Jerry came to prominence in 1965 when, at just 195lbs., he won the National Golden Gloves by knocking out ALL of his opponents, a feat never before or since duplicated. Rushed into a pro career after that, Jerry had fourteen matches in 1965, but no losses. Jerry's talent was his legendary chin, impressive power and quickness in both hands, and ring savvy and experience beyond his years. He developed a big left hook, could counter or lead with his right hand very well, and was a vicious body puncher. He was just 21 when he got his first loss in 20 fights to veteran Eddie Machen in 1966. Jerry bounced back with a slew of victories before a controversial draw to former champ Floyd Patterson, who many thought Jerry beat. That year, Cassius Clay was stripped of the W.B.A. belt and a tournament was set to name a new champion. Top contender Joe Frazier accepted another version of the title and did not participate. A rising contender, Jerry was named to the tournament and would blossom during it to become it's star. Paired with Patterson again in a rematch, Quarry became a national sensation by dominating the former champ for the first seven rounds with multiple knockdowns. He hung on down the stretch to win a decision, and showed skill as a counterpuncher with few peers. Next he met tournament favorite Thad Spencer, a top-five contender before Clay was stripped. The 6-2 210lbs. Spencer gave the 6-0 195lbs Quarry very little respect. In a shocking upset, the tougher quicker Quarry thoroughly dominated Spencer en route to a knockout. Jerry Quarry became the most popular fighter in America overnight, with NY Times columnist Dave Anderson writing that the blonde, handsome Quarry "had come to save boxing". Jerry's popularity would also get him parts as an actor in several TV shows of the day. Favored to beat Jimmy Ellis for the W.B.A. title, Jerry hurt his back in training and could not pressure the elusive, jabbing Ellis enough to win, a surprising disappointment to many. Joe Frazier would easily KO Ellis to unify both belts, and was aware of Quarry's injury. In 1969, he gave Jerry a shot at the title, which would be called the Fight of The Year. Amazingly, Quarry came off the stool to chase the feared Frazier to win the fight's first two action-packed rounds. But Frazier would comeback to pound and cut Quarry before the fight was stopped. Despite taking Frazier's best punches for seven rounds, Quarry never went down. Quarry would be part of history again when Clay, now known as Muhammed Ali, came back from his exile that same year. Jerry showed the abilty to seriously challenge the rusty Ali but was cut again early and the fight was stopped. Considered by many a hyped "White Hope", Quarry was never again seriously considered for a title shot despite several memorable victories against top contenders. Quarry remained popular in the 70's for his ability to upset bigger, stronger black contenders, among them stars such as Buster Mathis, Mac Foster, Earnie Shavers and Ron Lyle. Jerry rarely weighed more than 200 lbs. for these matches, often giving 15+ pounds plus height and reach to the other fighter. He fought future champ Ken Norton on just two weeks notice and nearly knocked him out before again losing due to cuts. Quarry was also famous for sparring with nearly every top heavyweight of the early 70's. Legendary manager Gil Clancy called Jerry "the best gym fighter I ever saw". Jerry Quarry is the only man ever to earn a rematch from both Joe Frazier and Muhammed Ali, a remarkable compliment. He was ranked in the Top Ten by Ring Magazine from 1967 to 1975, twice reaching #1 contender. Joe Frazier said of him, " he probably would have been world champ if he didn't cut so easy". Former champ George Foreman admits to dodging Quarry because of his strong chin and outstanding boxing and counterpunching ability, even though George outweighed Jerry by 25 pounds. Retiring after the Norton fight in 1975, Quarry remained very popular in the fight game, before succumbing to injuries and illness common to boxers in 1999. Jerry's friends and fans includes a virtual Who's Who in the world of politics, business and entertainment. Today, Jerry still has a legion of fans and remains a legend. Ring Magazine has named Jerry among the top thirty heavyweights of the 20th Century, even though today, Quarry would fight in the cruiserweight ( 200lbs. ) division and would likely be it's champ. Announcer Don Dunphy may have said it best, " a great guy who only lost to the very best".

Jerry's losses

It's important in looking at Jerry Quarry to see who he lost to. He had 53 career wins and 9 losses. Of the 9 losses, four were to Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier total ( two each )and Ali and Frazier would tell you they were tough wins for them. He lost once early to Eddie Machen. He lost to Jimmy Ellis, but was injured for the fight. No boxing writer I know considers Ellis better than Quarry all-time. He lost to Ken Norton late in career, but had taken the fight on two weeks notice and nearly won. The George Chuvalo loss was a robbery, he was clearly winning the fight, was not hurt, and was told he rose late after a flash knockdown. He had one loss after the age of 40 which says nothing of his ability. Fact is, he fought and beat nearly every top guy available. While he probably would have lost to Foreman, I don't know who else in his career could/would have beaten him, other than Frazier and Ali. Ali clearly had him, but he nearly beat Frazier and might have beaten Norton if he had time or had met him earlier in his career. He did beat Floyd Patterson, a former world champ, and some very good contenders. All that considered, Jerry Quarry was not the much-hyped white hope many wrote him off as. He clearly was a big boxing talent on top of being one of his era's biggest stars.

Quarry vs. 2000 Heavyweights

While Quarry, who rarely weighed more than 200 lbs. in his prime, would not even be considered a heavyweight today, he could/ would beat many of today's top heavyweights. Why? Talent. Jerry put a lot of time in the gym building skills, gaining experience, learning his craft. This also why fighters like Roy Jones and Oscar De La Hoya are so great --- practice makes perfect. Jerry regularly gave up 3-5 inches in height/reach and 20 lbs. and beat the other guy by a mile. Fact is, he'd be an even bigger star today than he was in 1970. He would have a cruiserweight belt, and a pile of wins over larger, less-skilled heavies , all of them with half his heart and talent.