Barney Clarke

Barney Owen Angus Clarke (6 April 1927 – 8 March 1999) was a champion New Zealand light heavyweight boxer.[1]

Early life

Clarke was born in Auckland and was educated at St Peter's College, where he was a foundation pupil and where the sport of boxing was encouraged by the Christian Brothers so that the boys could defend themselves against bullying.[2] The school boxing championships were held annually, usually at the Municipal Hall, Newmarket.[3]

Boxing career

Clarke was New Zealand Amateur Light heavyweight champion in 1947 and 1948. On 23 May 1949, he became New Zealand Professional Light heavyweight Champion when he defeated Tommy Downes, on points, in 15 rounds, at the Dunedin Town Hall, before a crowd of 2000.[4] Clarke held the title (successfully defending it twice, against Downes and Ray Stevens, until 18 August 1949 when he was defeated by Ray Stevens at Wanganui, also on points in 15 rounds.[5] In his professional career, Clarke fought thirteen bouts, winning 6 (including one knockout) and losing six (one knockout), with one bout drawn.[6] Clarke's last professional bout was on 1 March 1952 at the Mangakino Domain, Mangakino.[7] During his career, Clarke's height was 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and he generally weighed about 73 kg (about 11.50 stone).[8]

Death

Clarke died on 8 March 1999, and his ashes were buried at North Shore Memorial Park, Albany.[9]

References
  1. Brian F. O'Brien, Kiwis with Gloves On: A History and Record-book of New Zealand Boxing, A H & AW Reed, Wellington, 1960, pp. 193, 198 and 252
  2. Father Peter Gherardi quoted in: Denis Edwards, Vows: Nuns and Priests Speak Out, Penguin, Auckland, 1997, p. 70.
  3. for example, "St Peter's College Boxing Championships", Zealandia, 20 November 1947, p. 13.
  4. "Title Changes Hands: Clarke outpoints Downes", Otago Daily Times, 24 May 1949, p. 6.
  5. Auckland Star, 19 August 1949, p. 5.
  6. Barry Leabourn and John Mitchell, The Story So Far: 100 Years of Boxing New Zealand, B. Leabourn?, Christchurch?, 2002, p. 52.
  7. New Zealand Herald, 3 March 1952.
  8. BoxRec - Barney Clarke (accessed 16 June 2010)
  9. "Barney Clarke". Find A Grave. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2017.
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