10 Top Facts about Legendary Boxer Archie Moore

Archie Moore circa 1950 ‘s pose Press Wire Photo Champion Boxer photo sourced from Wikimedia commons

10 Top Facts about Legendary Boxer Archie Moore

It goes without saying how illustrious Archie Moore was given that he participated in more than 200 boxing fights throughout his career. Nicknamed “The Mongoose” and “Old Mongoose” in the later part of his career, Moore was resilient in the course of his career as seen by the challenges he had to overcome to be a boxing champion. Moore remained tenacious throughout his career.

When they learned that he was going to be the next opponent in their line, his rivals would quake in fear of him. Even after Archie retired many years ago, the boxing community still holds him in high regard for his skilful display in the ring. Below are the top 10 facts about the Legendary boxer Archie Moore.

1. Archie Moore was born in Benoit, Mississippi

Born Archibald Lee Wright on December 13, 1913, in Benoit, Mississippi, Archie Moore competed as a professional boxer. He is the son of Lorena Wright and Thomas Wright, a farm worker and drifter. When Archie was a little child, his father left the family. His mother left him and his elder sister in the care of their uncle and aunt, Cleveland and Willie Pearl Moore, who lived in St. Louis since she was unable to care for them.

2. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933

Moore enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and began working for the forestry division at a camp near Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Archie resolved to become a boxer when he was attending this camp. He decided to utilize his employment at the camp as a means of training since he was motivated to succeed as a boxer. Moore formed a boxing squad that participated in Golden Gloves competitions in southern Missouri and Illinois with the camp’s captain’s approval.

3. Archie made his professional debut in 1935

1956 Press Photo Boxer Archie Moore Punching Bag At Midwest Gym Chicago photo by Associated Press – Wikimedia commons

In 1935, Archie Moore made his professional boxing debut, competing in 11 fights in San Diego. He embarked on a tour to Australia in 1940 as his career advanced. His tour was a success since he won all seven of his fights there, including six by knockout.

When he got back to the US, he participate in a bout and knocked out Pancho Ramirez. But Shorty Hogue outlasted him in a six-round decision. After four fights in 1941, Moore declared his retirement from boxing due to stomach ulcers. He took a year off before returning to the ring.

4. He won the World Light Heavyweight Belt in 1952

Archie Moore & Joey Maxim 1952 Press Photo Boxing Light Heavyweight Title Fight photo by United Press – Wikimedia commons

In 1946, Moore switched to the light heavyweight class. Even though he was defeated by future World Heavyweight Champion Ezzard Charles and defeated challenger Curtis Sheppard, he started griping that no boxing champions in the world would challenge him for their championships out of fear.

Eventually, in 1952, at the age of 39, Moore was granted the chance to compete against Joey Maxim for the title of World Light Heavyweight Champion. Moore eventually succeeded in realizing his ambition of becoming the World Light Heavyweight Champion after a gruelling contest and came out on top. This comes after a lengthy sixteen-year wait.

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5. He’s the longest reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion of all time

1958 Light Heavyweight Champion Boxer Archie Moore Press Photo sourced from Wikimedia commons

After defeating Maxim for the light heavyweight belt in 1952. The championship was successfully defended by Archie against several boxers throughout the years. From December 17, 1952, when he defeated Joey Maxim in 15 rounds in St. Louis, Missouri, until 1962, when he lost his title for neglecting to face Harold Johnson, the top 175 lb. (80 kg) opponent.

By this point, he had successfully defeated seven opponents while making nine championship defences. The duration of this tenure as the title ruler was 9 years, 4 months, and 24 days.

6. He’s the only boxer to have faced both Ali and Rocky Marciano

Black & White postcard of World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Marciano, circa 1953 photo sourced from Wikimedia commons

He is the sole boxer to have faced boxing superstars Ali, then called Cassius Clay, and the great Rocky Marciano. He was defeated in both fights. In his effort to capture the heavyweight belt against Rocky Marciano, he was knocked out in 1955. One of his final battles was against Muhammad Ali, who dropped him down in the fourth round in 1962.

Previously, Ali had gone to Archie Moore for training, but after refusing to undertake the duties Archie had assigned as a workout program, the two had a falling out and parted ways. Clay knocked Archie out in the fourth round.

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7. Archie had one of the longest professional careers

Archie Moore & Onyx Roach 1956 Press Wire Photo Champion Boxer photo by Leo Cohen – Wikimedia commons

Moore showed his abilities for the longest period, and his perseverance was evident over the years. When he retired, he had an overall record of 186 victories, 23 defeats, 10 draws, and one no-contest. That’s 220 matches over 28 years. He fought for 28 years of his life, a lengthy career as a boxer. He retained the light heavyweight belt for 9 years and knocked out 132 opponents in 220 fights, a remarkable feat.

His outstanding achievement, which outnumbers the number of battles he had, was how much he was able to accomplish in the latter phases of his career. By defeating Maxim at age 39, he set a record for the oldest boxer to win the light heavyweight title in history.

Read more about the legendary boxer George Foreman by clicking here. 

8. Moore founded Any Boy Can, a non-profit organization in 1957

Boxer Archie Moore & Eddie Hodges star in Huckleberry Finn 1960 Press Photo sourced from Wikimedia commons

Moore established Any Boy Can, a nonprofit organization with headquarters in San Diego, California, in 1957. No matter their age, colour, creed, religion, or country of origin, ABC offered assistance to anyone in need. Students learned confidence, respect, and excellent sportsmanship. Moore carried on using the principles and procedures of his ABC curriculum until his passing.

He served as a juvenile boxing teacher for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in the 1980s, mostly working in the ghettos of San Diego and Los Angeles. He was actively engaged in attempts to educate kids about the risks of drug abuse.

9. He ventured into acting in 1960

In the 1960 drama movie “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Archie Moore made his acting debut. Commercially, the movie did well. As an escaped slave called Jim, Moore played a significant role.

The 1964 movie The Carpetbaggers had him in a minor role. that also saw great commercial success. The TV movie “The Hanged Man” also featured him. Three more films starring Archie were released “The Fortune Cookie,” in 1966,” The Outfit,” in 1973 and “Breakheart Pass” (1975). He also made a cameo appearance as himself in the penitentiary II released in 1982.

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10. Archie died due to heart failure in 1998

In 1998, Archie Moore passed away due to heart failure. He was cremated and interred at Cypress View Mausoleum and Crematory, San Diego. Up until his demise in 1998, he was married to Joan Hardy since 1956.