Tommy Burns
A Vintage c.1940s original Still approx 6" x 8" very good condition, minor signs of ageing.
This item comes from a rarely seen private collection of Tommy Burns boxing memorabilia that I will be listing. Many of the photos have never been seen before and reveal a fascinating historical record of Australian Boxing.
Born Geoffrey Mostyn Murphy in the NSW north coast town of Mullumbimby on May 19, 1922, Tommy Burns had a career spanning 18 years and 77 fights. Tommy's first professional bought was at Wondai in Queensland at the age of 14. He adopted the name of the old-time heavyweight champion, Tommy Burns, in the hope that his mother would not learn of his boxing career.
His record was impressive with 62 times, 43 by KO. At 17, Burns had been unbeaten in 18 straight fights and the stadiums wanted to cash in on the handsome KO puncher by putting him into the main events. He began a succession of impressive victories in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne over such opponents Laurie Petersen, Ron Heron, Bill Hebbard, Vic Caltraux, and Jimmy Brunt.
Tommy Burns won the Welterweight title by beating Hockey Bennell. His bout with the American, O'Neill Bell has often been referred to as the greatest fight seen in Australia. A KO win over Eddie Marcus made Tommy Burns a contender for the world championship held by Sugar Ray Robinson. Tommy Burns is a member of the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame.
