Don McDonnell

Don McDonnell was a featherweight boxer at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. He won his first boxing title, the New South Wales flyweight crown, in 1949 when he was only 16. In 1951, still only 17, he won his weight class at the Canterbury Centenary Games in New Zealand. He then won the national title in December 1951, which gave him selection for the 1952 Olympics.

After the Helsinki Games, McDonnell stayed in Europe for a few months and then returned to work as a plumber. He was not chosen for the 1953 British Empire Games, which led to him turning professional. He fought as a pro from 1954 to 1958, winning 7, 2 by knockout, and losing 5 bouts. He fought exclusively in Australia and never had any title fights. He ended his boxing career in September 1958 after being knocked out by Alf O’Sullivan.