Davey Moore

Davey Moore boxed as a bantamweight at the 1952 Olympics, losing in the quarter-finals. He turned professional in May 1953, defeating Willie Reece by decision in six rounds. Moore had a steady progression through the featherweight ranks, and from April 1957 through March 1960 won 18 consecutive fights. On 18 March 1959 Moore fought Kid Bassey for the World Professional Featherweight Championship and won the title, defeating him by TKO after the 13th round. Moore’s loss in 1960 was in a non-title bout and he defended his title successfully 23 times through 1963, including a re-match with Massey. He would end his pro career with 59 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw.

On 21 March 1963, Moore fought Sugar Ramos with the featherweight title at stake. It had originally been scheduled for July 1962 at Dodger Stadium but a torrential rainstorm hit the area, canceling the fight, which was postponed. In the 10th round, Ramos knocked Moore down, and his head whiplashed off one of the ring ropes and his head struck the canvas. Moore was declared loser by knock-out, although he was lucid and fully aware as he made his way into the locker room. In the locker room, Moore collapsed and went into a coma. He never came out of it, dying four days later.