"Irish" Jerry Quarry said it himself, "Always the bridesmaid, never the bride". Quarry had the "bad" luck that his professional boxing career occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, when the division was "packed" with some of the greatest heavyweights in history. Trained by his father, Jack Quarry, to be a boxer as a child. Jerry went on to capture the National Golden Gloves Amateur Heavyweight Championship, setting an amateur record by knocking out 5 straight opponents. Dubbed "The Great White Hope" (a title he hated), Quarry began his career with 20 straight victories. Known for an iron chin and a sledge-hammer punch, the handsome Quarry seemed destined for super stardom. However, as he himself admitted, his "Irish" temper got the best of him. A beautiful boxer-puncher when he desired, Quarry's temper got the best of him and he decided to go punch-for-punch with heavyweight king Joe Frazier . It was one of the greatest slugfests in history and Quarry was stopped on cuts. Jerry also came up short against three other world heavyweight champions - Muhammad Ali , Jimmy Ellis and Ken Norton . It was clear that he was born 10 years too soon. Even though Quarry defeated such top fighters as Floyd Patterson , Mac Foster, Ron Lyle, Ernie Shavers and Billy Daniels, he was unable to win the World's Heavyweight Title. He made an ill advised comeback in 1992 at 47 years old in Aurora, Colorado. He was brutally battered by club-fighter Ron Cranmer in losing a decision. A short time later, Jerry Quarry's life took a nose dive to a tragic and sad ending. A hard drinker, ladies man (he had three failed marriages), and countless beatings in the ring, all added up to cause Quarry to suffered from severe memory lapses. It was said he suffered severe brain damage, known as being "Punch Drunk". His money and fame gone, Quarry was cared for by his family. He died on January 3, 1999 way before his time at age 53. Jerry Quarry loved boxing. It sadly, didn't love him back.
As an amateur boxer knocked-out 5 straight opponents to win the National Amatuer Heavyweight Title.Defeated Buster Mathis who was 29-1 by 12 round decision.Defeated two-time world heavyweight king Floyd Patterson by 12 round decision.Fought World Heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali twice, Joe Frazier twice, Floyd Patterson twice, Ken Norton , and Jimmy Ellis.Made an ill-advised and unsuccessful comeback at the age of 47.Managed early in his career by his father Jack Quarry.Suffered from severe brain injuries (aka "Punch Drunk") in his late 40s and died as a result at age 52.Was undefeated in his first 20 professional bouts.Younger brothers Bob and Mike Quarry were professional fighters.Won a points decision over undefeated Ron Lyle who was 19-0 with 17 knockouts.Had 3 childrenJerry knocked out the then, British and Commonwealth champion, Jack.Bodell in round one (64 seconds)on the 16 November 1971.Both Jerry and his younger brother Mike, suffered from the rare medical condition known as pugilistica dementia, this is suffered by certain boxers who have taken far too many blows to the head during a fighting career.This used to be known in the past as punch-drunkenness.
The life and career of Muhammad Ali (1942- ) as seen chronologically in archival footage: Ali as a fighter, a personality, a political lightening rod, and a man. Boxers who fought him describe what led up to major fights and the matches themselves; they also offer personal revelations about their own lives: George Chuvalo's family losses, George Foreman's conversion, Ken Norton's gratitude, Ron Lyle's teaching, Earnie Shaver's encounter with the Klan, and Joe Frazier's good humor pack their own punch. The fighters talk about Ali's quickness, cunning, and recuperative powers - and how fighting him changed their lives.