Denny Moyer

Denny Moyer (August 8, 1939 – June 30, 2010) was an American boxer who held the world light middleweight title between 1962 and 1963. He finished his career with a 97–38–4 record.

Early life

Born in Portland, Oregon, Moyer attended Central Catholic High School and was the younger brother of Phil Moyer, another of Portland's finest professional boxers. Both Denny and Phil were trained as amateur boxers by their uncle, Tommy Moyer, who had been a national AAU boxing champion.

Early professional career

Moyer fought Don Jordan for the world welterweight title on July 7, 1959, after just 21 professional bouts, in his home town of Portland. Moyer was outpointed, making the world title shot his first defeat. He continued to box in the best company for two years, and then won the vacant light-middleweight title by gaining a points win over Joey Giambra. After two successful defenses, he lost the title to Ralph Dupas on points.

Sugar Ray Robinson bouts

Perhaps the most distinctive place in the history of boxing the boxing Moyer boys from Portland will hold is that all three boxed the famous Sugar Ray Robinson. Uncle Tommy Moyer lost to Sugar Ray in New York as an amateur. Denny Moyer fought Sugar Ray in New York twice as a pro, losing the first fight on points but winning the second by 7-3 scores on all three cards. Phil Moyer had his chance with the legendary Robinson in a bout in Woodland Hills, California. He too outpointed Sugar Ray, giving the Moyer family a very respectable 2 - 2 record against one of the sports most celebrated champions.