Jimmy Young

Jimmy Young may refer to:

See also

Jimmy Young (boxer)

Jimmy Young (November 14, 1948 – February 20, 2005) was a top American boxer who had his greatest success in the heavyweight division during the 1970s, most notably when he beat George Foreman and lost a disputed decision against Muhammad Ali. He fought many significant fighters of his era, including twice outpointing Ron Lyle and losing only by a split decision to no 1 contender Ken Norton in a title eliminator.

Professional career

Early fights

Inexperienced in only his 11th professional fight, Young was matched against contender Earnie Shavers, who had a 42-2 record at the time and suffered his first KO loss. Young had tried trading blows and been caught by one of the divisions hardest punchers early on. Shavers was infamous for his overwhelming early attacks. They would rematch however.

After this Young learnt fast and went undefeated for three years which included a win over contender Ron Lyle and a controversial draw in a re-match with Earnie Shavers (many observers scored the bout for Young). It would not be the last time Young lost a decision in a big fight. He had worked better on defense against this known devastating hitter. It was still enough to earn him a title fight with Heavyweight Champion of the World Muhammad Ali.

Jimmy Young (disc jockey)

Sir Leslie Ronald "Jimmy" Young CBE (born 21 September 1921) is a British singer, disc jockey and radio interviewer.

Early life

Young was born in Cinderford, Gloucestershire. The son of a baker, he attended East Dean Grammar School. After his parents divorced in 1939, he left for South Wales to think about his future. While there, on 3 September 1939, he decided to join the Army at the large base opposite the house he was staying in. Being a Sunday, he went in to be welcomed by the smell of warm breakfast, which he ate after declaring he wished to join. He was unaware, however, that such good food was only eaten on Sundays. When asked his age, he replied that he was 17, to which he was told to come back in three weeks at the age of 18. Young then left the barracks and walked down the road to the RAF base and asked to join. After declaring himself as 18, he stayed there until 1949 with the rank of sergeant PT Instructor.

Singing career

Young was signed to the then new label Polygon Records in 1950, one of the label's few stars alongside another newcomer, Petula Clark. He released numerous records on the label, all conducted by Ron Goodwin, the biggest seller of which was "Too Young" (1951) a big sheet music seller in the days before the UK Singles Chart had begun. It was a cover of Nat King Cole's American recording. There were also two duets with Petula Clark that year, "Mariandl" and "Broken Heart".