Thomas "Tommy" Jackson (August 9, 1931 – February 14, 1982), often known as "Hurricane" Jackson, was an American

professional boxer Professional boxing, or prizefighting, is regulated, sanctioned boxing. Professional boxing bouts are fought for a purse that is divided between the boxers as determined by contract. Most professional bouts are supervised by a regulatory autho ...

who competed from 1951 to 1961. In July 1957, he fought

Floyd Patterson Floyd Patterson (January 4, 1935 – May 11, 2006) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1952 to 1972, and twice reigned as the world heavyweight champion between 1956 and 1962. At the age of 21, he became the youngest boxer in hi ...

for the heavyweight championship. Jackson was noted for his stamina, bravery, and unorthodox style as a fighter. He was trained and managed by Whitey Bimstein. Jackson, who was said to implore a "wild, windmill attack" was known to throw a double uppercut, in which he held both hands together as he brought them up. While Jackson never won the Heavyweight title, he defeated some notable heavyweights, including tough contender Bob Baker and former champion

Ezzard Charles Ezzard Mack Charles (July 7, 1921 – May 28, 1975), known as the Cincinnati Cobra, was an American professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion. Known for his slick defense and precision, he is often considered the greatest light heavywei ...

, whom Jackson beat twice in 1955. In February 1956, he was ranked behind Light Heavyweight champion

Archie Moore Archie Moore (born Archibald Lee Wright; December 13, 1913 – December 9, 1998) was an American professional boxer and the longest reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion of all time (December 1952 – May 1962). He had one of the longest ...

as a contender for

Rocky Marciano Rocco Francis Marchegiano (September 1, 1923 – August 31, 1969; ), better known as Rocky Marciano (, ), was an American professional boxer who competed from 1947 to 1955, and held the world heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956. He is the onl ...

's heavyweight title. He fought two bouts with Floyd Patterson. In June 1956 he and Patterson fought in an elimination fight to see who would fight for the heavyweight championship left vacant by Rocky Marciano's retirement. Jackson lost a twelve-round split decision. In July 1957 Jackson fought Patterson again, this time for the heavyweight championship held by Patterson. Jackson lost in the tenth round by technical knockout. He fought on with limited success and had his final bout in 1960. After a few exhibition bouts in 1961, he retired, permanently leaving the ring. In his later life he worked shining shoes and as a taxi driver. While driving his cab in late 1981 he was hit by a car and was critically injured. He died in 1982 in New York City due to his injuries. Jackson was famous for bravery in the ring and at times taking much punishment. At one stage his license was suspended to help recovery.Pictorial History of boxing by Andre & Fleischer His overall career record was 34 wins (with 16 knockouts), nine losses, and one draw.

Professional boxing record

References

External links

Boxing recordSee Me For Dust: The Brief Stardom of Tommy “Hurricane” Jackson
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jackson, Tommy Boxers from Georgia (U.S. state) 1931 births 1982 deaths People from Sparta, Georgia Heavyweight boxers American male boxers American taxi drivers