HISTORY: Jerry Quarry (May 15, 1945 - January 3, 1999), nicknamed "Irish" or “The Bellflower Bomber,” was an American heavyweight boxer. Quarry was rated by Ring Magazine as the most popular fighter in the sport, 1968–1971, and was one of the biggest stars of arguably the greatest era in the history of the heavyweight division. In his career Quarry fough Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier (twice each), Earnie Shavers, Thad Spencer and Floyd Patterson. Jerry Quarry was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995. He attended the ceremony with the help of one of his brothers but as a TV documentary showed he seemed barely aware of the events, the dementia already being severe. His professional record was 53-9-4 with 32 KOs. He had been lauded by countless younger boxing stars as a true star of the sport and an inspiration. Said Joe Frazier: "A very tough man. He could have been a world champion, but cut too easily." His brothers Mike Quarry (deceased) and Bobby Quarry also were pro boxers. Mike lost to Bob Foster by knockout for the world light heavyweight title in 1972, but defeated several top light-heavyweights including Mike Rossman. Bobby fought 23 times as a professional heavyweight, once losing to high-ranked 1990's contender Tommy Morrison. Quarry was hospitalized with pneumonia on December 28, 1998 and then suffered cardiac arrest. He never regained consciousness and died on January 3, 1999. He is interred at Shafter Cemetery in Shafter, California. Offered here is an original souvenir of Jerry Quarry dating to the 1960's.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, illustrated, souvenir pin of Jerry Quarry. Pictures him with shamrocks and worn as his No. 1 Fan. Bold color and print. Bold, clear image. Pin firmly attached to back. Generally clean. Has some minor toning. No dents, but one compression. Light rust on back. 4" diameter.
