Jerry Quarry (May 15, 1945 - January 3, 1999) was called by some the best heavyweight boxer to never win a world title. He was durable and smart ,had a good punch and legendary chin. His one flaw was cuts, which stopped some of his fights and hurt him in others. Jerry had a good left hook ,was a good body puncher and was a smart and quick counterpuncher. He was 6"0" and weighed 195 lbs. in his prime.
Quarry come to national attention by winning the 1965 National Golden Gloves at Madison Square Garden. He knocked out each of his opponents in the tournament, a feat never before or since matched. Quarry began his pro career in 1965 winning a decision against Gene Hamilton in Los Angeles, California. He had fourteen fights that first year alone, with no losses. His first loss came against respected veteran Eddie Machen in 1966, it was Jerry's 20th Fight, he was just 21 years old. He followed that loss with a slew of victories and became a ranked heavyweight in 1967. That year the W.B.A. (World Boxing Association ) had a tournament to replace Muhammed Ali, who had been stripped as champion. Quarry was named to the eight-man field and became it's star. He defeated former world champion Floyd Patterson and tournament favorite Thad Spencer to reach the final before being upset by Jimmy Ellis. Still highly ranked, he was given a title shot by Joe Frazier in 1969. Despite a tremendous performance, Quarry lost when that fight was stopped in round seven. Quarry would also fight Muhammed Ali when he returned to the ring in 1970. He did well enough to earn a rematch from Ali in 1972, but he lost both fights. He also lost a rematch to Frazier as well in 1973. Still, Quarry maintained his high ranking by defeating several top opponents 1970-1974. George Foreman refused to give Quarry a title shot, and said in later years he purposely dodged Quarry. Quarry also was a bit TV actor who appeared in several TV shows, and would retire to work for A.B.C ( the American Broadcasting Company ) in 1975. He had earned over $5 million dollars without ever being champion. Tragically, Quarry died suffering of pugilistica dementia, an aflliction that has effected many former fighters. He now has a foundation in his name to battle that disease. His brother, Mike Quarry, is a former boxer also, who once lost to Bob Foster by a knockout for the world's Light Heavyweight title in 1974. The well-regarded Foster called Mike, "the best fighter I ever fought", well in keeping with the Quarry family tradition.
Jerry Quarry's pro record was 53-9-4 with 33 KOss. It includes wins over Floyd Patterson, Thad Spencer, Ron Lyle and Earnie Shavers, all notable heavyweight boxers.
