Thomas J. McCarey

(Redirected from Uncle Tom McCarey)

Thomas J. "Uncle Tom" McCarey (September 22, 1872 – January 31, 1936) was an American boxing promoter working in California who organized fights at Hazard Pavilion, Naud Junction, and Vernon Arena.

Thomas J. McCarey
Tom McCarey, 1913
Born(1872-09-22)September 22, 1872
Illinois, U.S.
DiedJanuary 31, 1936(1936-01-31) (aged 63)
St. Vincent's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other namesT. J. McCarey, Uncle Tom, Silent Tom
OccupationBoxing promoter
Years active1896–1914

History

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McCarey came to California in 1896 and was one of the two major boxing promoters in the state, along with "Sunny Jim" Coffroth.[1] McCarey's office was at "107 Spring street in Al Greenwald's cigar store".[2] One famous fight he organized was the Joe RiversAd Wolgast bout of 1912.[3][1] With the passage of California Proposition 20 in 1914, which banned professional boxing in the state, McCarey relocated to New Orleans.[4] His last fight had been a 20-round match between Joe Rivers and Johnny Dundee; he did not return to the sport even when boxing was relegalized in 1924.[1]

According to his obituary in the Los Angeles Times, McCarey "never wavered from his belief that Jack Johnson was the greatest fighter who ever lived."[1] His sons Leo McCarey and Ray McCarey were notable Hollywood directors.[5][6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Sports World Mourns Uncle Tom's Passing". The Los Angeles Times. February 2, 1936. p. 28. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  2. ^ "Cauliflower Alley Notes". The Los Angeles Times. February 4, 1936. p. 29. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  3. ^ "Where Are They Now? No. 36". The Los Angeles Times. August 9, 1936. p. 35. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  4. ^ "Uncle Tom to Hold Fights in New Orleans". The Los Angeles Times. December 7, 1914. p. 17. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  5. ^ "Hollywood in Sport, Bill Henry - Handball Great Help to Leo McCarey". The Los Angeles Times. March 14, 1937. p. 30. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  6. ^ "Hollywood in Sport, Bill Henry - Ray McCarey". The Los Angeles Times. March 31, 1937. p. 32. Retrieved 2024-08-14.