Barney Clarke
Encyclopedia
Barney Clarke is a former champion New Zealand
Light heavyweight
boxer.
and was educated at St Peter's College
, where he was a foundation pupil and where the sport of boxing was encouraged by the Christian Brothers
so that the boys could defend themselves against bullying. The school boxing championships were held annually, usually at the Municipal Hall, Newmarket.
, before a crowd of 2000. Clarke held the title (successfully defending it twice, against Downes and Ray Stevens) until 18 August 1949 when he was defeated by Ray Stevens at Wanganui, also on points in 15 rounds. In his professional career, Clarke fought thirteen bouts, winning 6 (including one knockout) and losing six (one knockout), with one bout drawn. Clarke's last professional bout was on 1 March 1952 at the Mangakino Domain, Mangakino
. During his career, Clarke's height was 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and he generally weighed about 73 kg (about 11.50 stone).
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
Light heavyweight
Light heavyweight
In boxing, the light heavyweight is a weight division above 168 pounds [12 Stone or 76.204 kilograms] and up to 175 pounds [12.5 stone or 79.38 kilograms]), falling between super middleweight and cruiserweight...
boxer.
Early life
Clarke was born in AucklandAuckland
The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...
and was educated at St Peter's College
St Peter's College, Auckland
St Peter's College is a Catholic college for year 7 to 13 boys . The school, located in Auckland, is one of the largest Catholic schools in New Zealand and is an integrated school under an integration agreement entered into by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland and the Government of New Zealand in...
, where he was a foundation pupil and where the sport of boxing was encouraged by the Christian Brothers
Congregation of Christian Brothers in New Zealand
The Congregation of Christian Brothers is a Catholic religious order which has been established in New Zealand since 1876. The order's particular charism is the education of boys and in New Zealand the order has been responsible for eight schools and has launched other educational...
so that the boys could defend themselves against bullying. The school boxing championships were held annually, usually at the Municipal Hall, Newmarket.
Boxing career
Clarke was New Zealand Amateur Light heavyweight champion in 1947 and 1948. On 23 May 1949, he became New Zealand Professional Light heavyweight Champion when he defeated Tommy Downes, on points, in 15 rounds, at the Dunedin Town HallDunedin Town Hall
The Dunedin Town Hall is a municipal building in the city of Dunedin in New Zealand. It is located in the heart of the city extending from The Octagon, the central plaza, to Moray Place through a whole city block. It is the seat of the Dunedin City Council, providing its formal meeting chamber, as...
, before a crowd of 2000. Clarke held the title (successfully defending it twice, against Downes and Ray Stevens) until 18 August 1949 when he was defeated by Ray Stevens at Wanganui, also on points in 15 rounds. In his professional career, Clarke fought thirteen bouts, winning 6 (including one knockout) and losing six (one knockout), with one bout drawn. Clarke's last professional bout was on 1 March 1952 at the Mangakino Domain, Mangakino
Mangakino
Mangakino is a small town on the banks of the Waikato River in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located close to the hydroelectric power station at Lake Maraetai, southeast of Hamilton. Its population in 2001 was 1257...
. During his career, Clarke's height was 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and he generally weighed about 73 kg (about 11.50 stone).