Thomas Jackson (August 9, 1931 – February 14, 1982), often known as "Hurricane" Jackson, was an American professional boxer who competed from 1951 to 1961. In July 1957, he fought Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight championship. Jackson was noted for his stamina, bravery, and unorthodox style as a fighter."For one thing, judges in the past have been impressed, perhaps more than they should have been, by Jackson's curious but relentless pawings and slappings, by his stamina and by his ability to confuse prizefighters trained to contend with orthodoxy." Sports Illustrated, July 29, 1957 He was trained and managed by Whitey Bimstein.New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame - Whitey Bimstein
Jackson, who was said to employ 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, whom Jackson beat twice in 1955. In February 1956, he was ranked behind Light Heavyweight champion Archie Moore as a contender for Rocky Marciano'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
ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes44Loss Hans KalbfellKO8 (10)Oct 1, 196043Loss34–8–1 Howard KingMD10Aug 22, 196042Win34–7–1 Jim O'ConnellTKO4 (10), Jul 21, 196041Win33–7–1 Howard KingTKO10 (10), Nov 5, 195940Win32–7–1 George LoganUD10Sep 3, 195939Win31–7–1 Solomon McTierTKO8 (10), Apr 24, 195938Win30–7–1 Eddie VickUD10Sep 15, 195837Loss29–7–1 Eddie MachenRTD10 (12), Nov 13, 195736Loss29–6–1 Floyd PattersonTKO10 (15), Jul 29, 195735Win29–5–1 Julio MederosUD10Dec 27, 195634Win28–5–1 Bob BakerSD12Sep 26, 195633Loss27–5–1 Floyd PattersonSD12Jun 8, 195632Win27–4–1 Johnny WilliamsTKO4 (10), Apr 13, 195631Win26–4–1 Bob BakerMD10Feb 3, 195630Loss25–4–1 Jimmy SladeSD10Oct 28, 195529Win25–3–1 Rex LayneTKO6 (10), Oct 7, 195528Win24–3–1 Ezzard CharlesUD10Aug 31, 195527Win23–3–1 Ezzard CharlesUD10Aug 3, 195526Win22–3–1 Jimmy SladeUD10Jun 27, 195525Win21–3–1 Archie McBrideUD10Apr 4, 195524Win20–3–1 Charles 'Kid' SaucerTKO3 (10), Mar 15, 195523Win19–3–1 Roy ThomasTKO5 (10), Mar 8, 195522Win18–3–1 Leo JohnsonTKO3 (10), Feb 17, 195521Win17–3–1 Keene SimmonsTKO6 (10), Nov 15, 195420Loss16–3–1 Niño ValdésTKO2 (10), Jul 14, 195419Win16–2–1 Charley NorkusTKO5 (10), May 28, 195418Loss15–2–1 Jimmy SladeUD10Apr 26, 195417Win15–1–1 Dan BucceroniTKO6 (10)Mar 29, 195416Win14–1–1 Clarence HenryUD10Mar 1, 195415Win13–1–1 Rex LayneTKO6 (10), Jan 25, 195414Win12–1–1 Archie McBridePTS6Sep 4, 195313Win11–1–1 Joe LindsayPTS6Aug 12, 195312Loss10–1–1 Bert WhitehurstPTS6Jun 30, 195311Win10–0–1 Joe LindsayPTS8May 1, 195310Win9–0–1 Bob GoldenPTS6Apr 20, 19539Win8–0–1 Elmo LincolnKO3 (6)Mar 31, 19538Win7–0–1 Roy ThomasPTS8Jan 3, 19537Draw6–0–1 Shirley PembletonPTS6Dec 12, 19526Win6–0 Jimmy DiLengePTS8Nov 27, 19525Win5–0 Phil AlstonPTS6Nov 4, 19524Win4–0 Jack JacobsPTS4Oct 21, 19523Win3–0 Gene BrixenKO4 (4)Sep 22, 19522Win2–0 Jimmy MiddletonTKO3 (3)Jul 29, 19521Win1–0 Terry HalpineTKO4 (4)Jul 14, 1952
References
External links Boxing record Sport: The Big Wind, TIME, June 7, 1954 Patterson By A Ko..., Sports Illustrated, July 29, 1957 See Me For Dust: The Brief Stardom of Tommy “Hurricane” Jackson