Who Is Archie Moore? Age, Biography and Wiki
Archie Moore, born on December 13, 1913, in Benoit, Mississippi, was an iconic American professional boxer who went on to become one of the greatest light heavyweight champions in history. Known as "The Old Mongoose," Moore's illustrious career spanned over two decades, showcasing his exceptional skills in the ring. He passed away on December 9, 1998, but his legacy continues to inspire many in the world of boxing.
Age in 2025: While he is not with us today, if Moore were alive, he would be 111 years old.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1913 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Benoit, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 9 December, 1998 |
| Died Place | San Diego, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Archie Moore's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Moore fought primarily in the light heavyweight division, typically weighing around 175 lbs (79 kg).
- Reach: 75 inches (191 cm)
These measurements played a significant role in his success as a fighter, allowing him to utilize both speed and power in his bouts.
"The Mongoose" received two cracks at the heavyweight championship of the world. On September 21, 1955, Moore faced future Hall of Famer Rocky Marciano at New York's Yankee Stadium. The fight was originally scheduled for September 20, according to Trilogy Book. It was in this fight Archie came closest to wearing the belt.
A Moore surprise right hand in the 2nd round sent Marciano down for the second and final time in his career, setting the stage for a legendary battle, but also creating controversy as far as shared memory. In subsequent years Moore made much of Referee Harry Kessler's handling of the pivotal moment.
A half-decade on, in Archie's autobiography, The Archie Moore Story (1960), he describes in detail the referee, though Rocky arose at "two", continuing a superfluous mandatory eight-count: "...Kessler went on, three, four.
The mandatory count does not apply in championship bouts (1955)...My seconds were screaming for me to finish him and I moved to do so, but Kessler...carefully wiped off Rocky's gloves, giving him another few seconds...he gave him a sort of stiff jerk, which may have helped Rocky clear his head." Moore admits to being angry enough at what he saw as
interference, he went recklessly, "blind and stupid with rage", going for the knockout, toe-to-toe.
This resentment toward referee Kessler appears only to have grown more entrenched. By the time of a recorded interview with Peter Heller, in October, 1970, Archie had this to say: "(Kessler) had no business refereeing that match because he was too excitable.
He didn't know what to do...He grabbed Marciano's gloves and began to wipe Marciano's gloves and look over his shoulder...I'll never forget it. It cost me the heavyweight title."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Archie Moore was married to his lifelong partner and supportive spouse, an influential figure in his life. While specific details about his romantic life before marriage are sparse, it is well known that his family was a source of inspiration and strength throughout his boxing career. The couple had children, though specific names and details remain private.
His father abandoned the family when Archie was an infant. Unable to provide for him and his older sister, his mother gave them into the care of an uncle and aunt, Cleveland and Willie Pearl Moore, who lived in St. Louis. Archie later explained why he was given their surname: "It was less questions to be called Moore."
Net Worth and Salary
Archie Moore achieved significant financial success during his boxing career. At the time of his passing, his estimated net worth was around $5 million. This came from not only his prize fights and boxing exhibitions but also from endorsements and later ventures promoting the sport. In today’s equivalent (2025), his legacy continues to generate income through memorabilia, films, and books about his life and career.
Career, Business and Investments
Archie Moore began his professional boxing career in 1936 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the light heavyweight champion in 1952. He held the title for an impressive 9 years, defending his title against many formidable opponents.
After retiring from boxing, Moore transitioned into business, becoming a promoter and trainer, where he continued to influence the boxing world. Furthermore, he reportedly invested his earnings in real estate and various ventures that allowed him to sustain a comfortable lifestyle long after his boxing days were over.
Archie Moore (born Archibald Lee Wright; December 13, 1913 – December 9, 1998) was an American professional boxer and the longest reigning World Light Heavyweight Champion of all time (1952 – 1962). He had one of the longest professional careers in the history of the sport, competing from 1935 to 1963.
Nicknamed "the Mongoose", and then "the Old Mongoose" in the latter half of his career, Moore was a highly strategic and defensive boxer. As of December 2020, BoxRec ranks Moore as the third greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time.
Social Network
Although Archie Moore did not engage in social media as we know it today, his legacy is kept alive through various platforms that celebrate sports history. Fans often share stories, photos, and memories of his achievements. Documentaries and boxing history groups frequently honor his contributions, ensuring that new generations learn about this legendary fighter.
The captain of the camp permitted him to organize a boxing team, which competed in Golden Gloves tournaments in southern Missouri and Illinois.
Many of his fights occurred in a racially charged atmosphere; he later described one of them, against a white boxer named Bill Richardson in Poplar Bluff:"I knocked him down with a volley of head punches about one minute into round one. His brother ... was the referee. He was furious at me and told me to keep my punches up.
Since I had been hitting Bill in the head I would have missed him altogether if I threw my punches any higher. But the referee said I had fouled him. ... I got steamed at this and offered to fight [the referee], too. I resolved not to hit Bill any place but his head. ...
In the second round I dropped him with a left hook that spun his head like a top. ... I heard a man at ringside say, 'For two cents I'd shoot that nigger.'"
Education
Archie Moore's education was somewhat overshadowed by his boxing career, but he was known for his intelligence and strategic thinking in the ring. His time in the military during World War II also played a crucial role in shaping his character. Moore later used his experiences to mentor young boxers, emphasizing the importance of both physical prowess and mental discipline in the sport.
He attended segregated all-Black schools in St. Louis, including Lincoln High School, although he never graduated. His uncle and aunt provided him with a stable upbringing, but after his uncle died in a freak accident around 1928, Moore began running with a street gang.
One of his first thefts was a pair of oil lamps from his home, which he sold so that he would have money to buy boxing gloves. He later recalled of his stealing: "It was inevitable that I would be caught. I think I knew this even before I started, but somehow the urge to have a few cents in my pocket made me overlook this eventuality".
After he was arrested for attempting to steal change from a motorman's box on a streetcar, he was sentenced to a three-year term at a reform school in Booneville, Missouri. He was released early from the school for good behavior after serving twenty-two months.
