Known for his wild style and toughness, he was the world light heavyweight champion from 1948-1950.
He began boxing when he got a pair of boxing gloves at age 11, and began fighting his brother.
During his career he compiled a record of 76-18-7, with 49 of his wins coming by way of knockout.
He married Marie McCorkindale on September 30, 1948, and had two children with her.
Fellow boxer Henry Cooper was a pallbearer at his wedding.
