Quote:
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Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS
Harry Laing (1885-1894)
If anyone has more information or a picture of Harry Laing I would love to hear about it.
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IBRO boxing historian Mike Attree did a lot of research on Laing:
Harry Laing 1884-1894
BORN : 1861; Blenheim, New Zealand
(Early sources reported 1862; New Zealand)
DIED : April 12 1894; Fordell, New Zealand (railway accident)
HEIGHT : 5-9 (some sources report 5-11)
WEIGHT : 176-185 lbs
COMMENTS: Laing was a former Australian Heavyweight Champion and former
New Zealand Heavyweight Champion; His chest measured 40 inches;
The "New Zealand Referee" newspaper (5/11/1888) reported that
Laing was said to be a half-caste Maori; however, a report states
Laing's mother was born in Tasmania - a European - and his father
was a half caste or Spanish Mulatto; It seems that Laing had not
one atom of Maori blood.
Apr 11 -Laing was severely injured in a railway accident at
Fordell; Both legs were severed; He died at 12:45 a.m.
on April 12