Harry Matthews, 80; Boxer Won 61 Fights by Knockouts
Harry “The Kid” Matthews, 80, a boxing contender in three divisions, died of heart failure Feb. 21 at a nursing home in Escondido.
Matthews, who fought from 1937 to 1956, compiled an 87-7-7 professional record with 61 knockouts. He competed in the middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. His career faltered after he was knocked out by Rocky Marciano in the second round of a 1952 fight in Yankee Stadium.
Growing up the son of a blacksmith and City Council member in Boise, Idaho, Matthews began taking boxing lessons at the age of 9 after he was picked on by a classmate. He was dubbed “The Kid” after his first professional fight at 14.
Matthews worked briefly as a sheriff’s deputy. He owned a tavern in Seattle and a rental equipment and welding business in Everett, Wash.
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