Carl E. Morris

Carl Morris

Carl E. Morris (February 23, 1887 – July 11, 1951) was a professional boxer who was known as the Oklahoma Giant and the Oklahoma White Hope. He was a heavyweight fighting at 225–240 pounds. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall.[1]

Biography

Born on February 23, 1887, in Fulton, Kentucky. Carl Morris was a locomotive engineer prior to boxing. Despite being known as "the Oklahoma White Hope" Morris was part Cherokee.[2]

Morris began his career 7–0 with 7 knockouts, including a huge win against former heavyweight champion Marvin Hart. Like many white heavyweights in the era he was dubbed a Great White Hope. Morris went to the final bell with Fireman Jim Flynn and lost by newspaper decision. After draw with Jim Stewart, Morris lost the rematch, which caused The New York Times to report "a white hope exploded."[3] Morris was knocked out for the first time against Luther McCarty. He fought Jack Dempsey 3 times.

In later life he worked as a steam shovel operator. He died on July 11, 1951, in Pasadena, California, of cancer.[4]

References

  1. ^ Carl Morris, cyberboxingzone.com, accessed June 2010
  2. ^ "CARL MORRIS, NEW 'WHITE HOPE,' WINS: Cowboys and Indians Yell and Cheer When Mike Schreck Is Knocked Out". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  3. ^ "PASSING OF CARL MORRIS.: Oklahoma Giant Goes Home to Rest -- A White Hope Exploded". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Former Boxing Great Dies in California". United Press. July 12, 1951. Retrieved 2010-09-28. Funeral services will be held Friday for exheavyweight fighter Carl E. Morris whose career was at its ...


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