Guyanese boxer
Cleveland Denny (died July 7, 1980)[1] was a Guyanese boxer.
Amateur career
Denny represented Guyana as a lightweight at the 1976 Olympic games. He did not compete due to his country boycotting the event over the inclusion of New Zealand. Denny technically had a first round bye, and lost to Bogdan Gajda of Poland on a walk-over.
Pro career
Denny turned pro in 1976, fighting out of Montreal, and remained unbeaten in his first 11 pro fights, including a win over Jean LaPointe in 1977 for the Canadian lightweight title. He lost the belt the following year to Gaetan Hart by split decision. In a 10-round rematch on June 20, 1980, Denny was knocked out with 12 seconds left in the final round. [2] Sportswriter David Johnston of the Gazette of Montreal wrote that "Late in the 10th round, Hart caught Denny with an uppercut as he pulled away, and charged in with a series of punches that shook his opponent. By the time Denny had slumped back against a ring post, the 67-year-old referee, Rosario Bailargeon, made a motion to stop the fight, but hesitated. Hart rushed past and hit Denny with about five more punches, sending him to the canvas, his jaw locked on his mouthpiece."[1]
Death
Denny died from injuries sustained in the bout with Hart in Montreal, 17 days after the fight.[3] This match was on the undercard of the first Sugar Ray Leonard-Roberto Durán fight. Following his death, Denny's widow filed a lawsuit against Hart, the Montreal Athletic Commission, the Olympic Installations Board, and others.[4]
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