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Lew Jenkins was an
American boxer and
Lightweight
Champion of the World. He was born in Milburn, Texas and was
raised in
Depression-era
Texas. He began fighting in carnivals and the US Army ultimately
defeating
Lou Ambers
in
New York City
on May 10, 1940 to become champion.
Jenkins scored knockout victories over
noted fighters Lou Ambers,
Tippy Larkin,
and
Mike Belloise.
After winning the championship from Ambers Jenkins went wild,
spending his money on whiskey, women and cars. He rarely went to
sleep before dawn, drank recklessly and crashed several
motorcycles and cars.
On December 19, 1941 Jenkins defended
his title against
Sammy Angott.
Fighting with an injured neck he suffered from a motorcycle
crash, Jenkins was outpointed over 15 rounds. From then on he
lost more often than he won.
Jenkins served in
World War II,
serving in the United States Coast Guard where he participated
in troop deployment, and in the thick of several enemy fires
during the Allied invasions of North Africa and Europe. He was
reportedly involved in the
D-Day
invasion. Jenkins was decorated for gallantry and his actions,
including the Silver Star, and saved several men after they were
cut off behind enemy lines. When the
Korean War
broke out he re-enlisted in the infantry. |
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