Name Lee Murphy Role Professional Boxer | Martial art Boxing Division Cruiserweight | |
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Lee Roy Murphy (born July 16, 1958 in Chicago, IL) is a former professional boxer.
Contents
Amateur career
Murphy had an amateur record of 157-17, winning the 1979 Light Heavyweight National Golden Gloves and earning a spot on the 1980 United States Olympic team. However, as the USA boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow due to political reasons, Murphy and the rest of his team were not allowed an Olympic berth. Murphy did however receive one of 461 Congressional Gold Medals created especially for the spurned athletes.
Professional career
Known as "Solid Gold", Murphy turned pro in 1980 and won the IBF Cruiserweight Title with a 14th-round TKO of Marvin Camel in 1984. He defended the title three times before losing the belt to Ricky Parkey in 1986. After the loss, Murphy's career drifted into obscurity with losses to Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1987 and Mike Evans in 1991. He retired after the loss to Evans, but launched a brief comeback in 1998, winning both of his bouts.
Personal
Lee Roy's brother, Kenny Murphy, was also a prizefighter and fought Fabrice Tiozzo for the WBA Cruiserweight Title in 1999.