Burley Gibbs

BOXING

Born on April 13, 1921 in Brooklyn, New York.

“TNT Kid" Gibbs became lineal champion in 1943 after defeating reigning word champion Gary Lindlord. His meteoric rise to fame saw him hold on to the championship belttor 5 consecutive years, despite his rivalry with Lindford. Tension between the two contenders reached Its peak on September 28, 1948 when Gibbs bit off a part of Lindford's lower lip, a foul that resulted in a two-year suspension.

Although he eventuall returned to the ring, he was never the same again. In spite of having amassed a considerable fortune in his day, he filed for bankruptcy in 1951.