Boone Kirkman

Daniel Victor "Boone" Kirkman (born February 6, 1945) is an American former professional heavyweight boxer. He was a Contender throughout his career and scored notable victories over Heavyweight World Champion Jimmy Ellis, as well as Top Contenders and Heavyweight Title Challengers Eddie Machen, Doug Jones, José Roman and Ron Stander. He also had fights against all-time greats such as Two-Time Heavyweight Champion George Foreman, World Heavyweight Champion Ken Norton, and World Heavyweight Title Challenger Ron Lyle, who was known for his brutal knockout power. He compiled a record of 36–6 with 26 knockouts.

Kirkman spent his entire career based in Seattle, Washington.

Early life Kirkman was born in Vallejo, California in 1945 to Oehm and Margarite Kirkman. His father, a naval officer, was stationed there at the time. When his father was discharged from the Navy, the family moved back to Renton, Washington, where Kirkman's grandfather initially settled.

His popularity exploded in March 1965 when he won the AAU Heavyweight Boxing national title in Toledo, Ohio. Following the event, he was signed by Seattle-area fight manager Jack Hurley. Kirkman assumed co-ownership of his family's pub; The Melrose Tavern, shortly after his signing. Between bar tending shifts, Kirkman incorporated training, and spent most nights punching a speed bag, entertaining spectators.

Later struggles (1974) On April 9, 1974, Kirkman fought Memphis "Al" Jones in what Kirkman considered a "tune-up fight". The Kirkman-Norton fight was stopped by the referee when Kirkman failed to answer the bell for the eighth round.

In September, Kirkman fought Ron Lyle (who suffered a narrow defeat to Ali the following year for the WBA and WBC titles), but lost again when the referee stopped the fight due to a cut on Kirkman's cheek.

Professional boxing record

Exhibition boxing record

Personal life After retiring from boxing at age 33, Kirkman became a Boeing delivery truck driver. He retired from Boeing in 2010.

Kirkman lives near Renton with his wife Teese, a retired nurse. The two have been married since 1988. He has two children from a previous marriage, Erik and Nina. He also has two grandchildren.

In his spare time, Kirkman enjoys hiking and mountaineering. He has scaled four of the five highest peaks in Washington: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Baker.