Packey McFarland

Patrick McFarland (November 1, 1888 – September 22, 1936), nicknamed "Packey" or "Packy", was an American boxer in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Despite an extraordinary winning record, he was unable to secure a match for either world title. The Ring Record Book and Boxing Encyclopedia as of 1936 "suggests" McFarland was the best fighter never to become a world champion.

Professional career

McFarland was born on November 1, 1888, in Chicago, Illinois. McFarland became a professional boxer on January 1, 1904 at the age of 15 by defeating Pete West. On February 21, 1908 he won a 10-round decision victory in Milwaukee over future lightweight champion Freddie Welsh that began his famous rivalry with the Welsh wizard. It was their third and final meeting, a 20-round bout at the National Sporting Club in London. Most observers believed McFarland clearly won, but the referee scored a controversial draw. The bout was for British recognition of the world lightweight title. McFarland never fought for another world title bout. On November 30, 1911 he won a hard-fought 20-round victory in San Francisco over Harlem Tommy Murphy. McFarland later called this one of the toughest fights of his career. It was McFarland's final professional fight. He came out of semi-retirement to face the defensive master "The St. Paul Phantom" in Brooklyn. Most reports called it a draw or gave a slight edge to McFarland. It was a tactical, chess-like match between two brilliant boxers. McFarland also managed his sizable investments and was director of two banks.

Death McFarland died at Joliet, Illinois, of a streptococcus infection which had attacked his heart.

Professional boxing record All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, unless otherwise stated.

Official Record

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

Unofficial record

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.