Jimmy Glenn dead aged 89: Boxing legend and iconic New York bar owner passes away after brave coronavirus fight
BOXING legend and iconic New York bar owner Jimmy Glenn has passed away aged 89 after a brave fight against coronavirus.
The former cut man to heavyweight Michael Spinks contracted the deadly COVID-19 bug before being hospitalised in April.
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He was reported to be on the mend and did not require a ventilator.
However, it has now been confirmed that Glenn has sadly died.
Glenn boxed as an amateur in the 1940s as a welterweight and middleweight. He retired with a 14-2 record even fighting, but losing, to the great heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson.
Glenn – who once trained and sparred with Muhammad Ali – then opened a gym in Times Square in the 1970s but the building was demolished in the mid-1980s
In 1971 he created his now iconic Jimmy’s Corner bar, which is also located in Times Square, and has boxing memorabilia covering the walls.
Promoter Lou DiBella tweeted: “My heart is broken right now. Jimmy Glenn was more than a friend to me, he was my family.
“Along with my late Dad, Jimmy was the best man I have ever known.
“He was a source of unconditional love and support in my life for 30 years.
“Jimmy was an icon and a legend in NYC, not because he was a giant in boxing or because he owned an incredible pub, but because his heart was giving, pure and boundless.
“There are literally COUNTLESS people that Jimmy touched who are grieving right now.
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“Thanks to Adam for being an incredible son and for sharing your Dad with us. Thanks to all of Jimmy’s family for the same.
“Every single time I saw Jimmy he’d tell me that he loved me… every time.
“I loved him more… and forever. Goodbye my dear friend. Rest in power, Jimmy.”