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Fittingly on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2006, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission announced that they have granted their approval for South Philadelphia's Tommy Loughran, a proud Irishman and the former world light-heavyweight champion, to receive an official state historical marker. No other boxer in the state of Pennsylvania has ever received such an honor. PhillyBoxingHistory.com congratulates Tommy & the entire Loughran family. The great Tommy L is truly deserving. 

Born Thomas Patrick Loughran in 1902, Tommy began his boxing career in 1919 and reeled off 49 straight victories through 1922. Over the course of his legendary 18-year career he would win the 175-pound world title, battle for the world heavyweight crown, and defeat 10 fellow world champions. His final ring record was 109-30-11, with 25 No Decisions, and 17 KOs. Loughran possessed a classic fighting style built on the science and art of boxing rather than brute force, as his low knockout production attests. He was a popular and well respected champion, and has often been called Philadelphia's greatest fighter. 

Because Tommy was a dedicated and active member of his home parish of St. Monica's Roman Catholic Church, it has been decided that his marker will be placed in its vicinity, on 17th & Ritner Streets in South Philadelphia. The dedication ceremony will be held at 12:00 Noon

on July 7, 2006, the anniversary of Tommy's 1982 death.  

Credit for making this honor a reality must be given to Celeste Morello, a writer and historian from Philadelphia, who worked tirelessly through the arduous process of researching, writing, submitting, and campaigning for, Loughran's nomination. Without her efforts, this exciting and historic occurrence would not have come. Celeste asked this web site to become involved with the fund-raising and marketing of the event. We were thrilled to play a part.  Now that the money has been raised and the marker itself is being produced, we look forward to the dedication ceremony.  Please join us along with the Loughran family, local Irish bagpipers and some guest speakers.  Please come out to the dedication ceremony at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 7, 2006.  It will be a great day, honoring one of Philly Boxing's true immortals. 

 

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