Nickname: “The Baby-Faced Assassin”
Birthplace: Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
Weight Class: Lightweight / Welterweight
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Record: 54 – 11 – 3 (21 KOs)
Years Active: 1923 – 1936
Biography
Jimmy McLarnin was one of the most skilled and respected fighters of the 1930s, a two-time World Welterweight Champion whose career was defined by precision, intelligence, and tactical brilliance. Born in Ireland and raised in Canada, McLarnin turned professional at just 16 years old and quickly made a name for himself in the United States with his crisp punching and poise under pressure.
He captured his first world title in 1933 by knocking out Young Corbett III, lost it shortly thereafter to Barney Ross, and regained it in a rematch the following year. His trilogy with Ross ranks among the finest series in boxing history, showcasing McLarnin’s adaptability and grit. He also scored victories over legends such as Tony Canzoneri, Young Corbett III, and Sammy Mandell, cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
Nicknamed “The Baby-Faced Assassin” for his youthful appearance and lethal skill, McLarnin retired at the top in 1936 after defeating Lou Ambers, leaving behind a record and legacy of rare balance between power, defense, and ring IQ.
Jimmy McLarnin in the Hobby
McLarnin’s cardboard history reflects his global recognition during the early 1930s. His cards are beautifully crafted, primarily found in British tobacco sets that celebrated international champions at the height of boxing’s popularity.
Rookie & Early Issues
1933 – Churchman’s Cigarettes “Boxing Personalities” (UK): Universally recognized as McLarnin’s true rookie card. Issued during his championship rise, it features the signature Churchman’s portrait style and clear identification text.
1934 – Gallaher Cigarettes “Champions of Sport” (UK): Another key issue showcasing McLarnin as reigning world champion; the color lithography and design make it a collector favorite.
1938 – Carreras “Popular Personalities” (UK): Late-career card capturing McLarnin’s established champion status.
1948 – Leaf Boxing (USA): First major American appearance, honoring McLarnin as one of the premier welterweights of his generation.
Registry Metadata
Earliest Issue: 1933 Churchman’s Cigarettes “Boxing Personalities” (UK)
Rookie Year: 1933
First Mainstream U.S. Card: 1948 Leaf Boxing
Key Sets: 1933 Churchman’s, 1934 Gallaher, 1938 Carreras, 1948 Leaf
Known Variants: Minor color shade and text spacing differences between Churchman’s print runs; Leaf cards often exhibit edge flaking and miscuts
Grading Rarity:
- 1933 Churchman’s: PSA population around 55; PSA 7+ examples increasingly scarce
- 1948 Leaf: PSA population under 75; color chipping common, PSA 8+ rarely seen
Recent Notable Sales: - 1933 Churchman’s (PSA 8) — $2,100 (2024)
- 1948 Leaf (PSA 7) — $1,450 (2023)
Legacy
Jimmy McLarnin’s career stands as a model of consistency, courage, and class. He faced and often defeated the very best fighters across multiple eras, leaving no doubt about his greatness. His disciplined style, sportsmanship, and ability to retire as champion make him one of the most admired figures of his time.
In the hobby, McLarnin’s 1933 Churchman’s rookie is a staple of pre-war collecting, representing both his international fame and the artistic peak of the British cigarette-card era. To own one is to hold a piece of boxing’s most refined and competitive decade — the era of The Baby-Faced Assassin.
