Devine, Harry

Harold G. Devine

Sport:
boxing

Country Represented:
United States

Years Competed:
1928

Medals Received:
bronze

Olympic Info:
Devine was a member of the United States boxing team at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, and had a fine showing in the featherweight division (126 pounds). After defeating his first two opponents, an Italian and a Finn, Harry faced Holland's Lambertus van Klaveren (the future European lightweight and middleweight champion as a professional) in the semifinal. Devine lost to his Dutch opponent (who went on to win the gold), but captured the bronze medal by defeating a Belgian named Biquet; only one other American boxer medaled at the Games.

Career Highlights:
Devine qualified for the Olympics in 1928 by winning the National AAU Championship in the featherweight division. He turned professional at the same weight after returning from the Olympics. Fighting exclusively in Massachusetts, he was knocked out by popular veteran Chick Suggs (who went 22-0-1 in 1924) on January 9, 1929. Three months later, the two boxers met again in Devine's hometown of Worcester and Harry won a ten-round decision. Devine then defeated Benny "Kid" Carter in a ten-round decision in June, 1929, before losing a ten-round decision to future European champ Maurice Holtzer in September.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. May 18, 1909 - d. April 29, 1998

Origin:
Worcester, Massachusetts

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