Reitman, Harold

Harold S. Reitman

An orthopedic surgeon in Florida, Reitman began fighting professionally at the age of 39, and briefly retired before making a comeback in 2000 at the age of 50. Nicknamed "Hackie," he fought as a heavyweight before retiring for good in December 2000

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 29, 1950

Career Highlights:
After an amateur career in the late 1960s, during which he was a Golden Gloves champion, Reitman began his professional career twenty years later in 1989. As a 39-year old orthopedic surgeon in Florida, Reitman had decent success early in his career, although finding time to train was very difficult. A heavyweight, he won seven of his first nine fights, including six knockouts in the first two rounds. He then fought very sparingly in the early 1990s, fighting only four times between 1992-1995. After defeating Alex Drayton in a four-round decision in May 1995, Reitman was then knocked out in the first-round by Peter McNeeley (McNeeley was Mike Tyson's first opponent upon Tyson's release from prison in 1995).

Following his loss to McNeeley, Reitman decided to retire from boxing and solely concentrate on being the senior surgeon and Chief Executive Officer of Orthopaedic Associates USA. A specialist in arthroscopic knee surgery, Reitman then made a comeback in boxing in the late 1990s. He fought once in 1998 (a draw with Fred Jenkins) and was inactive in 1999 before fighting four bouts in 2000 at the age of 50. He lost to Sam Brown in January and then defeated Billy Cunningham twice.

On December 15, he was knocked out in the first round by Kenneth Lunkins and immediately announced his retirement after the bout. Reitman said, "My trainer Tommy Torino said it's over, so it's over. I started boxing in the 60s. I've sparred with many world champions, including Roberto Duran. I was in great shape and I gave it my best. Now Tommy says it's enough. I can't believe it." Reitman returned to being a full-time surgeon, but retired with a respectable 11 wins in 23 career bouts.

Origin:
Plantation, Florida

Physical description:
209 pounds

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 11 (9 by knockout)
Losses: 7
Draws: 4
No contests: 1

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