ALABAMA KID

1914-1970

Clarence Olin Reeves – AKA ‘Alabama Kid’ was born in Concord, Georgia in 1914. He is reported as starting out in boxing under manager, Les Huffman when only 14 years old. Although his record states his first opponent was Mickey ‘Connon-ball’ Iler (at around 112 pounds) in July of 1928, there is mention of him having his first pro fight in February of that same year; that would have made him 13 years old at the time.

After engaging in around 100 fights, he was a ranked contender in world boxing, but grew tired of being avoided and sick of picking up small money on ‘black only’ cards all over the USA. An offer for a series of fights in Australia seemed like a good opportunity to reignite his career, earn some real money and, perhaps, propel him to a world title challenge.

In Australia, he hit the ground running, fighting 26 times in his first 14 months. He gained a huge following and was as popular for his sense of fashion and imperturbable demeanour as he was for his aggressive, free-swinging, southpaw style in the ring. Local manager, Harry Johns matches the ‘Kid’ against the best Australia has to offer and the Kid repays him by beating just about everyone put in front of him. However, he appeared to have out-stayed his welcome and had issues with the immigration department. Eventually, he is told he had to leave Australia and return home. Which he did – or at least he tried to.Booked on the RMS Niagara, he travelled to Auckland, New Zealand before continuing to the US. Two hours after departing Auckland, as the liner approached the ‘Hen & Chickens islands’ in the Hauraki gulf, the Niagara collided with a mine. Severely damaged, Niagara began to sink. All passengers and crew managed to survive, most without their belongings, some without even their trousers.

Stranded in New Zealand, the Kid was taken in by the local boxing fraternity and secured himself some clothes and a few paydays. He has two bouts in Auckland, with, Les Brander at the Town Hall; winning by KO both times. He was then offered a big fight opportunity with world-ranked Kiwi heavyweight, Morrie Strickland. The bout took place on Boxing Day, 1940 at the Show Grounds, Palmerston North; Geoff Watchorn was the referee. Despite being outweighed by 20 pounds, the Kid gave a good account of himself:

“In the seventh round there was a hot rally in the centre of the ring and the Alabama Kid back-moved and then swung back to land a perfectly-timed left hook to the solar plexus It. was a powerful blow, and Strickland collapsed on the canvas. He was up at the count of eight, but did not look strong. The Alabama Kid moved after him, but before he could get an opening the gong sounded. In the next round the Alabama Kid tried all he knew to finish off his opponent, but Strickland, regaining strength as he went, fought him. off.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24491, 27 December 1940, Page 6

The same news report stated that Strickland still held a lead after the 11^th round and backed the Kid into a corner near the close of the 12^th – and final – round. The win for Strickland appeared popular. What was less popular, was the Manawatu’s financial arrangements with the loser. Instead of the usual ‘fixed-fee’, the Kid was paid a percentage of the gate (a reported crowd of 5,000). The issue drew sanctions against the local association and a license revocation for the Kid.

With no prospect of further fights in New Zealand, the Kid contacted previous manager, Harry Johns in Melbourne and – in exchange for his pugilistic skills – and an offer of his services for the war effort – he secures a fresh visa and passage back to Australia.

30 plus fights later, the Kid again ran afoul of immigration for outstaying his welcome and for being “non-European”. His relationship with Harry Johns soured as the manager insisted the Kid continue to fight professionally, as well as taking part in Johns’ own business of a seasonal, travelling, boxing-tent troupe. When he returned to civilization, the Kid married a white Australian woman, with whom he had three children; all the time stalling the immigration department and their insistence that he leave the country.

The authorities used the ‘White Australia Policy’ against him. While taking part in a fight in NSW – his last of over 70 in Australia – the kid is arrested and held in a local prison while passage back to the US is arranged for him. Protests from the boxing fraternity, and the public in general, failed to have the desired effect and the Kid is eventually dragged from prison and bundled onto a cargo ship. As the ship left port, the Kid stood on deck, waving farewell to his wife and children and his home of 10 years. He would never to see any of them again.

Back in the US, the kid tried to earn a living at boxing, but age – and the hard miles on the clock – meant he was no longer a contender or even a serious threat; though he was able to beat Lee Q Murray and Arturo Godoy in his last couple of years. His final bout was in March 1950, in Akron, Ohio; a three-round TKO loss to O’Dell Riley. His final tally, after 22 years in the ring, was 297 fights – 208 wins (118 by KO) – 59 defeats and 23 draws. There are still bouts not listed in Alabama Kid’s ring record (mostly form his early career). Perhaps, when the counting is finished, he will be that little bit closer to Archie Moore’s all-time record of 132 knockouts.

Following his retirement from boxing, the Kid opened up a pool hall in Dover, Ohio and tried to get on with a normal life. While residing with his brother, Jasper, the Kid has a massive stroke and lapses into a coma. He hung on for a couple of days, but died in hospital on 22 April, 1970; aged just 56.

HO 2023