Hilmer Kenty
James Kenty, also known as Hilmer Kenty (born July 30, 1955 in Austin, Texas) is the former WBA lightweight (135lb) champion of the world. He was selected a member of the All-American AAU boxing team for 1973, and was named the top lightweight amateur boxer in the nation in 1973 by the National AAU Boxing Committee.[1]
Early years
Kenty was raised in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Linden McKinley High school.
Amateur career
Kenty won the National AAU Lightweight championship in 1974 and 1976. He beat Aaron Pryor in the 1976 national A.A.U. Golden Gloves.
Professional career
Kenty turned pro in 1977. In 1980, Kenty captured the WBA Lightweight Title with a TKO over Ernesto España, becoming Emanuel Steward's first world champion, and the first world champion from Detroit since Joe Louis decades earlier.[2] Kenty and Thomas Hearns both won WBA belts together and became known as the Motor City Cobras. Kenty defended his belt three times before losing it to Sean O'Grady in 1981, and retired in 1984.
Professional boxing record
31 fights | 29 wins | 2 losses |
By knockout | 18 | 1 |
By decision | 11 | 1 |
References
- Boxing Results (UPI,) Cumberland Times, March 11, 1973, p. 41.
- Lindell, Lindy (2001). Metro Detroit Boxing. Arcadia Publishing. p. 91. ISBN 9780738518879. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
External links
Preceded by Ernesto España |
WBA Lightweight Champion 2 March 1980 – 12 April 1981 |
Succeeded by Sean O'Grady |