Albert Hughes, 70, Oldest Man to Win Professional Boxing Match
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
On December 14, 2019, super welterweight Albert Hughes Jr., who had 20 professional bouts experience under his belt, became the oldest man ever to win a professional boxing match, setting the Guinness Book of World Records entry in this category.
Hughes, 11-7-4 with six knockouts, Selma, Indiana, scored a second round knockout over winless Tramane Townes, age 43, 0-7, Indianapolis, Indiana, at Tyndall Armory in Indianapolis, December 14, 2019. The bout was a tribute to the son of Hughes, the late Al Hughes III, who had wanted his father to win one more comeback bout and set the record, who unfortunately died a drug overdose before his father could fulfill his wish to see his dad win one more time. At 70 years and 234 days old, Hughes became the oldest person ever to compete in a sanctioned professional boxing match, as well as become the first pro boxer to win at that age.
Hughes began his career as an amateur boxer at the Muncie, Indiana PAL Police Athletic League Club. After serving in the Vietnam War, Hughes returned to Indiana when his military service ended, and won the Indiana Golden Gloves in 1974. Al turned pro in April 1975, winning a four round decision in his pro debut over Jimmy Claar at the Convention Exposition Center in Indianapolis.
After winning a four round decision over Ernie Wicher at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Muncie, Hughes retired. In his first comeback attempt, Hughes lost a four round decision to Mike Pollitt in January 1983 at the Sherwood Club in Indianapolis. Hughes fought an exhibition on the same card as his son and daughter in 2006. Hughes, with 36 years between pro boxing bouts, and 40 years between pro boxing wins, probably set additional world records in the category of boxing as well.
Sadly, Hughes died in April 2021 at the age of 71 of a broken heart, still grieving, and never getting over the loss of his only son Albert Hughes III. His surviving daughter Amanda Moles spoke about her father at the time, explaining that “Dad was really deteriorating. He grieved himself to death. His dying breath was he didn’t know if he was going to get that record. He tried to hold on.” Hughes died only weeks before The Guinness Book officially certified his professional knockout win over Townes. He never knew during his lifetime The Guinness Book of World Records had certified his achievement in the ring as a world record, which surpassed Steven Ward, the previous record holder at 60 years and 337 days.
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