Clayton Orten KENNY

Canadian Clayton Kenny took up boxing after being hit by a drunk driver at the age of 14, despite warnings from his doctors not to strain his body with difficult physical activity. He soon became a provincial champion in both Quebec and Ontario as a lightweight and, after winning the national title in 1952, was selected to take part in that year’s Summer Olympics. There he defeated Denmark’s Niels Bertelsen in the opening round prior to his elimination from the tournament in round two, after losing to István Juhász of Hungary. Back at home he defended his national title twice and captained the Canada’s boxing delegation to the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, where the nation won two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals in the sport. He attempted to qualify for the 1956 Summer Olympics, but retired from active competition after breaking his hand during the national trials. He remained involved in boxing as a referee and was inducted into the Canadian Boxing, Greater Ottawa, Pennsylvania Boxing, and RA Centre Halls of Fame.