Story posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Ex-Cop Publishes Story Of Boxer
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Mt. Prospect resident and former Des Plaines police officer Larry C. Burton recently published his first book entitled "Fitzie Fitzpatrick: The Irish Blockbuster."
The 55-year-old Mt. Prospect resident decided to write the book on his great uncle to let people know what an accomplished boxer he was.
"One day a while back, his daughter wanted me to copy a scrapbook of his, so as I started to print copies and put everything in order, I realized he had some history," said Burton. "At that point I realized I wanted to tell his story, so I began to contact people he knew."
Fitzpatrick was acclaimed by many boxing experts as one of the most thrilling battlers of all time, according to Burton. Fitzpatrick scored one of the world's quickest knockouts in ring history on Jan. 2, 1945 in Los Angeles, California, against Gregorio Gonzales.
During the 1940s, Burton said his great uncle, who resided in West Virginia, was ranked seven consecutive years as a top contender for the Heavyweight crown held by Joe Louis.
"He wasn't a big guy," said Burton. "He fought in 70 fights and recorded 31 knockouts with 18 of them occurring in the first round."
Fitzpatrick passed away at age 69 in August 1990.
Burton started writing in 2001 and it took him five years to complete the book. It was published at the beginning of this year.
"I won't know until July on how many books have sold but I think the book has been pretty active," said Burton.
Burton worked for the Des Plaines Police Dept. for 26 years as a patrolman and served as part of a tactical team in addition to various other responsibilities. He retired in May 2006.
Always interested in boxing and sparring a bit himself, Burton grew up in Park Ridge and went to Maine South High School and attended Triton College in River Grove.
Burton said he is thinking about writing another book called "Top Contenders", which reflects on fighters who never had an opportunity to fight in a title bout.
Since retirement from the police force, Burton stays busy by participating in a boxing class, playing golf, and attending auto shows.
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