2011 Inductee – Athlete

2011 Inductee – Athlete

Jesse Elroy “Roy” Mitchell (1903-1951)

Bridgetown’s Roy Mitchell was one of Nova Scotia’s, and Canada’s, finest boxers. Born in 1903 to parents Annie (Clements) and Elias Mitchell, he spent his early childhood on the family farm in Upper Granville. The Mitchell family consisted of four boys and eight girls.

Roy’s sister, Hazel, recalls when he and their older brother, Harold, used to spar in Roy’s bedroom and do exercises. Roy was very concerned about his diet and worked out regularly, a regimen that was years ahead of its time.

Roy was perhaps inspired to enter the ring by hearing stories of his relative, George Dixon. George Dixon, born in Africville, was the first black world champion in any weight class. Known as “Little Chocolate”, he was also the first ever Canadian born boxing champion.

Roy himself was known as one of the heaviest hitters in boxing and one reporter felt that Roy had a punch that could only be equaled by Jack Dempsey. In Maritime bouts, Roy scored many knockouts, to the point where opponents were increasingly hard to find. Competing further afield, he defeated the best boxers in Canada in his weight class. Roy had equal success in the United States and was sought by many of the best managers in the game.

In 1924 Roy Mitchell won the Maritime Provinces Heavyweight Championship.

The most productive year of Roy’s career was 1925. During that time he knocked out Hector Nolan, the Western Canadian Champion. Originally from Cape Breton, many of Nolan’s supporters felt that he would beat Roy. The fight only went four rounds and Roy was victorious. He defeated Dan Boyd of Boston and went on to victory over Jack Reddick of Toronto to win the Canadian Light Heavyweight Championship.

In 1926, Roy Mitchell was defeated by Mike McTique, in Halifax, before a capacity crowd. It was a ten round decision bout.

In 1928, Roy defeated Vic MacLaughlin, a tough and rugged fighter from New York.

Roy Mitchell’s boxing career spanned a twelve-year period. This native Nova Scotian was also known for his strength and stamina and was never counted out in any match.

He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

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