Jerry Jerome (boxer)

In 1908 a Dalby citizen applied successfully for Jerome's exemption on the spurious ground that he was a ‘half caste’, in order to be removed from the controlled native listing, which would allow him to pursue a sporting career.

In 1912 Jerome fought Black Paddy, champion of Western Australia, which was possibly the first contest between two Aboriginal professional boxers.

In August 1912, in Brisbane to a crowd of five thousand spectators, Jerome defeated Black Paddy in a sixteen-round boxing match.

Jerome was the first Indigenous Australian to win a major boxing title — defeating Charlie Godfrey to claim the Middleweight Championship of Australia at Brisbane on 7 September 1912.

Jerome died on 27 September 1943 at Cherbourg Aboriginal mission penniless and is assumed to be buried at Murgon cemetery.

Reckless handling of his share of the purse resulted in the Chief Protector of Aborigines taking over control of his interests.

His biggest purse was £575 for his fight with David Smith at Sydney Stadium under the direction of Snowy” Baker, worth over $71,000 today.