Quick Facts
Biography
Johnny Broome (Born: 14 March 1818; Birmingham, England - 31 May 1855; England) was a lightweight bare-knuckle boxer.
Broome was a gifted pugilist known as "Young Duckro." He was never defeated in the prize ring, and had a younger brother (Harry Broome) who became Heavyweight Champion of England. Johnny stood 5’ 6½" and weighed between 133 and 140 pounds.
Boxing career
Broome won the Lightweight Championship of England when he defeated Jack Hannan in Oxfordshire, England on 26 January 1841. The bout lasted 47 rounds and 79 minutes. Broome defended his title against "Bungaree, the Pugilist" on 27 April 1842 near Newmarket, England. Broome won in 42 rounds and 57 minutes.
Horse racing
In 1848 Broome accepted an offer to compete in the Grand National steeplechase at Aintree. On board an unconsidered outsider named Eagle, he got as far as Becher's Brook on the second circuit before falling.
Suicide
Towards the end, Broome's reputation was tainted with scandal, as he was associated to some dubious transactions and a card fixing fraud. On 31 May 1855 he walked into the kitchens of the Wrekin Tavern, at Bow Street, took a carving knife and cut his own throat. He bled to death and was buried at West Norwood Cemetery.
His younger brother, Harry Broome (1825–1865) was also a prize fighter.