Curly Ray Fiddler – Athlete
Born Curly Ray Fiddler, boxing was a passion picked up early. He started boxing at age 8 with the Prince Albert Legion Boxing Club. In 1947 he won his first boxing title at the pee wee level. Curly Ray’s pee wee title was the start of a successful boxing career that could culminate in being the top contender of Canadian Heavyweight champion held by George Chuvalo.
Curly Ray defeated Tiger Macklin in Prince George, B.C. to become the Commonwealth champion in 1959. He followed that with the Saskatchewan Amateur Heavyweight title in 1962 beating Helmer Carlson in Melville. He also won the first of two most sportsmanlike boxer honours at this time.
Curly Ray also held the British Columbia Light Heavyweight champion and was the North West Pacific title holder beating Gordie Garson in Canwood.
Curly Ray successfully defended his Saskatchewan Amateur Heavyweight title in 1966 beating Andy Trak of Regina.
Curly Ray found success in the ring hiding a disability. He successfully hid the fact he had been blind in his right eye since age 9 after a bow and arrow accident. The accomplished boxer and coach faked doctor exams his entire fighting career so that he could continue boxing.
Curly Ray lost his final fight on June 10, 2007 to cancer.
