George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, 70’s Boxing & More – Jack O’Halloran Talks Part I
Exclusive Interview by Geno McGahee
(Interview conducted in 2007)
“I was given a good talent and I never really took care of it.”—Jack O’Halloran
Most people know Jack O’Halloran from his movie career. His portrayal of the mute super villain “Non” in Superman and Superman II may be his most memorable performance, but before he was fighting the “Man of Steel,” he was in the boxing ring, facing some of the biggest names that the pugilistic world has ever seen. In 1966, the journey would begin, and O’Halloran would destroy Joe Pinto in one round. At a towering 6 feet, 6 inches, and weighing in typically in the 240 pound range, O’Halloran presented an imposing site and was a very promising heavyweight in a time that was considered the golden age for the division.
In his first sixteen professional bouts, he compiled a record of, 15-0-1, 7 KO’s, and had the size and durability to be a force in the division. He would lose a decision to the former European Heavyweight Champion, Joe Bugner, and then went toe to toe with the 2-Time Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman before it was stopped in the fifth round, in a questionable call. At the time of the stoppage, O’Halloran was actually ahead on the scorecards.