[NEW SERIES] HAL BATES AND ARCHIE MOORE

Famed boxer Archie Moore with Bob Walsh of ABC Radio (left), Hal Bates (right), and (Mrs. Archie Moore?).

Archie Moore (born Archibald Lee Wright; December 13, 1916 – December 9, 1998) was an American professional boxer and the Light Heavyweight World Champion (December 1952 – May 1962), who had one of the longest professional careers in the history of the sport. Nicknamed "The Old Mongoose," Moore holds the record for the most career knockouts (131). He ranks #4 on The Ring's list of "100 greatest punchers of all time," has the longest reign in Light Heavyweight history, and is rated by prominent boxing website BoxRec as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all-time.

A native of Benoit, Mississippi, Moore was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. An important figure in the American black community, he became involved in African-American causes once his days as a fighter were over. He also established himself as a successful character actor in television and film. Moore died in his adopted home of San Diego, California.