Farrell, Osborne "Ossie"

Born in the "Africville" section of Halifax, Nova Scotia; deaf at 3 from an unidentified disease. Graduated the Halifax School for the Deaf (1935-1945). Became a professional boxer starting in 1947, winning the Maritime middleweight championship against the defending champion in 1949. Quit boxing in 1950 after his doctor's warning that head vulnerabilities left him open to fatal injury, but he very soon returned to boxing anyway, doing his last bout in 1954 and retiring after 31 professional fights with 11 wins by knockouts and losing 4 also by KO.