The Career of Boxer Tyrone Crawley
Tyrone “Butterfly” Crawley was a Philadelphia lightweight whose slick southpaw style carried him from the amateur ranks to a challenge for the world title. He compiled a 56–6 amateur record, won a Golden Gloves championship, and boxed for the All-Army team, according to the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.
A title-winning run in Philadelphia
Crawley turned professional in 1980. In September 1982, he beat Al “Earthquake” Carter by unanimous decision over 12 rounds to win the ESPN lightweight championship. He followed with a decision over Gene Hatcher and a TKO of Anthony Murray, then lost the ESPN belt to Melvin Paul. A 1983 upset of Robin Blake helped establish him among the division’s leading contenders. The Philly Boxing History obituary recounts the run.
In 1985, Crawley won the USBA lightweight title with a decision over Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown. On February 16, 1986, he challenged WBA champion Livingstone Bramble in Atlantic City. Bramble retained the title with a 13th-round stoppage, as reported by The Washington Post.
Service beyond the ring
Crawley also served as a Philadelphia police officer and worked with the North Philadelphia Police Athletic League, later becoming its director. His professional record was 22 wins, two losses, and seven knockouts; his boxing career ended in 1988. He was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010. Philly Boxing History’s record lists his bouts, and its obituary covers his police and PAL service. Crawley died on January 15, 2021, after an extended illness.
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Career Milestones
The USBA championship win and WBA title challenge were separate milestones. His decision over Charlie Brown made him a regional champion; the subsequent Bramble contest was an opportunity to win a world belt. The defeat did not erase his earlier USBA achievement or his work in Philadelphia boxing.
Sources
New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame; Philly Boxing History obituary.
Article Tags
Tyrone Crawley, Boxing, Sports History
