A lightweight boxer with 145 victories in 156 amateur fights, Tom Moyer (March 2, 1919 – November 28, 2014) is recognized as one of the greatest boxers ever produced by the state of Oregon. He went on to an incredible career in business and philanthropy.
Tom grew up in Sellwood and dropped out of school in the 9th grade to start an amateur career in the ring. He won 145 of 156 matches as a lightweight.
Moyer then went undefeated as a welterweight in 22 professional fights. He was Northwest Champion from 1935-41, five-time Pacific Coast Champion, National AAU State Champion, National Diamond Belt Champion and International Diamond Belt Champion.
In one of his most memorable fights, Moyer fought the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson in a five-round amateur bout in Rochester, N.Y. with the winner going to the 1940 Olympics. It was a close fight and although Robinson was the winner in a close decision, Moyer was later named to the team after Robinson turned professional. This was Moyer’s last defeat of his illustrious boxing career.
After four years of military service during World War II, Tom returned to Portland and learned the theatre business from his parents. The Moyer theatre chain would grow to 298 screens by the late 1980’s. He developed a real estate portfolio including major buildings in downtown Portland. Tom Moyer also helped develop Pioneer Square and donated the land for Director’s Park in Portland while founding a nonprofit for homeless youth.