Harwood "Mickey" Crawford

Harwood Crawford was born March 11, 1934 in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Norman Sr. and Matilda Crawford. He passed away Friday, January 4, 2019 at the blessed age of 84 years.

Harwood, known as “Mickey”, began boxing as an amateur at the age of 15. He won the Bay City Golden Gloves in 1949, 51, 52 and 53. He won the Grand Rapids State Golden Gloves in both 1952 and 53, while also winning the all Michigan AAU title in 1953 as well.

After graduating from Saginaw High School, he joined the Army and won the Army Pan-American title in 1955. Mickey turned professional in 1955 and was in the 147 pounds welterweight division. He recorded a 23-5-1 record. In 1958, he fought seven times on national television, the most by any fighter at that time. He fought Casper Ortega, the number one contender for the welterweight championship – losing once and fighting to a draw the second time. Both fights were at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

Mickey, who was trained by legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, fought five former champions – Paddy Demarco (won), Ralph Dupas (lost), Wallace Bud Smith (won), Gil Turner (won) and Tiger Jones (lost). In 1953, he beat Kenny Lane, who later became lightweight champion of the world. In 1958, Mickey was ranked Fifth in the world by legendary boxer writer Nat Fleischer of Ring Magazine. On January 11, 1959, he was on the cover of the Detroit Free Press Roto Section (now called Parade Magazine).

He fought 100 times in his career, winning 87 times before retiring in 1959. On November 2, 2008, Mickey was inducted in the Hall of Fame. He was an accomplished wildlife artist and outdoorsman. Mickey enjoyed hunting and fishing with his best friend, Billy Dodge. He especially enjoyed his brother’s delicious cooking. He will be missed but his legacy lives on.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Sr. and Matilda Crawford; son, Tony Crawford; nephews, Peter A. and Kim S. Crawford; best friend, Billy Dodge.

He leaves to celebrate his life his only brother, Norman Jr. (Sharrie Williams) Crawford; twelve nieces; fifteen nephews; and four cousins.

The family would like to express special thanks to Pastors Philp and Sandy Ortega and the Spirit Filled Lighthouse Church Family, the round table crew, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.