Born Jarvis Joseph Astaire on October 6, 1923. The son of a hat maker, Astaire's introduction to the sport of boxing came as a 19-year old staging charity bouts during WW II.
As a manager, he guided the careers of British and Commonwealth featherweight champion Evan Armstrong, British and European lightweight champion Billy Thompson, British and European welterweight champion Peter Waterman, world middleweight champion Terry Downes and was part of Frank Bruno's promotional team.
Astaire was instrumental in bringing Muhammad Ali to England to defend his world heavyweight title against British legend Henry Cooper on May 21, 1966. On September 10, 1966 he brought Ali to Frankfurt, Germany to defend his title against Karl Mildenberger.
He is also the visionary behind the closed circuit company Viewsport Ltd, which brought telecasts of worldwide significant boxing matches to theater screens throughout England.
The influential Astaire has also found success in number of business endeavors including banking and property investment. He is respected for his acumen in the world of sports, particularly horse racing, golf driving ranges, and wresting.
Astaire, who has served as deputy chairman of Wembley Stadium, was awarded by the Queen of England an OBE (Officer of British Empire) in 2003 for his considerable work with the young people of London.
Born: Oct. 6, 1923
Died: Aug. 21, 2021
Induction: 2006
Jarvis Astaire
