Later Career and Death
During World War II Harvey joined the Royal Air Force. By this time he was a national sporting idol and was given an officer rank. During this time he was persuaded to defend his titles against Freddie Mills on 20 June 1942. By this time Harvey was a veteran of over a hundred bouts and was 35 years old. He was knocked out in two rounds, only the second time he was stopped and the first by K.O. He retired after this bout. He had an official record of 133 fights, 111 wins, 9 draws and 13 defeats: he claimed to have had 418 fights,but they probably included booth fights. His three fights with Jock McAvoy were legendary; he won two and lost one. He later died in London on 28 November 1976. Such was his legend that he was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.
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