Jersey Joe Walcott

































































Jersey Joe Walcott

Jersey Joe Walcott Robert Culp Cain's Hundred 1962.jpg
Walcott (left) with Robert Culp in Cain's Hundred, 1962

Statistics
Real name Arnold Raymond Cream
Nickname(s) Jersey Joe
Weight(s) Heavyweight
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Reach 74 in (188 cm)
Nationality American
Born
(1914-01-31)January 31, 1914
Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
Died February 25, 1994(1994-02-25) (aged 80)
Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 71
Wins 51
Wins by KO 32
Losses 18
Draws 2

Arnold Raymond Cream (January 31, 1914 – February 25, 1994), best known as Jersey Joe Walcott, was an American professional boxer who competed from 1930 to 1953. He held the world heavyweight title from 1951 to 1952, and broke the record for the oldest man to win the title, at the age of 37. That record would eventually be broken in 1994 by 45-year-old George Foreman.


After retiring from boxing, Walcott did some acting, playing small parts in a few movies and television shows. He also refereed several boxing matches, but after the controversial ending to the second fight between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, Walcott was not asked to referee again. From 1971 to 1974, Walcott held the elected position of Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey, the first African-American to do so. From 1975 to 1984, he was the chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission.




Contents






  • 1 Early life


  • 2 Boxing career


  • 3 Life after boxing


    • 3.1 Political career




  • 4 Partial filmography


  • 5 Professional boxing record


  • 6 Honors


  • 7 See also


  • 8 References


  • 9 External links





Early life


Walcott was born in Pennsauken, New Jersey. His father was an immigrant from St. Thomas, Danish West Indies. His mother was from Jordantown (Pennsauken Township), New Jersey. Walcott was only 15 years old when his father died. He quit school and worked in a soup factory to support his mother and 11 younger brothers and sisters. He also began training as a boxer. He took the name of his boxing idol, Joe Walcott, a welterweight champion from Barbados. He added "Jersey" to distinguish himself and show where he was from.



Boxing career


He debuted as a professional boxer on September 9, 1930, fighting Cowboy Wallace and winning by a knockout in round one. After five straight knockout wins, in 1933, he lost for the first time, beaten on points by Henry Wilson in Philadelphia.


He built a record of 45 wins, 11 losses and 1 draw before challenging for the world title for the first time. Walcott lost early bouts against world-class competition. He lost a pair of fights to Tiger Jack Fox and was knocked out by contender Abe Simon. But that would change in 1945 when Walcott beat top heavyweights such as Joe Baksi, Lee Q. Murray, Curtis Sheppard and Jimmy Bivins. He closed out 1946 with a pair of losses to former light heavyweight champ Joey Maxim and heavyweight contender Elmer Ray, but promptly avenged those defeats in 1947.


On December 5, 1947, he fought Joe Louis, at thirty three years of age breaking the record as the oldest man to fight for the world heavyweight title. Despite dropping Louis in round one, and again in round four, he lost a 15-round split decision. Most ringside observers and boxing writers felt Walcott deserved the win; a debate ensued, and sportswriters carried the topic throughout America. The lone official to vote for Walcott, referee Ruby Goldstein, was cast as a hero. Letters and telegrams poured in to the Goldstein household, praising his judgment. There was talk of an investigation being assembled for rule revisions in judging. Louis went into seclusion for a couple of days, then quieted dissent with the following: "I know Ruby. He calls them as he sees them and that should be good enough for anybody."[1] What controversy remained, was the kind that builds the gate, and Jersey Joe was rightfully granted a rematch on June 25, 1948. Though dropped again, this time in the 3rd; Louis prevailed by a knockout in round 11. The bout was the first closed-circuit telecast (CCTV) sports broadcast, distributed a theatre television.[2]


June 22 of 1949, Walcott got another chance to become world heavyweight champion, when he and Ezzard Charles met for the title left vacant by Louis. However, Charles prevailed, winning by decision in 15 rounds. Walcott, disappointed but eager to see his dream of being a champion come true, went on, and in 1950, he won four of his five bouts, including a three-round knockout of future world light heavyweight champion Harold Johnson.


On March 7, 1951, he and Charles fought for a second time and again Charles won a 15-round decision to retain his world title. But on July 18, he joined a handful of boxers who claimed the world title in their fifth try, when he knocked out Charles in seven rounds in Pittsburgh, to finally become world heavyweight champion, at the relatively old age of 37.[3] This made him the oldest man ever to win the world heavyweight crown (a distinction he would hold until George Foreman won the title at age 45 in 1994).


Walcott retained the title with a 15-round decision victory against arch-enemy Charles. On September 23, 1952, he defended his title for the second time. His opponent was the undefeated Rocky Marciano. In the first round Marciano was knocked down for the first time in his career, with a left hook from Walcott. Walcott was clearly ahead in the scoring and Marciano needed a knockout to win, according to two of the three official scorecards. In the thirteenth round with Marciano pressuring Walcott against the ropes, both threw simultaneous right hands. Marciano landed his punch first on Walcott´s jaw in what is considered one of the hardest punches thrown in boxing history. Walcott collapsed with his arm hanging over the ropes then fell to the canvas where he was counted out. There was a rematch in Chicago, on May 15, 1953, and the second time around, Walcott was again defeated by Marciano by a knockout, this time in the first round.



Life after boxing













































Arnold "Jersey Joe Walcott" Cream[4][5]
Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey

In office
1971[5] – 1974[5]
Preceded by Martin Segal[5]
Succeeded by Joseph W. Coyle[5]

Personal details
Born
(1914-01-31)January 31, 1914
Pennsauken, New Jersey, U.S.
Died February 25, 1994(1994-02-25) (aged 80)
Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
Resting place Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery
Pennsauken, New Jersey
Nationality American
Political party Democratic
Residence Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation Boxer

Walcott did not go away from the celebrity scene after boxing. In 1956, he co-starred with Humphrey Bogart and Max Baer in the boxing drama The Harder They Fall. In 1963, he tried professional wrestling, losing to Lou Thesz. Thesz pinned Walcott in the fifth round, but has stated that Walcott knocked him (Thesz) down and most likely out in that fifth round. As he fell to the floor, he relied on instinct, grabbing Walcott's knees, taking him down with him and stretching him out for the pin.


In 1965, Walcott refereed the controversial world heavyweight championship rematch between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston. Walcott lost the count as Ali circled around a floored Liston and Walcott tried to get him back to a neutral corner. Then Walcott looked outside the ring (presumably to the ringside count keeper) as Ali and Liston went at each other before Walcott instructed them to keep on fighting, then Walcott approached the fighters and abruptly stopped the fight. Walcott was never again appointed as a referee after this bout.



Political career


After retiring, Walcott worked for the Camden County corrections department.[6] In 1968, he ran for Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey but lost in the Democratic primary to Spencer H. Smith, Jr.[4][7] That same year he was named director of community relations for Camden.[6]


In 1971, he ran again for Camden County Sheriff. He defeated Republican William Strang in the general election.[6] He was the first African-American to serve as Sheriff in Camden County.[8]


He served as chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission from 1975 until 1984, when he stepped down at the mandatory retirement age of 70. Walcott was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.



Partial filmography




  • The Harder They Fall (1956) - George


  • The Super Fight (1970) - Himself (voice)



Professional boxing record
































Professional record summary


71 fights

51 wins

18 losses

By knockout
32
6

By decision
18
12

By disqualification
1
0

Draws
2



























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































No.
Result
Record
Opponent
Type
Round, time
Date
Location
Notes
71
Loss
51–18–2

United States Rocky Marciano
KO
1 (15), 2:25
May 15, 1953

United States Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

For The Ring and world heavyweight titles
70
Loss
51–17–2

United States Rocky Marciano
KO
13 (15), 0:43
Sep 23, 1952

United States Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Lost The Ring and world heavyweight titles
69
Win
51–16–2

United States Ezzard Charles
UD
15
Jun 5, 1952

United States Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Retained The Ring and world heavyweight titles
68
Win
50–16–2

United States Ezzard Charles
KO
7 (15), 0:55
Jul 18, 1951

United States Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Won NBA, The Ring and world heavyweight titles
67
Loss
49–16–2

United States Ezzard Charles
UD
15
Mar 7, 1951

United States Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

For NBA, The Ring and world heavyweight titles
66
Loss
49–15–2

United States Rex Layne
UD
10
Nov 24, 1950

United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.

65
Win
49–14–2

West Germany Hein ten Hoff
UD
10
May 28, 1950

West Germany Rhein-Neckar-Stadion, Mannheim, West Germany

64
Win
48–14–2

United States Johnny Shkor
KO
1 (10), 1:34
Mar 13, 1950

United States Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

63
Win
47–14–2

Cuba Omelio Agramonte
TKO
7 (10), 2:11
Mar 3, 1950

United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.

62
Win
46–14–2

United States Harold Johnson
KO
3 (10), 1:03
Feb 8, 1950

United States Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

61
Win
45–14–2

Sweden Olle Tandberg
TKO
5 (12), 2:30
Aug 14, 1949

Sweden Råsunda Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden

60
Loss
44–14–2

United States Ezzard Charles
UD
15
Jun 22, 1949

United States Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

For vacant NBA, The Ring, and world heavyweight titles
59
Loss
44–13–2

United States Joe Louis
KO
11 (15)
Jun 25, 1948

United States Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.

For The Ring and world heavyweight titles
58
Loss
44–12–2

United States Joe Louis
SD
15
Dec 5, 1947

United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.

For The Ring and world heavyweight titles
57
Win
44–11–2

United States Joey Maxim
SD
10
Jun 23, 1947

United States Gilmore Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

56
Win
43–11–2

United States Elmer Ray
MD
10
Mar 4, 1947

United States Burdine Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.

55
Win
42–11–2

United States Joey Maxim

MD
10
Jan 6, 1947

United States Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

54
Loss
41–11–2

United States Elmer Ray
SD
10
Nov 15, 1946

United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.

53
Loss
41–10–2

United States Joey Maxim
PTS
10
Aug 28, 1946

United States Public Service Ballpark, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

52
Win
41–9–2

United States Tommy Gómez
TKO
3 (10)
Aug 16, 1946

United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.

51
Win
40–9–2

United States Lee Oma

UD
10
May 24, 1946

United States Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.

50
Win
39–9–2

United States Al Blake
TKO
4 (10)
Mar 20, 1946

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

49
Win
38–9–2

United States Jimmy Bivins

SD
10
Feb 25, 1946

United States Cleveland Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.

48
Win
37–9–2

United States Johnny Allen
KO
3 (10)
Jan 30, 1946

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

47
Win
36–9–2

United States Curtis Sheppard
KO
10 (10)
Dec 10, 1945

United States Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

46
Win
35–9–2

United States Lee Q. Murray

DQ
9 (10)
Nov 12, 1945

United States Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

Murray disqualified for inactivity
45
Win
34–9–2

United States Steve Dudas
TKO
5 (10), 1:50
Oct 23, 1945

United States Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.

44
Win
33–9–2

United States Johnny Denson
KO
2 (10), 1:06
Sep 20, 1945

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

43
Win
32–9–2

United States Joe Baksi
PTS
10
Aug 2, 1945

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

42
Win
31–9–2

United States Johnny Allen
PTS
8
Mar 15, 1945

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

41
Win
30–9–2

United States Austin Johnson
PTS
6
Feb 22, 1945

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

40
Loss
29–9–2

United States Johnny Allen
PTS
8
Jan 25, 1945

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

39
Win
29–8–2

United States Jackie Saunders
TKO
2 (8)
Jan 11, 1945

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

38
Win
28–8–2

United States Ellis Singleton
KO
3 (8)
Jun 28, 1944

United States Batesville AC, Haddonfield, New Jersey, U.S.

37
Win
27–8–2

United States Felix Del Paoli
PTS
8
Jun 7, 1944

United States Batesville AC, Haddonfield, New Jersey, U.S.

36
Loss
26–8–2

United States Abe Simon
KO
6 (8), 2:32
Feb 12, 1940

United States Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.

35
Win
26–7–2

United States Tiger Red Lewis
TKO
6 (8)
Jan 19, 1940

United States Cambria AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

34
Win
25–7–2

United States Curtis Sheppard
PTS
8
Nov 18, 1939

United States Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.

33
Win
24–7–2

Hungary Al Boros
PTS
8
Aug 14, 1939

United States Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.

32
Win
23–7–2

United States Bob Tow
PTS
8
Dec 23, 1938

United States 114th Infantry Regiment Armory, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

31
Loss
22–7–2

United States Roy Lazer
PTS
8
Jun 14, 1938

United States Fairview Arena, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

30
Loss
22–6–2

United States Tiger Jack Fox
PTS
10
May 10, 1938

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

29
Win
22–5–2

United States Lorenzo Pack
KO
4 (8)
Apr 12, 1938

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

28
Win
21–5–2

United States Art Sykes
KO
4 (8)
Mar 25, 1938

United States Cambria AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

27
Win
20–5–2

United States Jim Whitest
PTS
8
Jan 20, 1938

United States Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

26
Win
19–5–2

United States Freddie Fiducia
PTS
8
Jan 10, 1938

United States Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

25
Loss
18–5–2

United States George Brothers
PTS
8
Oct 9, 1937

United States Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.

24
Win
18–4–2

United States Elmer Ray
KO
3 (6), 0:43
Sep 25, 1937

United States Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.

23
Win
17–4–2

United States Joe Lipps
KO
2 (8)
Sep 3, 1937

United States Garden Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.

22
Loss
16–4–2

United States Tiger Jack Fox
KO
8 (10), 2:24
May 22, 1937

United States Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.

21
Loss
16–3–2

United States Billy Ketchell
PTS
10
Sep 1, 1936

United States Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey

20
Win
16–2–2

United States Carmen Passarella
PTS
8
Aug 1, 1936

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

19
Draw
15–2–2

United States Billy Ketchell
PTS
10
Jul 14, 1936

United States Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey, U.S.

18
Win
15–2–1

United States Phil Johnson
TKO
3 (6), 1:12
Jun 22, 1936

United States Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

17
Win
14–2–1

Canada Louis LePage
KO
3 (6), 1:06
Jun 16, 1936

United States Coney Island Velodrome, New York City, New York, U.S.

16
Draw
13–2–1

United States Billy Ketchell

PTS
10
Jun 4, 1936

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

15
Win
13–2

United States Joe Colucci
KO
4 (10)
Apr 28, 1936

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

14
Win
12–2

United States Willie Reddish
PTS
8
Mar 16, 1936

United States Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

13
Loss
11–2

United States Al Ettore
KO
8 (10), 1:18
Jan 21, 1936

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

12
Win
11–1

United States Roxie Allen
KO
8 (8), 1:06
Nov 26, 1935

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

11
Win
10–1

United States Al King
KO
1 (8), 1:29
Oct 29, 1935

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

10
Win
9–1

United States Pat Roland
KO
4 (8)
Oct 1, 1935

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

9
Win
8–1

United States Lew Alva
KO
1 (8)
Aug 27, 1935

United States Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey, U.S.

8
Win
7–1

United States Al Lang
KO
1 (6)
May 21, 1935

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

Exact date unknown
7
Loss
6–1

United States Henry Taylor

PTS
6
Nov 16, 1933

United States New Broadway AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

6
Win
6–0

United States Henry Taylor
TKO
1 (6), 1:16
Jul 28, 1933

United States Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey, U.S.

5
Win
5–0

United States Bob Norris
KO
1 (6)
May 5, 1933

United States Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

Exact date unknown
4
Win
4–0

United States Carl Mays
KO
2 (6)
Apr 20, 1931

United States Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.

3
Win
3–0

United States Frank Mitchell
TKO
4 (6)
Oct 24, 1930

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

2
Win
2–0

United States Jimmy O'Toole

TKO
4 (6)
Oct 10, 1930

United States Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.

1
Win
1–0

United States Eddie Wallace

KO
1 (6)
Sep 9, 1930

United States Ice Arena, Vineland, New Jersey, U.S.

Professional debut


Honors


In 2013, Walcott was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.[9]



See also



  • List of lineal boxing world champions

  • List of heavyweight boxing champions



References





  1. ^ Goldstein, Ruby (1959). Third Man In The Ring (pre-ISBN First ed.). New York, NY: Funk & Wagnalls. pp. 159–160..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}


  2. ^ Television. Frederick A. Kugel Company. 1965. p. 78.


  3. ^ Left Hook Stops Charles in 7th, Makes Walcott Oldest Champ, 1951, The Milwaukee Journal


  4. ^ ab "Joe Walcott in Primary for Sheriff". AP. June 28, 1968. Retrieved 17 December 2011.


  5. ^ abcde "A List Of Camden County's Past Sheriffs". Office of the Sheriff Camden County, New Jersey. Camden County Sheriff's Office. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2011.


  6. ^ abc "Former Champ Wins Election". UPI. November 4, 1971. Retrieved 17 December 2011.


  7. ^ "Jersey Joe Walcott In Sheriff's Race". AP. April 28, 1971. Retrieved 17 December 2011.


  8. ^ "It's Sheriff Jersey Joe". The Age. November 11, 1971. Retrieved 17 December 2011.


  9. ^ The Star Ledger. section four. page 4. August 24, 2014




External links




  • Professional boxing record for Jersey Joe Walcott from BoxRec

  • Jersey Joe Walcott - CBZ Profile

















Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by
Ezzard Charles

The Ring heavyweight champion
July 18, 1951 – September 23, 1952
Succeeded by
Rocky Marciano

World heavyweight champion
July 18, 1951 – September 23, 1952
Records
Previous:
Jess Willard

Oldest world heavyweight champion
July 18, 1951 – November 5, 1994
Next:
George Foreman








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