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Jersey Joe Walcott

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Jersey Joe Walcott
Walcott (left) with Robert Culp in the television series Cain's Hundred in 1962
Born
Arnold Raymond Cream

(1914-01-31)January 31, 1914
DiedFebruary 25, 1994(1994-02-25) (aged 80)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesJersey Joe
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights70
Wins49
Wins by KO31
Losses20
Draws1
Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey
In office
1971[2]–1974[2]
Preceded byMartin Segal[2]
Succeeded byJoseph W. Coyle[2]
Personal details
Resting placeSunset Memorial Park Cemetery
Pennsauken Township, New Jersey
NationalityAmerican
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
OccupationBoxer

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 NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles from 1951 to 1952, and broke the record for the oldest man to win the title, at the age of 37. That record would hold for over three decades until it was eventually broken in 1994 by 45-year-old George Foreman. Despite holding the world heavyweight title for a relatively short period of time, Walcott was regarded among the best heavyweights in the world during the 1940s and 1950s.

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.

Early life

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Walcott was born in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey.[3] 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. Later he married Lydia Cream, and the two had six children together.[4]

From a relatively young age Walcott 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

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Walcott debuted as a professional boxer at the young age of 16 on September 9, 1930, fighting Eddie "Cowboy" Wallace and winning by a knockout in round one.[5]

After this first victory, Walcott fought on and off throughout the rest of the decade (Walcott lacked professional management and a regular training routine, causing him to struggle during his early career).[6] Although he defeated a young Elmer Ray, he lost two bouts to Tiger Jack Fox and was knocked out by heavyweight contender Abe Simon in 1940. After losing to Simon, Walcott was inactive for over four years. During World War II, Walcott secured a wartime job, and did not fight again until 1944, winning two matches against local fighters Felix Del Paoli[7] and Ellis Singleton.[8]

Jersey Joe Walcott in 1937

It was during these fights that Walcott was noticed by local boxing manager Felix Bocchicchio, who saw great potential in the fighter. Although Bocchicchio had a criminal history, he was well connected in the boxing scene and was able to provide Walcott and his family with financial stability, so that Walcott could now focus on fighting full time.[9] He also got Walcott professional trainers, Nick and Dan Florio (two brothers who worked with several world champions).[10] Together they got Walcott on a professional routine and diet, while improving his footwork and counter punching to turn him into a very crafty fighter.[11]

Now under professional management, Walcott resumed his boxing career in 1945. He quickly rose through the heavyweight ranks, defeating top contenders including Joe Baksi, Jimmy Bivins, Lee Oma and Tommy Gómez. Despite closing out 1946 with losses to future light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim and a rematch with top ranked heavyweight contender Elmer Ray, he promptly avenged both of those defeats in 1947 and rose to the rank of #1 heavyweight contender.[12]

Walcott vs Louis

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Now the top contender, Walcott fought heavyweight champion Joe Louis on December 5, 1947. At 33 years of age Walcott broke the record as the oldest man to fight for the world heavyweight title, although he was only four months older than Louis at the time. At this point, Louis had been champion for over ten years and this would be his 24th title defense.

Walcott fought very well, dropping Louis in round one and again in round four, but lost a highly controversial 15-round split decision. Most 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."[13]

What controversy remained was the kind that builds the gate, and Jersey Joe was rightfully granted a rematch on June 25, 1948. The heavily anticipated fight proved to also be competitive. Walcott dropped Louis once again, this time in the third round, but Louis went on to rally, and ultimately prevailed, scoring a knockout in round 11. The bout was Louis' record 25th and final title defense before announcing his first retirement. The rematch was also the world's first closed-circuit telecast (CCTV) sports broadcast, distributed via theatre television.[14]

Walcott vs Charles

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Walcott (left) and Ezzard Charles (right) during their second heavyweight title fight in March 1951

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

On March 7, 1951, he and Charles fought another title fight. Charles had defeated Louis the previous year, and was now the undisputed heavyweight champion. Walcott fought well, but was hurt in the ninth round when he was dropped by a sharp left hook. Walcott survived the round but once again Charles won a 15-round decision to retain his world title.

Despite losing four title shots, only four months later, Walcott joined a small handful of boxers who claimed the world title on their fifth try. Charles fought Walcott in another title fight on July 18, 1951, in Pittsburgh. This time Walcott gave his best performance of their entire series of fights, winning most of the rounds and knocking out Charles in the seventh round to finally become world heavyweight champion at the age of 37.[15] 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 his title in a fourth and final fight with his arch-rival Charles on June 5, 1952, this time winning a close 15-round decision.

Losing the Title

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Walcott (right) and Marciano (left) before their 1953 rematch

On September 23, 1952, Wacott put his title on the line for the second time, and this time his opponent was the undefeated Rocky Marciano. In the first round, Walcott floored Marciano with a left hook; the first time in his career that Rocky had ever been down. After twelve intense rounds, Walcott stood well ahead on two of the three official scorecards, leaving Marciano needing a knockout to win. In the thirteenth round, with Marciano pressuring Walcott against the ropes, simultaneously each threw a right hand. Marciano landed first and flush on Walcott's jaw with a devastating right hook and a powerful left followup. The title changed hands in an instant. Walcott collapsed with his left arm hanging over the ropes, slowly sinking to the canvas, where he was counted out. An immediate rematch was set for May 15, 1953 in Chicago. The second time around Walcott was again defeated by Marciano by a knockout, this time in the first round. It would be Walcott's last bout.

Life after boxing

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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.

Walcott also refereed several notable fights, but in 1965 he oversaw 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. Walcott then looked outside of the ring (presumably to the ringside count keeper) as Ali and Liston went at each other, before Walcott instructed them to keep on fighting. Walcott then approached the fighters and abruptly stopped the fight. This incident effectively ended his career as a referee, although he eventually returned to officiate two more fights in the late 1970s.[16]

Political career

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After retiring, Walcott worked for the Camden County corrections department.[17] In 1968, he ran for Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey, but lost in the Democratic primary to Spencer H. Smith Jr.[1][18] That same year he was named director of community relations for Camden.[17]

In 1971, he ran again for Camden County Sheriff. He defeated Republican William Strang in the general election.[17] He was the first African-American to serve as Sheriff in Camden County.[19]

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.

Honors

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In 2013, Walcott was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.[20]

Partial filmography

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Professional boxing record

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71 fights 49 wins 21 losses
By knockout 31 6
By decision 17 14
By disqualification 1 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round(s), time Date Location Notes
70 Loss 49–20–1 Rocky Marciano KO 1 (15), 2:25 May 15, 1953 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight title
69 Loss 49–19–1 Rocky Marciano KO 13 (15), 0:43 Sep 23, 1952 Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight title
68 Win 49–18–1 Ezzard Charles UD 15 Jun 5, 1952 Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight title
67 Win 48–18–1 Ezzard Charles KO 7 (15), 0:55 Jul 18, 1951 Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
66 Loss 47–18–1 Ezzard Charles UD 15 Mar 7, 1951 Olympia, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
65 Loss 47–17–1 Rex Layne UD 10 Nov 24, 1950 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
64 Win 47–16–1 Hein ten Hoff UD 10 May 28, 1950 Rhein-Neckar-Stadion, Mannheim, West Germany
63 Win 46–16–1 Johnny Shkor KO 1 (10), 1:34 Mar 13, 1950 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
62 Win 45–16–1 Omelio Agramonte TKO 7 (10), 2:11 Mar 3, 1950 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Win 44–16–1 Harold Johnson KO 3 (10), 1:03 Feb 8, 1950 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
60 Win 43–16–1 Olle Tandberg TKO 5 (12), 2:30 Aug 14, 1949 Råsunda Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden
59 Loss 42–16–1 Ezzard Charles UD 15 Jun 22, 1949 Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. For vacant NBA heavyweight title
58 Loss 42–15–1 Joe Louis KO 11 (15) Jun 25, 1948 Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S. For NYSAC, NBA, The Ring heavyweight titles
57 Loss 42–14–1 Joe Louis SD 15 Dec 5, 1947 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
56 Win 42–13–1 Joey Maxim SD 10 Jun 23, 1947 Gilmore Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
55 Win 41–13–1 Elmer Ray MD 10 Mar 4, 1947 Burdine Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
54 Win 40–13–1 Joey Maxim MD 10 Jan 6, 1947 Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Loss 39–13–1 Elmer Ray SD 10 Nov 15, 1946 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
52 Loss 39–12–1 Joey Maxim PTS 10 Aug 28, 1946 Public Service Ballpark, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
51 Win 39–11–1 Tommy Gómez TKO 3 (10), 1:21 Aug 16, 1946 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Win 38–11–1 Lee Oma UD 10 May 24, 1946 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
49 Win 37–11–1 Al Blake TKO 4 (10), 2:17 Mar 20, 1946 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
48 Win 36–11–1 Jimmy Bivins SD 10 Feb 25, 1946 Cleveland Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
47 Win 35–11–1 Johnny Allen KO 3 (12), 0:30 Jan 30, 1946 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
46 Win 34–11–1 Curtis Sheppard KO 10 (10), 2:12 Dec 10, 1945 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
45 Win 33–11–1 Lee Q. Murray DQ 9 (10) Nov 12, 1945 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Murray DQ'd for "not trying"
44 Win 32–11–1 Steve Dudas TKO 5 (10), 1:50 Oct 24, 1945 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
43 Win 31–11–1 Johnny Denson KO 2 (10), 1:06 Sep 20, 1945 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
42 Win 30–11–1 Joe Baksi PTS 10 Aug 2, 1945 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
41 Win 29–11–1 Johnny Allen PTS 8 Mar 15, 1945 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
40 Win 28–11–1 Austin Johnson PTS 6 Feb 22, 1945 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
39 Loss 27–11–1 Johnny Allen PTS 8 Jan 25, 1945 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
38 Win 27–10–1 Jackie Saunders TKO 2 (6), 2:42 Jan 11, 1945 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
37 Win 26–10–1 Ellis Singleton KO 3 (8), 0:58 Jun 28, 1944 Batesville AC, Haddonfield, New Jersey, U.S.
36 Win 25–10–1 Felix Del Paoli PTS 8 Jun 7, 1944 Batesville AC, Haddonfield, New Jersey, U.S.
35 Loss 24–10–1 Abe Simon KO 6 (8), 2:32 Feb 12, 1940 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
34 Win 24–9–1 Tiger 'Red' Lewis TKO 6 (10), 2:28 Jan 19, 1940 Cambria AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
33 Win 23–9–1 Curtis Sheppard PTS 8 Nov 18, 1939 Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.
32 Win 22–9–1 Al Boros PTS 8 Aug 14, 1939 Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
31 Win 21–9–1 Bob Tow PTS 8 Dec 23, 1938 114th Infantry Regiment Armory, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
30 Loss 20–9–1 Roy Lazer PTS 8 Jun 14, 1938 Fairview Arena, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
29 Loss 20–8–1 Tiger Jack Fox PTS 10 May 10, 1938 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
28 Win 20–7–1 Lorenzo Pack KO 4 (8), 2:44 Apr 12, 1938 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
27 Win 19–7–1 Art Sykes KO 4 (8), 2:07 Mar 25, 1938 Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
26 Win 18–7–1 Jim Whitest PTS 8 Jan 20, 1938 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
25 Win 17–7–1 Freddie Fiducia PTS 8 Jan 10, 1938 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
24 Loss 16–7–1 George Brothers PTS 8 Oct 9, 1937 Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.
23 Win 16–6–1 Elmer Ray KO 3 (6), 0:43 Sep 25, 1937 Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.
22 Win 15–6–1 Joe Lipps KO 2 (8) Sep 3, 1937 Garden Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Loss 14–6–1 Tiger Jack Fox KO 8 (10), 2:24 May 22, 1937 Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.
20 Loss 14–5–1 Billy Ketchell PTS 10 Sep 1, 1936 Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey
19 Draw 14–4–1 Billy Ketchell PTS 10 Jul 14, 1936 Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey, U.S.
18 Win 14–4 Phil Johnson TKO 3 (6), 1:12 Jun 22, 1936 Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
17 Win 13–4 Louis LePage KO 3 (6), 1:06 Jun 16, 1936 Coney Island Velodrome, New York City, New York, U.S.
16 Win 12–4 Joe Colucci KO 4 (10), 0:45 Apr 28, 1936 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
15 Win 11–4 Willie Reddish PTS 8 Mar 16, 1936 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
14 Loss 10–4 Al Ettore KO 8 (10), 1:18 Jan 21, 1936 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
13 Win 10–3 Roxie Allen KO 8 (8), 1:06 Nov 26, 1935 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 9–3 Al King KO 1 (8), 1:21 Oct 29, 1935 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Win 8–3 Pat Roland TKO 4 (8), 2:31 Oct 1, 1935 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 7–3 Lew Alva KO 1 (8), 1:01 Aug 26, 1935 Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey, U.S.
9 Loss 6–3 Henry Taylor PTS 6 Nov 16, 1933 New Broadway AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8 Win 6–2 Henry Taylor KO 1 (6), 1:16 Jul 28, 1933 Arena, Pennsauken, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 5–2 Bob Norris KO 1 (6) May 5, 1933 Camden, New Jersey, U.S. Exact date unknown
6 Win 4–2 Carl Mays KO 2 (6) Apr 20, 1931 Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Loss 3–2 Carl Mays PTS 6 Mar 19, 1931 Egg Harbor, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 3–1 Frank Mitchell TKO 4 (6) Oct 24, 1930 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Win 2–1 Jimmy O'Toole TKO 4 (6) Oct 10, 1930 Convention Hall, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
2 Loss 1–1 K.O. Palmer DQ 3 (6) Sep 16, 1930 Ice Arena, Vineland, New Jersey, U.S. Walcott dominated the fight but fouled Palmer when draped over the ropes
1 Win 1–0 Eddie Wallace KO 1 (6) Sep 9, 1930 Ice Arena, Vineland, New Jersey, U.S.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Joe Walcott in Primary for Sheriff". AP. June 28, 1968. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e "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 January 19, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  3. ^ Mitchell, John N. "Jersey Joe Walcott to be immortalized on Camden Waterfront", The Philadelphia Tribune, September 28, 2019. Accessed June 7, 2020. "Walcott was born in Pennsauken on Jan. 31, 1914."
  4. ^ "Mrs. Arnold Cream Dies; Jersey Joe Walcott's Wife". The New York Times. July 7, 1970. ISSN 0362-4331.
  5. ^ "Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Eddie Wallace". Box Rec.
  6. ^ Thomas, John (January 18, 2010). "The curious case of Jersey Joe Walcott and his prime". Boxing News 24 Forum.
  7. ^ "Jersey Joe Walcott vs Felix Del Paoli". Box Rec.
  8. ^ "Jersey Joe Walcott vs Ellis Singleton". Box Rec.
  9. ^ "Felix Bocchicchio". Historic Camden, NJ. September 9, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  10. ^ "Nick Florio". Box Rec.
  11. ^ Panos, Greg. ""Jersey Joe" Walcott". New Jersey Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  12. ^ "Jersey Joe Walcott boxing record". Box Rec.
  13. ^ Goldstein, Ruby (1959). Third Man In The Ring (pre-ISBN First ed.). New York, NY: Funk & Wagnalls. pp. 159–160.
  14. ^ Television. Frederick A. Kugel Company. 1965. p. 78.
  15. ^ "Left Hook Stops Charles in 7th, Makes Walcott Oldest Champ, 1951, The Milwaukee Journal". Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
  16. ^ "Jersey Joe Walcott-referee list". Box Rec.
  17. ^ a b c "Former Champ Wins Election". UPI. November 4, 1971. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  18. ^ "Jersey Joe Walcott In Sheriff's Race". AP. April 28, 1971. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  19. ^ "It's Sheriff Jersey Joe". The Age. November 11, 1971. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
  20. ^ The Star Ledger. section four. page 4. August 24, 2014
[edit]
Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by NYSAC heavyweight champion
July 18, 1951 – September 23, 1952
Succeeded by
NBA heavyweight champion
July 18, 1951 – September 23, 1952
The Ring heavyweight champion
July 18, 1951 – September 23, 1952
Undisputed 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