Beau Jack
Beau Jack | |
---|---|
Born | Sidney Walker April 1, 1921 |
Died | February 9, 2000 | (aged 78)
Statistics | |
Weight(s) | Lightweight |
Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
Reach | 68.5 in (174 cm) |
Stance | Orthodox |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 121 |
Wins | 91 |
Wins by KO | 44 |
Losses | 24 |
Draws | 5 |
No contests | 1 |
Beau Jack (born Sidney Walker; April 1, 1921 – February 9, 2000) was an American lightweight boxer and two-time world lightweight champion in the 1940s. One of the most popular fighters during the War Years, he headlined at Madison Square Garden on 21 occasions, a record that still stands.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Early years
[edit]Sidney Walker was born in Waynesboro, Georgia on April 1, 1921. After the death of his mother he moved to Augusta, and stayed with his grandmother, Evie Mixom, who affectionately called him "Beau Jack". He grew up during the Depression on a ragged farm where he worked the fields, and in the evening would work as a shoe-shine boy. A few days a week he would arise early, walk three miles into town and shine shoes till dusk. To make extra money, he would engage in battle royales, which consisted of five to ten boys, usually Black, fighting each other, often blindfolded, until only one remained standing. The winner was given a purse by the white organizers.[4][5][6]
Following his first battle royale at the Augusta National Golf Club, Jack accepted a position as a caddie there. He quickly befriended some of the club's members, including golfing legend Bobby Jones, who helped fund his boxing training.[4][6]
Boxing career
[edit]Jack turned professional in 1940, and began his career fighting in Massachusetts where he established an impressive record of 27–4–2. During this period, he earned his reputation as a relentless and powerful fighter, essential traits that endeared him to his fans and won over admirers.[4]
First taking the NYSAC World Lightweight Championship, December 1942
[edit]He moved to New York City in August 1941, where he continued to impress under the management of Chick Wergeles. In November 1942, he found himself in a fight against Allie Stolz at Madison Square Garden to determine who would challenge for the New York version of the world lightweight title.
Going into the fight, Stolz was the clear favorite, with 3-1 odds. Before an enthusiastic crowd, Jack staged an upset, winning the match with a technical knockout of Stolz in the seventh round. Stoltz had cuts on his left eyelid and eyebrow that led the referee to end the bout.[3][7]
In his first NYSAC Lightweight Title bout against Tippy Larkin on December 18, 1942, Jack surprised again by knocking out the champion in the third round with a right uppercut to the chin. He floored Larkin with a left hook for a count of one in the first minute of the first round. The bout was furious and both boxers landed constant blows, though Jack seemed to withstand the onslaught of Larkin and deliver an equal or greater number of counterpunches. Larkin was carried to his corner from a blow by Jack, 1:19 into the third, that rendered him unconscious for the ten count. It was only the third KO of Larkin's career. Both boxers were within a pound of 133.[8]
Victories over Fritzie Zivic, February – March 1943
[edit]Jack twice defeated Fritzie Zivic at Madison Square Garden on February 5, and March 5, 1943, in ten and twelve round unanimous decisions, though their second meeting was rather close. One source wrote Zivic was known for "dirty tactics", and that he fought like "a back ally brawler."[9]
The crowd of more than 20,000 in the Garden on February 5, were displeased when Jack was called for a low blow in the eighth round, and the point's scoring became closer when Jack lost the round as a result of the foul. Nonetheless, the referee and judges gave the bout to Jack by at least a two-round margin.[10]
Losing the NYSAC World Lightweight Championship to Bob Montgomery, May 1943
[edit]Jack held the World Lightweight Title for only six months before dropping it to fellow hall-of-famer Bob Montgomery on May 21, 1943, before 18,343 in a fifteen-round unanimous points decision at the Garden.[3] Jack won the first round by a wide margin with a flurry of uppercuts and his signature free-wheeling, constant punching from many angles. But Montgomery quickly settled down and scored frequently with a strong straight right that at times had Jack close to a knockout and against which he could find no adequate defense. Jack's eyes were virtually closed during much of the bout, but Montgomery's injuries were restricted to a cut above one eye. A right to the chin briefly knocked Jack to his knees in the eleventh round and he struggled in the remaining rounds. One ringside reporter gave Montgomery eleven rounds to only four for Jack.[11]
Regaining the World Lightweight Championship from Montgomery, November 1943
[edit]Jack would go on to regain the title from Montgomery on November 19, 1943, in a fifteen-round unanimous decision at New York's Madison Square Garden before a crowd of 17,866.[3][4] Beau carefully followed the advice of his trainer Larry Amadee, who told him to stay close to Montgomery, fight fiercely when separated from clinches, and generally use his strength in infighting. He coasted on the advice of Amadee in several rounds. He stayed with Amadee's advice when Montgomery finished strong in the last five rounds. The Associated Press gave Jack seven rounds, six to Montgomery, and two even, though both judges gave Jack an impressive ten rounds.[citation needed]
In the ninth round, Jack scored one of his strongest blows after coming out of a clinch, and it helped him to take the offensive and win the ninth and tenth rounds. In the final five and particularly the last two rounds, Montgomery seemed strongest, nearly taking the bout in the opinion of some ringside.[12] Jack was battered and required great conditioning and willpower to hold on through the final rounds.[13]
Jack met Sammy Angott in a non-title match on January 28, 1944, drawing in ten rounds at Madison Square Garden before an impressive crowd of 19,113, the largest of the year. The match was an important contest between Jack, the New York State World Lightweight Champion, and Angott, the National Boxing Association World Lightweight Champion. Who led the battle see-sawed from boxer to boxer so frequently, it was a difficult contest to score. There were no knockdowns in the bout. The United Press gave each boxer four rounds with two even.[citation needed]
Angott had a problem from a thigh injury he had received in training and was limping as he was led from the ring at the end of the bout.[14][15]
Jack finally lost the Lightweight Championship for the second time to Montgomery on March 3, 1944, in a fifteen-round split decision before 19,066 fans in Madison Square Garden.[3] Jack had led in the early betting. The fighting was fierce and close throughout and Montgomery was given no more than a two-round advantage by the judges or referee, though the Associated Press scored the bout 8 for Montgomery, 4 for Jack, and three even. It would be Jack's last lightweight title match until meeting Ike Williams in July 1948.[16]
On March 17, 1944, he defeated Al "Bummy" Davis, the "Brooklyn Bomber", at Madison Square Garden before a crowd of nearly 20,000, in a ten-round unanimous decision. The referees and judges gave him no less than nine of the rounds, with two scoring all ten rounds for Jack. Jack, who was a slight favorite in the betting, brought crowds to the Garden in 1943–44. The Georgia boot-black got out of his crouching style and slugged it out in close quarters with Davis in several rounds.[17]
Win over NBA Lightweight Champion Juan Zurita, March 31, 1944
[edit]On March 31, 1944, Jack defeated Mexican-born boxer Juan Zurita in a ten-round points decision at New York's Madison Square Garden. Zurita had taken the NBA Lightweight Title only three weeks earlier from Sammy Angott in Los Angeles. Zurita faded after the fifth round, and was given only three rounds to seven for Jack by the United Press. The Mexican champion looked strong in the tenth, and took the round. The capacity crowd of 17,593 were hoping for more action in the early rounds, but both boxers, knowing the skills of their opponent fought cautiously.[18][19]
War bonds fight with Bob Montgomery, August 1944
[edit]Some consider the most famous fight of Jack's career, a bout with Montgomery on August 4, 1944. Staged at a critical time in the second World War, it became known as the "War Bonds Fight", and tickets were only made available to purchasers of war bonds. A ringside seat required purchase of a $100,000 war bond.[20]
Although Montgomery's title was not on the line, the gate was a record $36 million with 15,822 war bonds being sold. Many people who purchased bonds charitably left their tickets at the box office to be used by American servicemen. Montgomery and Jack, who were both serving as privates in the US Army, refused to take purses for the fight. Jack took the fight on points after 10 rounds, however the highlight of the evening was when the lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on Joe Louis was standing in the front row. Louis was received with a standing ovation.[21]
Jack met Sammy Angott for the second time on July 8, 1946, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., where a crowd of 10,353 saw Jack win in a seventh-round technical knockout. Angott was very briefly down in round two, and Jack was down twice briefly in round four. The fighting was close but Jack rallied strongly in rounds five and six, and Angott did not answer the opening bell in round seven. The fighters boxed "as if the world championship was at stake". It was a "wild" and "reckless" fight and injuries suffered by Angott to his hip and back were briefly investigated at the request of the D.C. Boxing Commission after the fight. X-rays determined the aging thirty-one year old Angott had chipped a rib and suffered a torn ligament in his foot.[22][23][24]
Last shot at the World Lightweight Title, Ike Williams, July 1948
[edit]Jack would not challenge for the title again until July 12, 1948, when he fought hall-of-famer and reigning champion Ike Williams in a sixth-round TKO at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. The fighting was fairly close in the first three rounds, as the referee gave one round to each fighter, and declared one even. The fourth was fought cautiously but by the fifth, Williams penetrated Beau's defenses and connected repeatedly. Williams brutally ended the bout with a left hook and flurry of subsequent blows in the sixth which led the referee to end the bout.[25]
Williams was managed and on occasion financially exploited by boxing promoter Frank "Blinky" Palermo, who was Mafia-connected and a partner of Murder Inc. button-man Frankie Carbo. Carbo operated a stable of fighters which would later include heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. The first bout marked the start of a rivalry between Williams and Jack who would go on to fight on three more occasions. With Jack's skills clearly waning, Williams took the first match by a split decision, tied in the second match with a draw, and won the third when his opponent Jack was unable to answer the ninth round bell. Their third fight, on August 12, 1958, in Augusta, Georgia, though memorable, marked the end of Jack's career.[4]
Life after boxing
[edit]He retired with a record of 83 wins, with 40 knockouts, 24 losses and five draws. After retirement, he ran a drive-in barbecue stand and operated a small farm in Augusta, Georgia. He refereed wrestling matches in South Carolina during the period. With his boxing earnings, he moved to Miami and returned to shoe shining, working at Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Hotel. He trained fighters in Miami's Fifth Street Gym.[5][6]
Family
[edit]Beau Jack had seven children, Ronald, Donald, George, Barbara Ann, Yvonne, Georgiana and Timothy. His wife was named Josephine. None of the sons became boxers.[5]
Last years and death
[edit]In his later years he suffered from poverty and Parkinson's disease. He died at 78, in a Miami nursing home, on February 9, 2000, of complications from Parkinson's disease.[4][26]
Honors
[edit]Jack was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1979[27] and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.[28]
Professional boxing record
[edit]121 fights | 91 wins | 24 losses |
---|---|---|
By knockout | 44 | 4 |
By decision | 47 | 20 |
Draws | 5 | |
No contests | 1 |
No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
121 | Loss | 91–24–5 (1) | Ike Williams | RTD | 8 (10) | Aug 12, 1955 | Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. | |
120 | Win | 91–23–5 (1) | Willie Kid Johnson | SD | 10 | Jul 4, 1955 | Beach Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
119 | Draw | 90–23–5 (1) | Ike Williams | PTS | 10 | Apr 9, 1955 | Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. | |
118 | Win | 90–23–4 (1) | Eddie Green | UD | 10 | Jan 20, 1955 | Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
117 | Loss | 89–23–4 (1) | Gil Turner | TKO | 8 (10) | May 21, 1951 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
116 | Loss | 89–22–4 (1) | Gil Turner | UD | 10 | Apr 16, 1951 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
115 | Win | 89–21–4 (1) | Leroy Willis | UD | 10 | Mar 30, 1951 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
114 | Loss | 88–21–4 (1) | Ike Williams | SD | 10 | Mar 5, 1951 | Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
113 | Win | 88–20–4 (1) | Emil Barao | UD | 10 | Jan 31, 1951 | Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S. | |
112 | Loss | 87–20–4 (1) | Del Flanagan | UD | 10 | Jan 18, 1951 | Auditorium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. | |
111 | Loss | 87–19–4 (1) | Fitzie Pruden | SD | 10 | Jan 1, 1951 | Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
110 | Loss | 87–18–4 (1) | Frankie Fernandez | UD | 10 | Nov 14, 1950 | Honolulu Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii | |
109 | Win | 87–17–4 (1) | Philip Kim | MD | 10 | Oct 3, 1950 | Honolulu Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii | |
108 | Win | 86–17–4 (1) | Bobby Timpson | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 17, 1950 | City Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
107 | Win | 85–17–4 (1) | Ronnie Harper | TKO | 5 (10) | Jun 28, 1950 | Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. | |
106 | Win | 84–17–4 (1) | Johnny Potenti | UD | 10 | May 22, 1950 | Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
105 | Win | 83–17–4 (1) | Jackie Weber | RTD | 6 (10) | May 8, 1950 | Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
104 | Win | 82–17–4 (1) | Lew Jenkins | TKO | 5 (10) | Apr 14, 1950 | Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
103 | Loss | 81–17–4 (1) | Joey Carkido | PTS | 10 | Apr 3, 1950 | Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
102 | Loss | 81–16–4 (1) | Tuzo Portuguez | SD | 10 | Dec 16, 1949 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
101 | Loss | 81–15–4 (1) | Kid Gavilán | UD | 10 | Oct 14, 1949 | Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
100 | Win | 81–14–4 (1) | Livio Minelli | SD | 10 | Sep 30, 1949 | Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
99 | Win | 80–14–4 (1) | Tote Martinez | UD | 10 | Sep 6, 1949 | Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S. | |
98 | Win | 79–14–4 (1) | Johnny Gonsalves | SD | 10 | Aug 31, 1949 | Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S. | |
97 | Win | 78–14–4 (1) | Eddie Giosa | UD | 10 | Jul 13, 1949 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
96 | Loss | 77–14–4 (1) | Johnny Greco | UD | 10 | Mar 28, 1949 | Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
95 | Win | 77–13–4 (1) | Jackie Weber | UD | 10 | Jan 17, 1949 | Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
94 | Win | 76–13–4 (1) | Leroy Willis | UD | 10 | Dec 17, 1948 | Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | |
93 | Win | 75–13–4 (1) | Chuck Taylor | TKO | 3 (10) | Nov 23, 1948 | Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
92 | Win | 74–13–4 (1) | Eric Boon | TKO | 3 (10) | Oct 28, 1948 | Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
91 | Loss | 73–13–4 (1) | Ike Williams | TKO | 6 (15) | Jul 12, 1948 | Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles |
90 | Win | 73–12–4 (1) | Tony Janiro | UD | 10 | May 24, 1948 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
89 | Win | 72–12–4 (1) | Johnny Greco | MD | 10 | Apr 9, 1948 | Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
88 | Loss | 71–12–4 (1) | Terry Young | SD | 10 | Feb 20, 1948 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
87 | Win | 71–11–4 (1) | Johnny Bratton | TKO | 8 (10) | Jan 23, 1948 | Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
86 | Win | 70–11–4 (1) | Jimmy Collins | KO | 2 (10) | Jan 5, 1948 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
85 | Win | 69–11–4 (1) | Billy Kearns | UD | 10 | Dec 29, 1947 | Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
84 | Win | 68–11–4 (1) | Frankie Vigeant | PTS | 10 | Dec 16, 1947 | Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
83 | Win | 67–11–4 (1) | Humberto Zavala | KO | 4 (10) | Nov 3, 1947 | Kiel Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
82 | Loss | 66–11–4 (1) | Tony Janiro | TKO | 4 (10) | Feb 21, 1947 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
81 | Loss | 66–10–4 (1) | Buster Tyler | PTS | 10 | Oct 22, 1946 | Armory, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. | |
80 | Win | 66–9–4 (1) | Danny Kapilow | UD | 10 | Aug 19, 1946 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
79 | Win | 65–9–4 (1) | Sammy Angott | TKO | 7 (10) | Jul 8, 1946 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
78 | Win | 64–9–4 (1) | Johnny Greco | UD | 10 | May 31, 1946 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
77 | Draw | 63–9–4 (1) | Johnny Greco | PTS | 10 | Feb 8, 1946 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
76 | Win | 63–9–3 (1) | Morris Reif | KO | 4 (10) | Jan 4, 1946 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
75 | Win | 62–9–3 (1) | Willie Joyce | UD | 10 | Dec 14, 1945 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
74 | Win | 61–9–3 (1) | Bob Montgomery | MD | 10 | Aug 4, 1944 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
73 | Win | 60–9–3 (1) | Juan Zurita | UD | 10 | Mar 31, 1944 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
72 | Win | 59–9–3 (1) | Al Davis | UD | 10 | Mar 17, 1944 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
71 | Loss | 58–9–3 (1) | Bob Montgomery | SD | 15 | Mar 3, 1944 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | Lost NYSAC lightweight title |
70 | Win | 58–8–3 (1) | Maxie Berger | UD | 10 | Feb 15, 1944 | Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. | |
69 | Draw | 57–8–3 (1) | Sammy Angott | PTS | 10 | Jan 28, 1944 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
68 | Win | 57–8–2 (1) | Lulu Costantino | SD | 10 | Jan 7, 1944 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
67 | Win | 56–8–2 (1) | Bob Montgomery | UD | 15 | Nov 19, 1943 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | Won NYSAC lightweight title |
66 | Loss | 55–8–2 (1) | Bobby Ruffin | UD | 10 | Oct 4, 1943 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
65 | Win | 55–7–2 (1) | Johnny Hutchinson | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 19, 1943 | Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
64 | Win | 54–7–2 (1) | Maxie Starr | TKO | 6 (10) | Jun 21, 1943 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
63 | Loss | 53–7–2 (1) | Bob Montgomery | UD | 15 | May 21, 1943 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | Lost NYSAC lightweight title |
62 | Win | 53–6–2 (1) | Henry Armstrong | UD | 10 | Apr 2, 1943 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
61 | Win | 52–6–2 (1) | Fritzie Zivic | UD | 12 | Mar 5, 1943 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
60 | Win | 51–6–2 (1) | Fritzie Zivic | UD | 10 | Feb 5, 1943 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
59 | Win | 50–6–2 (1) | Tippy Larkin | KO | 3 (15) | Dec 18, 1942 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | Won vacant NYSAC lightweight title |
58 | Win | 49–6–2 (1) | Allie Stolz | TKO | 7 (10) | Nov 13, 1942 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
57 | Win | 48–6–2 (1) | Terry Young | UD | 10 | Oct 12, 1942 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
56 | Win | 47–6–2 (1) | Chester Rico | PTS | 8 | Oct 2, 1942 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
55 | Win | 46–6–2 (1) | Joe De Jesus | KO | 4 (10) | Sep 28, 1942 | Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
54 | Win | 45–6–2 (1) | Billy Murray | PTS | 10 | Aug 28, 1942 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
53 | Win | 44–6–2 (1) | Carmine Fatta | KO | 1 (8) | Aug 18, 1942 | MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
52 | Win | 43–6–2 (1) | Ruby Garcia | TKO | 6 (8) | Aug 1, 1942 | Twin City Arena, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. | |
51 | Win | 42–6–2 (1) | Cosby Linson | TKO | 8 (8) | Jul 7, 1942 | Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
50 | Win | 41–6–2 (1) | Bobby McIntire | TKO | 6 (8) | Jul 3, 1942 | Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
49 | Win | 40–6–2 (1) | Guillermo Puentes | KO | 1 (8) | Jun 23, 1942 | MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
48 | Win | 39–6–2 (1) | Bobby Ivy | PTS | 8 | May 22, 1942 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
47 | Win | 38–6–2 (1) | Carmelo Fenoy | UD | 10 | Jan 5, 1942 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
46 | Loss | 37–6–2 (1) | Freddie Archer | PTS | 8 | Dec 29, 1941 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
45 | Loss | 37–5–2 (1) | Freddie Archer | UD | 8 | Dec 8, 1941 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
44 | Win | 37–4–2 (1) | Sammy Rivers | TKO | 3 (8) | Dec 1, 1941 | Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
43 | Win | 36–4–2 (1) | Guillermo Puentes | PTS | 8 | Oct 31, 1941 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
42 | Win | 35–4–2 (1) | Tommy Speigal | PTS | 8 | Oct 14, 1941 | Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
41 | Win | 34–4–2 (1) | Al Reid | KO | 8 (8) | Sep 19, 1941 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
40 | Win | 33–4–2 (1) | Guillermo Puentes | PTS | 6 | Aug 26, 1941 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
39 | Win | 32–4–2 (1) | Al Roth | RTD | 5 (6) | Aug 14, 1941 | Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
38 | Win | 31–4–2 (1) | Minnie DeMore | TKO | 3 (6) | Aug 5, 1941 | Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
37 | Win | 30–4–2 (1) | George Zengaras | UD | 8 | Jun 16, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
36 | Win | 29–4–2 (1) | Tommy Speigal | PTS | 8 | Jun 2, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
35 | Win | 28–4–2 (1) | George Salamone | KO | 8 (8) | May 19, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
34 | Draw | 27–4–2 (1) | Chester Rico | PTS | 8 | May 5, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
33 | Win | 27–4–1 (1) | Harry Gentile | TKO | 1 (6) | Apr 28, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
32 | Win | 26–4–1 (1) | Bob Reilly | TKO | 7 (8) | Apr 22, 1941 | Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
31 | Win | 25–4–1 (1) | Tony Iacovacci | KO | 6 (6) | Apr 7, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
30 | Win | 24–4–1 (1) | Joey Silva | UD | 6 | Mar 24, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
29 | Win | 23–4–1 (1) | Nicky Jerome | TKO | 3 (6) | Mar 10, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
28 | Win | 22–4–1 (1) | Lenny Isrow | TKO | 3 (6) | Feb 24, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
27 | Win | 21–4–1 (1) | Mexican Joe Rivers | TKO | 4 (6) | Feb 10, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
26 | Loss | 20–4–1 (1) | Joey Silva | SD | 6 | Jan 27, 1941 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
25 | Win | 20–3–1 (1) | Mel Neary | TKO | 5 (6) | Dec 30, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
24 | Win | 19–3–1 (1) | Young Johnny Buff | KO | 1 (6) | Dec 16, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
23 | Win | 18–3–1 (1) | Jimmy Fox | PTS | 6 | Dec 2, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
22 | Win | 17–3–1 (1) | Joey Stack | UD | 6 | Nov 4, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
21 | Win | 16–3–1 (1) | Ritchie Jones | KO | 3 (6) | Oct 21, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
20 | Win | 15–3–1 (1) | Abe Cohen | KO | 3 (6) | Oct 14, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
19 | Win | 14–3–1 (1) | Tony Dupre | TKO | 2 (6) | Sep 30, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
18 | Win | 13–3–1 (1) | Oliver Barbour | TKO | 3 (6) | Sep 16, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
17 | Win | 12–3–1 (1) | Jackie Small | TKO | 2 (4) | Sep 2, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
16 | Win | 11–3–1 (1) | Carlo Daponde | UD | 4 | Aug 26, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
15 | Loss | 10–3–1 (1) | Jackie Parker | UD | 4 | Aug 19, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
14 | Win | 10–2–1 (1) | Joe Polowitzer | PTS | 6 | Aug 12, 1940 | White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
13 | Loss | 9–2–1 (1) | Joe Polowitzer | PTS | 6 | Aug 2, 1940 | White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
12 | Loss | 9–1–1 (1) | Jackie Parker | SD | 4 | Jun 17, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
11 | Win | 9–0–1 (1) | Billy Bannick | TKO | 3 (4) | May 27, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
10 | Draw | 8–0–1 (1) | Frankie Allen | PTS | 4 | May 20, 1940 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
9 | Win | 8–0 (1) | Joe James | KO | 2 (6) | Mar 27, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. | |
8 | Win | 7–0 (1) | Silent Stafford | PTS | 6 | Mar 21, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. | |
7 | ND | 6–0 (1) | Vincent Corbett | ND | ? (6) | Feb 29, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. | Bout was scheduled for this day. Result unknown as of yet |
6 | Win | 6–0 | Alvin Stevens | KO | 3 (6) | Feb 15, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. | |
5 | Win | 5–0 | Battling Burns | PTS | 4 | Feb 8, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. | |
4 | Win | 4–0 | Jack Moseley | PTS | 4 | Feb 1, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. | |
3 | Win | 3–0 | Unknown | PTS | 4 | Jan 18, 1940 | Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. | |
2 | Win | 2–0 | Battling Henry | KO | 5 (6) | Apr 12, 1939 | Reynolds Street Arena, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. | |
1 | Win | 1–0 | Unknown | TKO | ? (6) | Apr 7, 1939 | Richmond Arena, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
References
[edit]- ^ Mike Lewis. "Beau Jack profile". The Guardian. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
- ^ Mike Sterritt (2011-04-15). The Great Underrated Boxers. iUniverse. p. 16. ISBN 9781450289139. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
- ^ a b c d e "Beau Jack Boxing Record". BoxRec. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Beau Jack, Cyber Boxing Zone". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ a b c d "The Ballad Of Beau Jack No Fighter Was Tougher Than The Man Who Went From Shoeshine Boy To Champion And Back Again - Page 2". sun-sentinel.com. 1988-10-09. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
- ^ a b c d "Beau Jack Boxing Bio". BoxRec. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
- ^ "Augusta Georgia: Other Sports:Lord of the ring 02/10/02". Old.chronicle.augusta.com. 2002-02-10. Archived from the original on 2016-04-08. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
- ^ Cuddy, Jack, "Beau Jack's Win Impressive", The Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, pg. 7, December 19, 1942.
- ^ Zivic was a dirty fighter in Sterrit, Mike, (2011) The Great Underrated Boxers, iUniverse Books, Bloomington, Indiana, pg. 17
- ^ "Zivic Loses to Beau Jack on Low Blow", The Daily Tribune, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, pp. 5, February 6, 1943.
- ^ Carver, Lawton, "Jack Drubbed As Philly Negro Pulls Big Upset", The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, pg. 15, May 22, 1943.
- ^ Meier, Ted, "Bobcat Bob to Receive Another Go At Crown", The Mason-City Glove Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, pg. 4, November 20, 1943.
- ^ Feder, Sid, "New Titleholder Weathers Strong Finish to Win Decision", The Ottawa Journal, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, pg. 18, November 20, 1943.
- ^ Cuddy, Jack, "Sammy Angott Battles Beau Jack to Draw", The St. Louis Star and Times, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 5, January 29, 1944.
- ^ Cuddy, Jack, "Turn Away Crowd Sees Lightweights", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 9, January 29, 1944
- ^ "19,066 Fans See Bob Montgomery Defeat Beau Jack", The Bend Bulletin, Bend, Oregon, pg. 2, March 4, 1944.
- ^ Howell, Fritz, "Ex-Georgia Bootblack Beats Brooklyn Bomber", Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pg. 11, March 18, 1944.
- ^ "Beau Jack Wins Over Zurita in Garden", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 3, 1 April 1944
- ^ Crowd of 17,593, in "Beau Jack Decisions Juan Zurita", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 9, 1 April 1944
- ^ $100,000 for a ringside seat in Williams, Bernard, "I Bet You Didn't Know", Clarion Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, pg. 23, 1 April 2000
- ^ Goldstein, Richard (2000-02-12). "Beau Jack, 78, Lightweight Boxing Champion in the 1940s". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
- ^ "Two Monday Night Fights Being Probed Today", The Reno Gazette Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 14, 9 July 1946
- ^ "Angott Cleared Gets Purse", The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pg. 22, 10 July 1946
- ^ Crowd of 10,353 in "Beau Jack Stops Sammy Angott in Wild Fight", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 10, 9 July 1946
- ^ "Champ Keeps Crown as Ref Halts Battle", The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 33, 13 July 1948
- ^ Goldstein, Richard (2000-02-12). "Beau Jack, 78, Lightweight Boxing Champion in the 1940s". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
- ^ "Class of 1979: Sidney "Beau Jack" Walker". Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
- ^ "Beau Jack". International Boxing Hall of Fame.
External links
[edit]- Boxing record for Beau Jack from BoxRec (registration required)
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
- Beau Jack
- 1921 births
- 2000 deaths
- Lightweight boxers
- World lightweight boxing champions
- World boxing champions
- African-American boxers
- Sportspeople from Augusta, Georgia
- International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees
- American male boxers
- Boxers from Georgia (U.S. state)
- Deaths from Parkinson's disease in Florida
- United States Army personnel of World War II
- United States Army soldiers
- African Americans in World War II
- African-American United States Army personnel