This Day in History (January 31, 1914)
By Aaron Tallent January 31st, 2007Today in Boxing History: Jersey Joe Walcott born in New Jersey
On this day in 1914, Arnold Raymond Cream was born in Merchantville, New Jersey. In 1930, he turned professional, honoring his idol and his home state, and became Jersey Joe Walcott.
It would take 17 years for Walcott to receive a shot at a world title. Finally, in 1947, he was picked to be Joe Louis’ 24th title defense. Walcott made the most of his long-awaited opportunity, knocking Louis down twice, but losing a hotly-contested split decision. When the two met again six months later, Louis knocked Walcott out in the 11th round.
The champion retired following the bout and Walcott faced Ezzard Charles for the vacant title in 1949, losing a 15-round decision. Walcott challenged Charles for the belt again in March of 1951, and lost another decision. They met again four months later, and the fifth title shot proved to be the charm for Walcott. In the seventh round, Walcott approached Charles with his trademark shuffle before flooring him for the full ten-count with a left hook. At 37 years of age, he became the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Walcott won his first defense, a 15-round decision over Charles, in 1952. He then defended his title against Rocky Marciano. Walcott dominated most of the bout and entered the 13th-round with a comfortable lead. However, early in the round, Marciano threw the most famous right in boxing history, sending the champion crumpling to the canvas. Walcott was counted out at 43 seconds into the 13th round.
After being knocked out in the first round of his rematch with Marciano in 1953, Walcott retired. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Following his career in the ring, Walcott served as a boxing referee, a sheriff, and as the chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. He died of complications from diabetes in February of 1994.
Nine months later, a 45-year-old George Foreman broke Walcott’s record by winning the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles with a 10th-round knockout of Michael Moorer.
