Jersey Joe Walcott
Jersey Joe Walcott
JERSEY JOE WALCOTT, Camden's own… a million words have been written, by those far more talented than I, so on this page I'm going to post some of the best I've found, along with some newspaper articles rarely seen.
For those not familiar with the story of Jersey Joe Walcott, here is the too-quick version.
He was born Arnold Raymond Cream on January 31, 1914, outside of Camden NJ. Most texts say he was born in Merchantville, but as Merchantville was a very white town then as now, I would not be surprised if he had been born a stone's throw away in Pennsauken or Delaware Townships, both of whom in those days used the Merchantville office. The historically black Matchtown neighborhood is situated along the border of the two townships, just outside of the Borough of Merchantville. His father died when he was 14 years old, at which time he went to work at the Campbell Soup factory in Camden. He turned to professional boxing in 1930 as a lightweight.
Sources state that he compiled a record of 53-18-1 with 33 knockouts, others state his record was 50-17-1. I would be in no way surprised if he fought many more times than the record shows.
Jersey Joe struggled for years, and had all but quit the fight game, when a Camden “character” named Felix Bocchicchio took an interest in him. He got Walcott better fights, and a shot at the world title. It took Jersey Joe Walcott four attempts before he finally won the belt, at the age of 37, which he held for only a short time before being knocked out by Rocky Marciano. After a 1953 rematch against Marciano, he hung up his gloves.
After retiring, Walcott remained active in boxing as a referee. He took a stab at professional wrestling in the early 1960s. He also had an acting part in the 1956 film The Harder They Fall.
Jersey Joe Walcott later turned to politics, and was elected to the office of Sheriff of Camden County in 1971, serving for three years. He also served as the chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission.
Jersey Joe Walcott passed away as a result of diabetes on February 25, 1994 in Camden, NJ.
Career Record
Pro Record: 53-18-1 with 33 wins by knockouts
1930 Sep 9 Cowboy Wallace Vineland, NJ KO 1 Oct 10 Jimmy O'Toole Camden, NJ KO 4 Oct 24 Frankie Matthews Camden, NJ KO 4 1931 Apr 20 Carl Mays Atlantic City KO 2 1932 Inactive 1933 May 5 Bob Norris Camden, NJ KO 1 Jul 28 Henry Taylor Camden, NJ KO 1 Nov 16 Henry Taylor Philadelphia L 6 1934 Inactive 1935 Jan 1 Al Lang Camden, NJ KO 1 Feb 2 Lew Alva Camden, NJ KO 3 Oct 1 Pat Roland Camden, NJ KO 4 Oct 29 Joe King Camden, NJ KO 1 Nov 26 Roxie Allen Camden, NJ KO 7 1936 Jan 21 Al Ettore Camden, NJ KO by 8 Mar 16 Willie Reddish Philadelphia W 10 Apr 28 Joe Colucci Camden, NJ KO 4 Jun 16 Lou LaPage Coney Island, NY KO 6 Jun 22 Phil Johnson Philadelphia KO 3 Jul 14 Billy Ketchell Camden, NJ D 10 Aug 1 Young Carmen Passarella Camden, NJ W 8 Aug 15 Billy Ketchell Camden, NJ W 10 Sep 1 Billy Ketchell Camden, NJ L 10 1937 May 22 Tiger Jack Fox New York KO by 8 Sep 3 Joe Lipps Atlantic City KO 2 Sep 25 Elmer Ray New York KO 3 Oct 9 George Brothers New York L 8 1938 Jan 10 Freddie Fiducia Philadelphia W 8 Jan 20 Jim Whitest Philadelphia W 8 Mar 25 Art Sykes Philadelphia KO 4 Apr 12 Lorenzo Pack Camden, NJ KO 4 May 10 Tiger Jack Fox Camden, NJ L 10 Jun 14 Roy Lazer Fairview*, NJ L 10 Dec 23 Bob Tow Camden, NJ W 8 1939 Aug 14 Al Boros Newark, NJ W 8 Nov 18 Curtis Sheppard New York W 8 1940 Jan 19 Tiger Red Lewis Philadelphia KO 6 Feb 12 Abe Simon Newark, NJ KO by 6 1941 Jun 27 Columbus Grant Memphis, TN KO 3 1942–43 Inactive 1944 Jun 7 Felix Del Paoli Batesville**, NJ W 8 Jun 28 Ellis Singleton Batesville**, NJ KO 3 1945 Jan 11 Jackie Saunders Camden, NJ KO 2 Jan 25 Johnny “Skippy” Allen Camden, NJ L 8 Feb 22 Austin Johnson Camden, NJ W 6 Mar 15 Johnny “Skippy” Allen Camden, NJ W 8 Aug 2 Joe Baksi Camden, NJ W 10 Sep 20 Johnny Denson Camden, NJ KO 2 Oct 23 Steve Dudas Paterson, NJ KO 5 Nov 12 Lee Q. Murray Baltimore WDQ 9 Dec 10 Curtis Sheppard Baltimore KO 10 1946 Jan 30 Johnny “Skippy” Allen Camden, NJ KO 3 Feb 25 Jimmy Bivins Cleveland W 10 Mar 20 Al Blake Camden, NJ KO 4 May 24 Lee Oma New York W 10 Aug 16 Tommy Gomez New York KO 3 Aug 28 Joey Maxim Camden, NJ L 10 Nov 15 Elmer Ray New York L 10 1947 Jan 6 Joey Maxim Philadelphia W 10 Apr 3 Elmer Ray Miami W 10 Jun 23 Joey Maxim Los Angeles W 10 Dec 5 Joe Louis New York L 15 (For World Heavyweight Title) 1948 Mar 10 Austin Johnson Chicago Exh 4 Jun 25 Joe Louis New York KO by 11 (For World Heavyweight Title) Dec 14 Earl Griffin Camden, NJ Exh. 4 1949 Feb 4 Baba Adams Curacao Exh Jun 22 Ezzard Charles Chicago L 15 (For Vacant NBA Heavyweight Title) Aug 14 Olle Tandberg Stockholm KO 5 1950 Feb 8 Harold Johnson Philadelphia KO 3 Mar 3 Omelio Agramonte New York KO 7 Mar 13 Johnny Shkor Philadelphia KO 1 May 28 Hein Ten Hoff Mannheim, Germany W 10 Nov 24 Rex Layne New York L 10 1951 Mar 7 Ezzard Charles Detroit L 15 (For World Heavyweight Title) Jul 18 Ezzard Charles Pittsburgh KO 7 (Wins World Heavyweight Title) 1952 Jan 10 Jackie Burke New Bedford, MA Exh 5 Jan 12 Jackie Burke Lewiston, ME Exh 5 Jan 21 Jackie Burke Holyoke, MA Exh 5 Jan 23 Jackie Burke Portland, ME Exh 4 Jan 24 Jackie Burke St. Johns, New Brun. Exh 5 Jan 25 Jackie Burke Bangor, ME Exh 5 Jan 26 Jackie Burke Watery, ME Exh 5 Jan 29 Jackie Burke Lewiston, PA Exh 5 Feb 1 Jackie Burke Orlando, FL Exh 5 Jun 5 Ezzard Charles Philadelphia W 15 (Retains World Heavyweight Title) Sep 23 Rocky Marciano Philadelphia KO by 13 (Loses World Heavyweight Title) 1953 May 15 Rocky Marciano Chicago KO by 1 (For World Heavyweight Title) 1963 Aug 15 Wrestling: pinned in third round by Lou Thesz at Memphis, TN* The Fairview fight was held in the Fairview section of Camden NJ
** Batesville was the name of a neighborhood in what is now Cherry Hill NJ, just outside of Haddonfield, along county road 561, commonly known as the Haddonfield-Berlin Road. For many years amateur and minor professional fights were staged there.
Time Tunnel: Jersey Joe Walcott; The Long, Long Journey
B.R. Bearden — East Side Boxing
They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. And to climb a mountain that first step is always up. It is the willingness to continue to trudge upward despite pain and fatigue, regardless of heartbreaks and failure, which can mark the difference between the contender and the champion. Yet for one Raymond Arnold Cream, better known by his ring name of Jersey Joe Walcott, the climb to the top didn’t run straight up, but rather wound round and round the mountain.
Time and again he would come back from self-imposed retirement for another try at those slopes, which only get steeper with age, and time and again he would fall. Unlike Joe Louis, who was born the same year as Walcott and would reign 11 years at the top, Jersey Joe would spend 22 years on the journey.
Walcott’s father died when he was 13 years old, effectively leaving him as the male head of the family. He quit school and took whatever jobs he could find to help his mother, an enormous task to demand of a child. Then one day he walked into Battling Mack’s gym in Camden, New Jersey. It wasn’t long before he was getting in the ring with the fighters who called the gym home. There was something special about the skinny kid and soon he was fighting for money.
His first pro bout came when he was 16 years old and he won his first 6 recorded fights before suffering a loss. During those early fights he decided he needed a catchier name than Arnold Cream. His father had been born in the British West Indies, and his father’s favorite fighter was from the same region, a legendary fighter named Joe Walcott. So, in honor of his father’s memory, Arnold decided to change his name to Joe Walcott. And to differentiate himself, he tacked on “Jersey.”
Over the next several years Jersey Joe won most of his fights, though there were the occasional losses. He married and started a family, but providing for them wasn’t easy. The color barrier was still in existence in many cases, leaving a young, gifted black fighter limited opportunities. Time and again he left boxing in search of work to feed his wife and kids. But it was a reality that the last ones hired when times were good were the black men and the first ones let go when times were bad were those same men. In the ring and out, Joe’s race hindered his chance to advance. Still, he soldiered on, and it was said of Walcott that he outlasted the color line, an ageless fighter who transcended two eras of the sport.
Walcott’s first great opportunity came about when he met the trainer Jack Blackburn. The veteran handler of fighters took a liking to Joe and began teaching him the tricks of the trade, and soon Walcott was racking up victories.
Then came a real break, a chance so sweet that only when looking back would it be apparent just how great the missed opportunity. Blackburn was contacted by a couple of numbers runners from the midwest, Julian Black of Chicago and John Roxborough of Detroit, and offered the job of training an amateur champion they had interest in. Blackburn agreed as long as they’d take Walcott into their stable of fighters.
Jack told Walcott he wanted him to come along to Chicago. It could be a big break for Jersey Joe; for if the other kid didn’t pan out, they would be looking for someone else. “We’re gonna take a trip to find out if you’re the one,” Blackburn told the excited fighter.
But fate stepped in, and the next day Joe was rushed to the hospital with typoid. It took most of a year for him to recover. Blackburn traveled to Chicago without him and was introduced to the young fighter the numbers men wanted developed. His name was Joe Louis.
“If I hadn’t gotten sick and been able to meet that man in Chicago, who knows, I could have been the champion before Joe Louis,” Walcott would later say.
He struggled on for a couple more years, fighting when he could, working at hard, low paying jobs when he couldn’t. It seemed the only Walcott to gain fame in the ring would be the original.
Then a ray of light appeared in what was becoming a gloomy career. The rapidly rising Joe Louis was training to fight former champion Max Schmelling and needed sparring partners. Blackburn contacted Joe and offered him the job. Eager to seize the opportunity, Jersey Joe showed up in camp full of fire and ambition; too much of both. The very first round of his very first day as a sparring partner, Walcott dropped Louis with a left hook (or right cross, depending on the source). His stint as sparring partner began and ended in that round and the disheartened young man returned home.
By 1941 Louis was champion, the most popular champion since Jack Dempsey, but Walcott had missed four more opportunities. In the only four outtings he’d had against Top Ten ranked fighters, Joe had lost each and every one; to Al Ettore in 1936, Tiger Jack Fox in 1937 and 1938, and to Abe Simon in 1940. Often his losses were the result of being on short call for fights, sometimes having only days to train for top fighters. In between he worked in the Camden shipyards or any other job he could find. How many unlisted fights he fought during those years to put food on the table no one will ever know.
From 1941 to 1945 Walcott fought only 3 times. He was living at the poverty level and boxing had failed to pull him out of the dregs. It appeared the sun had set on his career and there would be no more chances for the 31 year old fighter. But with the end of the war there was a dearth of heavyweights to fill out boxing cards. Local gambler and owner of a sports club, Felix Bocchicchio, heard of Walcott’s plight and offered to manage him. At first Walcott refused, saying, “Fighting never got me nothin’ before, and all I want now is a steady job so my wife and kids can eat regular. I’m over 30 and just plain tired of it all.”
But Bocchicchio bought food for the Walcott family, put coal in the bin, and got Joe’s boxing license renewed. Jersey Joe went on the comeback trail and in 1945 he had nine bouts, winning eight. More importantly, he beat three Top Ten ranked fighters; Joe Baski, Lee O. Murray, and Curtis Sheppard.
In 1946 he had an important win over Top Ten Jimmy Bivins and it wasn’t long before the well-connected manager had Walcott fighting in Madison Square Garden in a main event against Lee Oma, a name fighter. Walcott took a 10 round decision, then lost to Joey Maxim and Elmer Ray in back-to-back bouts. But in January of 1947 he beat Maxim, then in April he beat Elmer Ray, and in a third bout with Maxim, Joe won again.
From depression to Madison Square Garden, Walcott’s star was rising. Joe Louis needed an opponent and promoter Mike Jacobs recalled how Walcott had dropped Louis during the sparring session eleven years before. He trotted out the story, played it up to the press, and it seemed the match might be at least mildly interesting. Of course, Louis would win, but maybe Walcott would give a better showing than the other “bums of the month.” Or so the talk went.
So low was Walcott’s stock compared to Louis’s, however, that at first the match was scheduled only as an exhibition. But the New York State Athletic Commission declared that any fight over 6 rounds featuring the champion must be for the title. Even so, Walcott was a 1-10 underdog.
Yet in the first round, just as in training camp years before, Walcott suckered Louis into a right hand lead and dropped him with his “sneak” left hook. The crowd was on its feet in disbelief. To prove it wasn’t just luck, Jersey Joe dropped Louis again in the fourth round. The champion’s timing was thrown off by Walcott’s confusing use of a shuffle, called the “Walcott Shuffle,” which involved shifting his feet around so that first the left, then the right, were the lead, and pivoting his body to match, making it almost impossible to tell from which side the next punch would come.
Ahead on the cards, baffling Louis at will, Walcott then made a serious mistake. Rather than finishing the fight in the same dominant manner, Jersey Joe decided to coast the final rounds. It was the wrong tactic against so popular a champion. When the bell sounded at the end of the 15th round, everyone in the auditorium, including Louis, thought Walcott was the new champion. Joe Louis was so sure he had lost that he started to leave the ring in defeat while the crowd gave Walcott a booming ovation. But Louis’ people kept him in the ring as the scores were read. Referee Ruby Goldstein had voted for Walcott, but the two judges, Frank Forbes and Marty Monroe, cast their votes to the Brown Bomber.
The crowd reacted in outrage, something Louis wasn’t used to, but all Walcott could do was cry. It seemed his absolute last opportunity had passed him by. However, the nearness of the thing demanded a rematch, and when Walcott’s left hook dropped Louis again, it seemed he had the situation well in hand this time around. By the 11th Louis’s left eye was swollen almost shut while Walcott was unmarked. Then Walcott let Louis trap him along the ropes. There was a barrage of punches, the short, deadly kind for which Louis was so well known, and Jersey Joe went down. He was counted out with only 4 seconds remaining in the round. Two tries at the title and two failures and it appeared the aging Walcott had used up all his luck.
Then, to the surprise of almost everyone, Joe Louis announced his retirement. There would be an elimination fight between Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott. Again Joe would get a chance to grab the golden ring. In a good fight against a great fighter, he lost a 15 round decision to Charles and announced his retirement. He was now 35 years old. However, Felix Bocchicchio wasn’t as ready to give up on old Joe as Joe himself was, and they took a short vacation to talk over his future. Returning, they issued a press release stating that Jersey Joe had changed his mind and wouldn’t retire. Instead, he went to Sweden and beat local favorite Ollie Tandberg. Wishing to quit a winner, Walcott again talked of retirement. But once more, Bocchicchio talked him back into the ring.
Joe produced an excellent third round KO of future Hall of Famer Harold Johnson, but as he had also defeated Harold’s father, Phil Johnson, 14 years earlier, it made it more apparent just how long Jersey Joe had been on the road without making it to the top.
Walcott then lost to Top Ten contender Rex Layne, and again to Ezzard Charles over 15 rounds and the stock options on one Jersey Joe Walcott could be had for pennies.
Yet the gods of boxing weren’t finished yet with Joe. Ezzard Charles had defended his title against the tough Rex Layne and then against clever Joey Maxim, as well as a KO of Joe Kahut, and the men behind the champ were looking for a “safe” fight for his next outing. And what could be safer than old Joe Walcott, a man he’d already beaten twice? It was a miscalculation that cost Charles his title, for even though Walcott was now 37 years old, he seemed to be getting better with age.
In the seventh round, Joe’s “sneak” left hook once again did him service and Ezzard Charles was knocked out, the victim of what Ezz called, “a sucker punch.” Walcott had at last attained the title after a journey of almost a quarter century. In the rematch he held Charles to a 15 round decision and his manager announced that they would only defend the title once a year. Unfortunately, the first defense after Ezzard was a hungry young swarmer named Rocky Marciano. Unlike Walcott, the challenger’s journey to the title shot had been straight and undeterred, battering down opponents both good and bad with equal disdain. He was undefeated, and even more, he had no concept of defeat. Still, Walcott held him in little regard, laughing at his crude, though effective, style and declaring, “If I can’t beat this bum, take my name out of the record books.”
Showing none of his age, and every intention of keeping the title, Walcott boxed and moved like a 28 year old fighter, rather than the 38 year old man he was. In the first round he dropped Marciano with the same unexpected left hook that had dropped Louis several times and knocked Ezzard Charles out. But Marciano was stronger than Charles and younger than Louis. He showed no effect from the punch and the two men gave the fans one of the greatest championship fights in the history of the heavyweight division. Jersey Joe was winning on all three score cards until the 13th round, when he stepped back to the ropes to try to sucker Marciano in. Joe shifted to his left and began to throw a right hand at the incoming Marciano, but Marciano threw leather at the same time. Rocky’s punch arrived first, a murderous right hand that exploded off the champion’s jaw.
As one sportswriter at ringside said, “You could see his body quiver with the shock. His lips, cheeks, nose and eyes all seemed to shake loose and run together like blobs of wet mud. Then he sank slowly, painfully, pathetically. When he fluttered to the canvas, he had no more life than a rag doll.”
Joe lost his title unconscious on the floor. In the rematch he would be knocked out in the first round and retire permanently from boxing. The crown had been his a mere 14 months of a 22 year career.
Few men ever journey so far and so long to hold a thing of value for such a short time, but perhaps in Walcott the journey was the thing. The opportunities missed, the odds seemingly against him at every turn, it was the persistence of Jersey Joe Walcott that made his short championship a destination worthy of the climb.
Walcott and King Fight for Title Belt Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
A belt, emblematic of the light heavyweight championship of South Jersey, will be presented the winner of the “jersey joe” Walcott-Al King fight here at the Convention Hall tonight.
Walcott and King are scheduled to appear in the feature eight-rounder at the Civic Center hall and Promoter Lew McFarland will give the victor a belt bought by the Golden Gate Sporting Club, which is sponsoring the show.
Walcott has yet to be put to the test as his last two opponents here were outclassed. The coffee-colored Merchantville light heavy unquestionably is a great puncher and made a chopping block of Pat “Red” Roland a few weeks ago, the bout being stopped in the fourth round to save the latter from being sent home in a basket. During the outdoor season, Walcott stopped Lew Alva, who was booked as a Spaniard, but who later proved to be a Philadelphian, in one round.
King Has Good Record
King comes here with a good reputation. According to Promoter MacFarland, King, who hails from Hackettstown, has had 10 professional fights and won all 10, nine over the knockout route and a six-round win over Abie Bain, who several years ago gave Maxie Rosenbloom a real battle at Madison Square Garden when Rosenbloom held the light heavy title.
Kings’ nine knockouts, according to Frankie Bunt, his representative, include Billie Prince, Dan Serici, Gene Hudson, Ray Bowers, Bucky Bendetto, Frank Zaveda, Jimmy Smith, Jim Myrick and Bobby O’Brien. None of the fights lasted over three rounds so King should be a fit opponent for Walcott.
McFarland is certain that the fight will be a “sweetheart” with a belt at stake for the winner.
Julius Lighthiser, who resumed his right name after boxing several bouts under the name of Frankie “Kid” Carlin, has been forced to pull out of the eight-round semi-final due to an attack of arthritis in his neck. Julius Lighthiser was listed to meet Paul Enno of the Philippine Islands, in a return match, the two having fought a great six-rounder in the last show, but Julius, while training caught a punch on his neck which caused a ligament to cross a nerve and arthritis developed.
Duca Replaces Lighthiser
So Promoter McFarland has signed Mickey Duca of Paulsboro, to act as a substitute for Lighthiser against Enno. Lighthiser beat Enno, who is a club fighter. Duca also is a club fighter and the two kids may steal the thunder of the stars.
Two heavyweights, Al “Peaches” Gray of North Camden, and Jack Houvig, three-letter athlete at Salem High School a few years ago, meet in the main preliminary of six rounds. Both are good punchers and anxious to please as they are making a comeback after several years’ absence from the ring.
In the two preliminary bouts, both six-rounders, Joe Bonomo and Joe Reno, both residents of South Camden, trade punches, while Dan Ryrie of Fairview, and Danny McNichol of Merchantville, deadly rivals, open the show.
Cincinnati, Boxer, Makes Debut Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Cincinnati is the name of one of Ohio’s fairest cities, but it also is the name of a local aspirant to boxing fame.
Freddy is his first name and he is a resident of South Camden. He is slated to make his professional debut here at the Convention Hall next Tuesday night, facing hard-hitting Al Narcisso, another South Camdenite, in the second bout of six rounds.
“Jersey Joe” Walcott, of Maple Shade, and Donald “Red” Barry, of Washington, D.C., will act as the finalists on the card. The bout is over the 10-round route.
Narcisso is on the spot with Cincinnati. Al was touted highly prior to his pro debut against Joe Reno, but the latter went going away. Cincinnati has been training for several months and Narcisso may run into another storm.
Freddy Lewis, Maple Shade cobble thrower who fought several sensational bouts at the Civic Center hall, comes back to battle Jack Kelly, of Kensington, in the eight round semifinal.
Two other six-rounders are also on the card. Joey Mancuso, of Maple Shade, faces Johnny Viereck of National Park, and Joey Ruggles of South Camden, battles Danny Ryrie, of Fairview.
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Convention Hall, Young Kid Chocolate, Lew McFarland, Al Narcisso, Freddy Cincinnati, Joey Ruggles, Danny Ryrie, and Joe Duca.
Joey Allen to Meet Tough Foe in Toomey
Camden Courier-Post —
Clash Here Tomorrow
Newark Lightweight May End Local’s Streak Here in Semi-final Tomorrow
WALCOTT VS KETCHELL IN 10-ROUND WINDUP
JOEY ALLEN JOHNNY TOOMEY
A keen two-fisted scrap, which should rival the “Jersey Joe” Walcott-Billy Ketchell featured match, has been arranged for the eight-round semi-final of the Atlas Boxing Club’s show tomorrow night at the Pennsauken open-air arena.
The principals in this encounter will be Joey Allen, pride of South Camden, and the clever Johnny Toomey, of Newark, who holds a number of verdicts over outstanding lightweight fighters.
Allen was originally scheduled to face Ernie Ratner, of Jersey City, but according to Promoter Marty Garaguso and Matchmaker Anthony Georgette he failed to pass the state physical examination.
Georgette stated that after having signed Ratner to a contract he had heard rumors of Ratner’s physical condition with the result that the Jersey City youth was forced to pass an examination by physicians of the State Boxing Board, who turned him down.
The local matchmaker immediately burned the wires in order to find a most suitable opponent for Allen and was fortunate in having obtained the services of Toomey, who is considered one of the outstanding lightweights in the East.
In fact from all appearances the present match is looked upon by experts as far better than the original with Allen meeting an opponent who may cause the South Camdenite to lose his first match since appearing in this city.
Toomey Fought Here as Amateur
Toomey is already matched to meet Al Roth, of New York, one of the classiest lightweights in the metropolitan area. These two are slated to come together in Newark on July 17.
Incidentally, Toomey is a former Camden resident, who fought in the amateurs here some years ago. Since then he has had a meteoric rise in the boxing game and has earned decisions over such fighters as Lou Lombardi, Maxie Fisher, Allie Rowan, “Red” Cochrane, Joey Costa and Harry Carlton. In a bout a few months ago Toomey dropped a close decision to Lew Feldman, one of the cleverest, and hardest hitting lightweights in the game today.
Allen is a regular crowd-pleaser, ready to mix it with anyone with whom he is matched and is also rated as a fine boxer. In his last appearance here—last fall—Allen appeared in an eight-round windup against Norman Rahn and gained the verdict.
He is unbeaten in this city, but he will have to step mightily lively in order to keep this record intact when he comes to grips with Toomey tomorrow night.
This tussle should whet the appetite of the fans for the following bout, which finds Walcott, the “Bomber” from Merchantville, tangling with Ketchell, of Millville in 10 rounds. The fur is sure to fly in this scrap, for both are known for packing plenty of T.N.T. behind their punches.
Walcott, Ketchell May Score Kayoe
Walcott and Ketchell are about two of the best heavyweights in this section of the state and it could be classed in some respects as a match to determine the South Jersey heavyweight championship. A knockout is looked for in this battle.
Supporting these two exceptionally fine matched tussles, are three other bouts which should keep the fans on the edge throughout the evening.
In the main-preliminary, Joe Duca, of Paulsboro, is slated to go eight-rounds with Freddy Lewis, of Maple Shade. These two youngsters are expected to set a merry pace for what marks the third and “rubber” match between them.
In the second tussle of the night, Joey Straiges, popular Camden lightweight, mingles with Billy Mariner, of Philadelphia, while in the opening fuss Jimmy Russell, of Beverly, takes on Tommy Ricco, of South Camden, in a featherweight tilt. Both bouts are slated for six rounds.
12TH WARD ROUTS PHILA. TOSSERS, 14-4
Reeves, Delfing and Crane Star at Plate, Latter Two Getting Homers
“Pop” Loeble’s Twelfth Ward tossers had little difficulty in defeating the Locust A. C. of Philadelphia yesterday afternoon at Dudley Grange by the score of 14 to 4.
Faul and Patton divided the hurling duties for the “Warders” and allowed only six hits, the invaders scoring all their runs in the seventh inning. Lakoff and Swartz twirled for Locust and were smacked for 18 safeties.
“Rick” Reeves, Johnn Delfing [sic] and Crane led the attack for the winners with three hits apiece, the latter two each getting a homer.
LOCUST A. C. ab r h o a
Leader, lf... 4 1 1 2 0
JKind’n, 1b. 5 0 2 4 0
Aramian, ss 4 0 0 1 5
12TH WARD ab r h o a
Reeves, 2b. 4 2 3 3 3
M’Ma’n, ss 4 1 1 3 5
Delfing, 3b 5 2 3 0 1
[cut off at the crop edge]
Crowd of 2500 Sees Hard-Fought Scuffle
Camden Courier-Post —
Walcott and Ketchell Battle to 10-Round Draw in Feature Bout at Pennsauken
Millville Slugger Suffers Cut Eye; ‘Jersey Joe’ Loses Round on Foul
ALLEN BEATS TOOMEY
South Jersey fight fans still are at odds over the superiority of their two outstanding heavyweights.
“Jersey Joe” Walcott, the Merchantville “Brown Bomber,” and the veteran Billy Ketchell, of Millville, tangled at the Pennsauken Open Air Arena last night and engaged in a 10-round draw.
A gathering of some 2500 attended the first presentation by the Atlas Boxing Club, and by all indications, professional fighting has regained a foothold in this city.
Walcott and Ketchell, both of whom are regarded as powerhouse hitters, engaged in a bout that was hard-fought from start to finish. In the opinion of the writer, however, the Merchantville Negro merited the decision.
Ketchell, who came in at 181, seven pounds lighter than his opponent, fought an inside fight throughout. He tied Walcott into a knot and then pummeled his ribs and stomach. Granted that the Millville veteran scored considerably by this method, but Walcott’s long-range slugging, his aggressiveness, and his numerous damaging blows clearly, in our opinion, earned him better than a draw.
Walcott Won Six Rounds
The score card showed six rounds for Walcott, two for Ketchell, and two even. The Millville campaigner, whose ring career began as a lightweight years ago, won the sixth round by his telling body punches and the ninth on a foul. The fifth and seventh were even.
The decision by Referee Bill Kutcher, of Atlantic City, appeared to satisfy many of the customers, but a good number was of the opinion that the nod should have gone to Walcott despite the fact that Ketchell made a fight of it.
No knockdowns were scored and three furious exchanges in the first round gave the customers their biggest thrill. After that, the principals settled down and waged a careful fight throughout.
The Merchantville knockout artist employed a left jab effectively in several instances and this helped in gaining him the first round. Neither connected with any damaging blows in the second session and they closed with a rush after hanging and sparring during the first two minutes. Walcott won by a shade.
The stream-lined Negro staggered his adversary twice in the third round with gashouse rights to the jaw, and Ketchell pummeled Walcott’s ribs. The long-range socks gave Walcott the round easily.
Fight at Close Quarters
They fought extremely close in the fourth round with neither landing any telling blows and it was the Merchantville slugger’s round by a shade. The fifth was a repetition of the fourth except that Ketchell fought his opponent on even terms. It was in the sixth that Billy scored with telling body blows and Walcott slowed down somewhat and missed several times to forfeit the round.
It was all infighting in the seventh and their scuffling at close quarters resulted in a nasty cut on Ketchell’s right eye as a result of a “butt.” This round also was even and Walcott won the next by a shade by virtue of his harder and more frequent hitting. In this chapter he returned a few of Ketchell’s body blows.
Walcott hit low in the ninth, but Ketchell took only one minute, 20 seconds rest and appeared none the worse for the blow. Walcott protested that the blow was not a foul, but it nevertheless lost him the round. In the tenth, the suburban scrapper again had the best of it.
Because of threatening weather, the bout was third on the program of five fights.
Allen Beats Toomey
Doing considerable damage with a stinging right, Joey Allen, popular South Camden lightweight, punched out an eight-round decision over Johnny Toomey, of Newark, in the semi-windup.
Toomey, who tipped the beam at 143, is a former Camden boxer, and sported an advantage of seven pounds.
Allen staggered Toomey with powerful rights in the first and sixth heats. Toomey put up a good fight, but Allen was just a little too smart for the upstate scrapper. Joey won all but the second round, which was even.
Freddy Lewis, 156½, of Maple Shade, and Joe Duca, 161, of Paulsboro, brought the rearranged show to a close by treating onlookers with a hard-fought eight-rounder. It was the third and “rubber” fight and Duca made it two victories by gaining the decision.
They engaged in toe to toe slugging bees on several occasions and neither gave an inch throughout. Duca landed the most damaging blows, belaboring the Maple Shade youngster with telling right crosses and straight punches to the head.
Easy for Straiges
Billy Mariner, of Philadelphia, was absolutely no match for Joey Straiges, nimble footed Camden lightweight in the second bout slated for six sessions. Straiges, who fairly oozed class and ability, chopped up both Mariner’s eyes before Referee John Loughrey intervened and halted the slaughter in the third round. The time was two minutes 39 seconds.
Straiges came in at 136 pounds, holding an edge of one pound.
Tommy Ricco, 125½, South Camden scrapper, outpointed Jimmy Russell, 128, of Beverly in the opening number of six rounds. After starting slowly with both doing considerable holding and wrestling, the bout developed into an exciting affair from the second session on.
Russell scored with numerous body blows, but Ricco’s aggressiveness and hard blows to the head throughout easily merited him the decision. Ricco particularly had much the better of it in the third and sixth rounds, staggering the Beverly youngster with a number of head blows.
Ketchell-Walcott Even In Camden Mitt Tilt
Bridgewater Courier-News —
Camden—(AP)—Billy Ketchell, 181, Millville, and Jersey Joe Walcott, 180, Merchantville, battled to a 10-round draw in the windup bout of a boxing show here last night. In the semi-final, Joe Allen, 135, Camden, took the decision over Johnny Toomey, 136, Newark, in eight rounds. Joey Straiges, Camden lightweight, scored a three-round technical knockout over Billy Mariner, Philadelphia. Tommy Ricco, 125½, Camden, won a six-round decision over Jimmy Russell, Beverly. Freddy Lewis, 156½, Maple Shade, and Joe Duca, 161, Paulsboro, battled to a six-round draw.
Camden Courier-Post —
BOXING — 10 Sizzling Bouts Under A.A.U. Supervision — Friday Nite, August 7th.
General Admission 25¢ — Reserved Section 40¢. First Bout 8:30 P.M. Grip’s Airport Arena, Pennsauken, N.J. No. 19 Bus Stops at Arena.
Camden Courier-Post —
Clash in Feature Bout at Pennsauken Arena Sept. 1; Fought Fast Draw
"Jersey Joe" Walcott, of Merchantville, and Billy Ketchell, of Millville, have been rematched to meet at the Pennsauken Arena on Tuesday night, Sept. 1, it was announced yesterday by Anthony Georgette, matchmaker for the Atlas Boxing Club. Walcott and Ketchell met here early in July and fought 10 fast rounds to a draw. Their return fracas also is listed for 10 rounds. Joe Straiges, popular downtown junior lightweight, again comes back after a month's absence to meet Tony Strazzeri, of Philadelphia, in the eight-round semi-final. Straiges never has been beaten in Camden, but Strazzeri is expected to give him one of his toughest fights in this city.
Paul Hoft, former Middle Atlantic A. A. U. heavyweight champion who fought several times as an amateur at the Pennsauken Arena, makes his pro debut here by meeting King Kong, of Akron, O., in the main preliminary of six rounds.
Ted Pecana, of Elmer, who surprised by outslugging Joe Reno, of South Camden, in the last show, takes on Al Narcisso, hard-hitting South Camdenite. One other six round also will be presented, but Georgette has not as yet signed the principals.
Ambrose to Fight at Pennsauken Ring
Vineland Daily Journal —
Ambrose to Fight at Pennsauken Ring
Midget Ambrose, of Vineland, will trade punches with Tommy Ricco, of Camden, in a six-round preliminary at the Pennsauken Open Air Arena next Tuesday night, it was announced today.
Billy Ketchell, of Millville, and Jersey Joe Walcott, of Merchantville, are scheduled to meet in the 10-round feature bout.
Ketchell Wins Nod Over Wolcott
Vineland Daily Journal —
Ketchell Wins Nod Over Wolcott
Midget Ambrose Of Vineland Kayoed In Fourth By Camden Scrapper
Billy Ketchell, 179, of Millville, won the referee’s decision over “Jersey Joe” Wolcott, 187, of Merchantville, in the feature 10-round windup at the Pennsauken Arena last night before 2500 fans.
The verdict did not agree with many of the fans, who believed Wolcott was victorious. Several sports writers were also inclined to this opinion. The colored scrapper scored a four-count knockdown in the first and a no-count knockdown in the tenth. Both scrappers exhibited plenty of intestinal fortitude in the grueling fight. Ketchell was groggy at the finish.
Tommy Ricco, 124, of South Camden, knocked out Midget Ambrose, 116, of Vineland, in 40 seconds of the fourth round in the opening fight. Ambrose outweighed eight pound, was no match for the hard-hitting Camdenite, a left to the stomach ending the bout.
Ketchell Wins Decision Over Walcott
Bridgewater Courier-News —
At Pennsauken, Billy Ketchell, 178, Millville, won a decision over Joe Walcott, 185, Merchantville, after being floored by Walcott in the first round of a 10-round match.
Joseph Straiges, 132, Camden, drew with Tony Strazzeri, 134, Philadelphia, in eight rounds.
Paul Hoft, 198, former AAU heavyweight champion, knocked out King Kong, 210, of Akron, O., in the sixth round after King Kong took two nine counts in the fifth.
Al Narcisso [sic], 140, Camden, had an edge over Ted Pecana, 144, of Elmer, in a six-rounder. Tommy Ricco, 144, Camden, knocked out Midget Ambrose, 123, Vineland, in the fourth round.
Camden Courier-Post —
Walcott Also Given Verdict.
Al Ettore, West Philadelphia Italian, made a successful “comeback” attempt when he decisioned Gus Dorazio, hard hitting Southwark heavyweight, in the 10-round feature bout last night at the Philadelphia Arena. Ettore entered the ring at 194 while Dorazio weighed 201. Dorazio opened a cut above the left eye in the second round. There were no knockdowns.
In the semi-windup Joe Walcott, 187½, of Merchantville, won on a decision over Freddy Fiducia, 186½, of Newark, in eight rounds.
Camden Courier-Post —
Ex-Fighters Are Set for Charity Show
Camden Courier-Post —
Jersey Joe Walcott and Roxie Allen in Feature at Civic Hall Tomorrow
Present and past greats of Camden boxing will do their all for charity tomorrow night, when they appear on a card sponsored by the United Democratic Clubs of Camden, at the Camden Convention Hall.
Fifteen bouts of three rounds each are scheduled to be held, and the entire proceeds will be used to provide Christmas baskets for Camden’s needy. The boxers and referees have generously donated their services free of charge, and are to be complimented for their willingness to aid a worthy cause.
All 15 bouts are exhibition matches as most of the principals have been out of training for several years. However, they have done their best to get in pretty fair shape during the past two weeks and a number of interesting bouts should be presented.
Jersey Joe Walcott, still in active harness in heavyweight ranks, and Roxie Allen, who 10 years ago was Camden’s leading lightweight but who retired two years ago, hold the feature spot on the card. Allen and Walcott met here about two years ago and the latter knocked out Roxie in the eighth and final round of a scheduled eight-rounder.
However, Walcott held a 25-pound pull in the weights, scaling in around 185, while Allen weighed around 160. Although Walcott eventually knocked out Allen, Roxie had the satisfaction of flooring Jersey Joe in the first round, a left hook to the jaw sending the Negro down for a count of two.
Blairs Box Each Other
Allen quit fighting at this bout, but still is in good physical shape and should be able to box a fast three rounds against Walcott.
Frankie and Mickey Blair, both of South Camden, are two fighters who made names for themselves in out-of-town fights, and are slated to box each other. Frankie, a welterweight, fought his greatest fights in New York in the past two years, while Mickey was of [sic] the best featherweights in the East about eight years ago.
Tommy Ricco, another South Camden featherweight, and Mickey and Johnny Duca, both of Paulsboro, are the other three boys who are active in the game. Ricco is due to appear against Mickey Duca, while Johnny Duca squares off against Al White, also of Paulsboro.
The veteran of the card is Battling Mack, one of the finest characters ever to enter the fight game. Mack fought the best featherweights in the East shortly after the World War. George Chaney, Benny Bass, Kid Williams, Johnny Buff, Danny Kramer and Pete Herman were some of the boys Balling [sic] met in his prime. He is slated to face Lew Skymer, another South Camdenite who was a favorite with Camden fight addicts.
Hindle Battles Chaney
Jackie Hindle and Eddie Chaney, both local reisdents [sic], are due to meet. Hindle and Chaney were among the great crop of local lightweights who flourished here in 1926, ’27 and ’28. Allen, Hindle, Chaney, Shamus MaGuire, Charley Mack, White, Lew Jackson, Paddy Lyons, Joe Spearing, and Johnny Attell were included among the group which made boxing a major attraction in this city during those years.
Charley Mack meets Young O’Connor in tomorrow night’s bouts. Jackson mingles with Lyons; Spearing battles Frankie Rapp, downtown southpaw who also fought the best featherweights in the East a few short years ago, and Attell clashes with Billy Marino.
Young Firpo, of Pennsgrove, is known to all South Jersey fightgoers. Firpo, a lightweight, packed a great left hook and his record is dotted with knockouts. He will take on Joey Allen, South Camden featherweight who never fought a slow bout and who never side-stepped a match.
Pee Wee Ross undoubtedly was the best bantamweight ever developed in this city. Ross fought ’em all 10 years ago and finished with a great record. He meets Bobby Zimmerman, another local product who also was a pleasing performer and who was known as the “buzz saw” because of his rapid-fire punching.
Nick Nichols, one of the hardest-hitting welterweights ever to hold forth here, takes on Tommy McCann, East Camdenite who had one of the best left hands in the city.
Lucas Vs. Straiges
Johnny Lucas, South Camden welterweight who still could go to the wars, faces Joey Straiges, also of South Camden, who also could compete in featherweight ranks if it were necessary for him to continue boxing. In the other bout on the card, Young Palmer and Tommy Dundee, former featherweights, clash.
Jim Braddock, former world heavyweight champion, is expected to be on hand to referee at least one bout. Others invited to referee are:
Sgt. Ray Smith, Harry Shaw, Tom Walters, Al Ettore, Joey O’Donnell, Mike DeLeece, Young Lawrence, Charley Harris, Bill McFarlane and Walter “West” Kennedy.
The committee in charge of the boxing arrangements consists of Caesar Campana, chairman, Dominic Lombardo, Daniel Gallasso, James McSparrin and Paul Daly.
Nearly 4000 Witness Old-Timers in Action
Camden Courier-Post —
Past and Present South Jersey Boxers Go Through Paces in Charity Show
NO DECISIONS RENDERED
By FRANK KOPESKY
They turned back the sporting pages last night, month after month, year after year.
And out of the staring type and paling newsprint stepped the images of youths who in their bygone day had their names blazed across the headlines for their prowess in the boxing ring.
With nearly 4000 in attendance, these old-timers and some who still are or could be active engaged in a program of exhibition bouts at Convention Hall to aid the poor this Christmas.
The affair was sponsored by the United Democratic Clubs of Camden.
Braddock Gets Big Hand
The feature attraction and a man who received a thunderous ovation from the gathering was popular James J. Braddock, former heavyweight champion of the world, who refereed the final two bouts.
Roxie Allen, of Camden, and Jersey Joe Walcott, Merchantville slugger who still is active, paired off in the windup with Braddock serving as referee.
They boxed lightly most of the way with neither connecting with any serious blows and the spectators were handed a few laughs when both boxers “picked on” Braddock in the last round.
Braddock Gets Hand
Braddock was given a great ovation when he entered the ring to referee the bout between Frankie and Mickey Blair.
Strangely the well-known brothers fought one of the hardest bouts of the night. Frankie, one of the best boxers Camden has ever produced, tagged his older brother with several stiff lefts in the first round. Mickey also got in his share of hard blows, although Frankie was the better of the two.
Lou Skymer and Battling Mack, of South Camden, continued fighting after their three-rounder ended. So Referee Joey O’Donnell scurried from the ring. Skymer had the best of the fight.
Spearing and Rapp Even
Joe Spearing and Frankie Rapp, both from South Camden, boxed lightly for three rounds on about even terms.
Johnny Lucas, of Whitman Park, who did considerably campaigning several years ago, and Joey Straiges, active South Camden lightweight, went through three fast rounds. Straiges had the better of the exhibition.
Young Joe Firpo, of Pennsgrove, and Joey Allen, of Camden, who retired from the ring not so long ago, fought a hard fight in the first round. Allen knocked himself down in the second round when he socked Referee Ray Smith in the stomach. They both pummeled the Sargeant [sic] after the final bell and the bout got a great hand.
Comedy Bout
The spectators sang the “Beer Barrel Polka” when Buck Fleming of the Veteran Boxing Association entered the ring. Bricks and horseshoes were dumped out of Fleming’s gloves before his bout with Joe Shannon, another V. B. A. entrant, began.
It was the comedy bout of the night, meant as such, and the fans went into near hysterics.
Tommy Ricco, active South Camden lightweight, and Al Daly, of Fairview, staged a clever boxing exhibition. Although neither landed any telling blows, the fast bout was a crowd pleaser. Ricco had the best of it.
The parade of overgrown lightweights continued when Eddie Chaney, of Whitman Park, squared off with Jackie Hindle, of South Camden. These two also got “mad” at each other in the third round and Hindle seemed to have the better of it.
Ceaser [sic] Campana, chairman of the committee, who fought as Young O’Connors years ago, paired off with Charley Mack, well known lightweight of a decade ago. After two slow rounds, they really started slugging and the bell halted a furious exchange.
Lyons’ Wind Gives Out
Kayo Palmer, of Camden, and Pat Lyons, of Gloucester, got along for two rounds, but Lyons asked for a short third session when his wind gave out. Timekeeper Dave Lambert cut the round to 30 seconds. Palmer dropped Referee Young Lawrence, who was saved by the bell.
A howl went up from the throng when Announcer Archie McNew introduced Lou Jackson, of Pennsgrove, and Al White, of Paulsboro, as former lightweights. Both massive weight lines and looked like heavyweight wrestlers. They went three rounds and received a great hand for their efforts. Jackson appeared to have the better of it.
Employing several body slams and a flying tackle to good advantage, Young Palmer bested Tommy Dundee in three rounds. Both are former local bantamweights.
Pee-Wee Ross and Bobby Zimmerman, a pair of excellent flyweights in their day, opened the show. They knocked each other “out” in the second round, Referee Joe Mangold counting 10 over the fallen pair. After rising the two Camden men resumed “fighting” much to the crowd’s amusement.
Jersey Joe Walcott & Felix Bocchicchio
Jersey Joe Walcott & Felix Bocchicchio
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Jersey Joe Walcott, Ellis Singleton, Bill Deering, Harold Fairman, Wally Cross, Nick Fiorentino, Jimmy Whitest, Jimmy Robinson, Buddy Paul, Felix Paoli, Harry “Red” Schultz, Bob Winters, and Joe Mangold.
Walcott Already in the Pink For Oma Battle Friday Night
Camden Courier-Post —
South Jersey Sports —
By TOM RYAN
We received word from Joey Allen yesterday that Jersey Joe Walcott will be in the pink for his forthcoming fight against Lee Oma.
Allen, who trains Walcott, wrote from Summit, where Walcott is conditioning, that the Merchantville clubber never was in better physical condition.
In fact, Allen says Walcott is so far advanced he’ll probably have to taper off a few days before the fight and indulge in only calesthenics [sic].
It’s Walcott’s biggest fight — he meets Oma next Friday night, at Madison Square Garden — and a victory would make him the logical challenger to meet the winner of the Joe Louis-Billy Conn fight June 19.
The bout is expected to draw a gate of $150,000 and Walcott is getting 20 percent. That’s hitting the jackpot in boxing.
Barring his fight against Jimmy Bivins for which he got his best purse, Walcott earned very little in his other 12 fights since he started his comeback two years ago.
But he already has bought a home at 329 Mickle street, Camden, out of his earnings to date.
And even though he has a wife and six children to provide for, the money Joe gets from the Oma scrap should keep the wolf away from the door for many years if he’s frugal.
And if he beats Oma and gets a title shot in September, then he and his family should be set for life.
Walcott’s comeback is one of the sagas of boxing. Down-and-out two years ago, he has fought his way to the No. 4 spot among the heavyweights.
Out of 13 bouts, Joe lost only one and later knocked out the fellow who decisioned him.
Besides beating Bivins, Walcott also beat Joe Baksi, the two standout wartime heavyweights.
About 300 South Jersey fight fans will trek to New York next Friday night to see him meet Oma.
They’ll be pulling hard for him to win as everyone in this locality would like to see Joe get a shot at the heavyweight title later on.
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Joey Maxim —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Joey Maxim — June 23, 1947
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Joe Louis —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Joe Louis — December 5, 1947 (For World Heavyweight Title)
An Off Day at Jersey Joe Walcott’s Training Camp
Camden Courier-Post —
AN OFF DAY AT JERSEY JOE WALCOTT’S TRAINING CAMP—On the days Jersey Joe Walcott doesn’t box for his forthcoming return bout with heavyweight champion Joe Louis there’s little activity at his Grenloch Park training camp. Yesterday was one of Walcott’s off days and the camp personnel took it easy. In the group are, sitting, left to right, Curtis “Hatchman” Sheppard, one of Walcott’s sparmates, Walcott, and Billy Norris, another sparmate. Standing, left to right are: Dan Florio, head trainer; Paddy Cream, Walcott’s brother; Joe Holmes, Walcott’s chauffeur, Cliff Dyes, another Walcott sparmate; Felix Bocchicchio, Walcott’s financial adviser; Joey Allen, assistant trainer; Nick Bocchicchio, camp secretary; Dave Schockley, camp cook, and Bob Cream, another of Walcott’s brothers. Austin Johnson, another of Walcott’s sparmates, was visiting his home in Atlantic City when the picture was taken.
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Joe Louis —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Joe Louis — June 25, 1948 (For World Heavyweight Title)
Webster Will Join Forces With Georgette, Prince
Camden Courier-Post —
By Tom Ryan
A new boxing triumvirate soon will be formed in Camden, it was learned today.
Those involved are Tony Georgette, Joe Webster and Eddie Prince, all Camden residents.
The merger of the trio into one group has been talked over for the past two months among the three boxing figures and soon will become a reality, it is rumored. None could be reached today to confirm the report.
While Webster is a comparative newcomer to Camden boxing compared with Georgette and Prince, the former manager of record of Jersey Joe Walcott brings a wealth of knowledge and prestige to the group.
He was manager of record for Walcott for three years till his contract with the Camden heavyweight expired last May.
With the expiration of the contract, Walcott decided he would do his own business in the future and severed relations with Webster.
Webster, who never, before he became Walcott’s manager of record, had been identified with the fight game in any capacity other than as a fan, made a host of friends and a number of excellent contacts while he was connected with the Camden heavyweight.
After becoming identified with Walcott, it didn’t take long for Webster to establish himself as one of the best-liked men in boxing.
Affable and intelligent, the Camden restaurateur met all the big-time promoters and managers and his connections should be invaluable to Georgette and Prince.
Georgette and Prince are the two best-known figures in the fight game in Camden. Both have been connected with the game for over 20 years, and like Webster, are well-liked and respected.
Tony and Eddie grew up together in Camden boxing. The former started as a second and Eddie started as a trainer who also had his own gym here when boxing was at its peak.
Both later became managers, with Georgette eventually becoming the more prominent. Among those Tony managed during his early days in the game were Mickey Blair, Johnny Lucas, Frankie Blair, Joey Allen, Joey Powell, Joey Straiges and a number of lesser local lights.
He and Joey Allen, who now trains Walcott, were the two who brought out of obscurity Pedro Firpo, Camden featherweight, during World War II.
Georgette and Allen bought Firpo’s contract for $400 and at one time had the genial little Negro listed among the first 10 lightweights. Incidentally, Firpo retired over a year ago upon the advice of Georgette.
For the past two years, Georgette has centered his attention upon Gene Jones, young Negro heavyweight, who is considered one of the best prospects in the nation.
However, he has several youngsters of different weights in training, but will not start them in the pro game till he feels they have had the proper schooling.
Prince for years has acted as a co-trainer of Georgette’s fighters; they long have been known as the Damon and Pythias of Camden boxing.
Eddie is a modest and retiring individual who has shunned the spotlight, but there isn’t a wiser head in the fight game. He can get the work out of boxers and that’s the secret of success in any sport.
Now that Webster soon will join hands with Georgette and Prince, the trio should become a winning combination.
They are determined to develop South Jersey talent and will comb this area for prospective boxers.
Georgette always has believed that good boxers can be developed in Camden and vicinity provided they received proper training.
And under Prince, boxers can be developed. Eddie is a stern taskmaster and will brook no nonsense from the youngsters he trains.
So, accorded the proper training, there’s no reason why Camden once more shouldn’t be represented by such outstanding boxers as Walcott, Roxie Allen, Mickey Blair, Tip Gorman, Bobby Zimmerman, Lucas, Joey Allen, Frankie Rapp, Frankie Blair and others who made boxing pay here in the 1920’s.
With Webster and Georgette’s experience in arranging matches and Prince’s ability to train fighters, the three should get somewhere in the boxing game.
And no fighter will be hurt under their guidance unless it’s of his own doing.
They will separate the chaff from the wheat and even the wheat will not be hurt.
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Ezzard Charles —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Ezzard Charles — June 22, 1949 (For Vacant NBA Heavyweight Title)
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Olle Tandberg —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Olle Tandberg — August 14, 1949, Stockholm
Joey Allen Out as Trainer Of Jersey Joe Walcott
Camden Courier-Post —
By Tom Ryan
Joey Allen, who has been connected with the Jersey Joe Walcott fight entourage as trainer since 1945, today is seeking another job.
Allen and Felix Bocchicchio, Walcott’s manager, amicably agreed to part company last Saturday, it was learned yesterday.
Walcott, Bocchicchio, Allen and Dan Florio, New York trainer who was brought in to train Walcott for his third fight against Joey Maxim and for Jersey Joe’s two championship fights against Joe Louis and also his championship fight against Ezzard Charles, arrived home from Europe last Tuesday.
Florio, incidentally, was taken to Sweden by Bocchicchio and Walcott to act as head trainer for Walcott’s fight against Olie Tandberg last Aug. 11, at Stockholm, Sweden.
Sid Feder, New York boxing writer, also accompanied the party, but left soon after Walcott had knocked out Tandberg in the fifth round of a scheduled 10-rounder.
The party later went to England after Walcott had engaged in about 17 exhibition bouts in Sweden.
There was no work in England for Walcott, so Walcott, Bocchiccio [sic] and Florio visited Italy.
During their visit to Italy, Allen was left in England as the visit to Italy was in the nature of a vacation as Walcott and Bocchicchio knew there also wouldn’t be any work in Italy for Walcott.
The quartet flew home from Holland, Walcott, Bocchicchio and Allen reaching Camden last Tuesday.
Last Saturday, we understand, Allen and Bocchicchio got together and agreed that it was best for all concerned if Allen should immediately quit.
Allen took over the training of Walcott after Walcott beat Joe Baksi, Aug. 2, 1945, here at the Convention Hall.
He was head trainer for Walcott from the time the latter fought Johnny Denson here, Sept. 20, 1945, until Walcott fought Maxim for the third time at Hollywood Stadium, Los Angeles, June 23, 1947.
Florio, a good “corner man,” who also bears a good reputation as a trainer, was brought in to train Walcott for the third Maxim fight.
Walcott won that fight and it also won him a chance to meet Louis for the heavyweight title. All who saw the fight agreed it was a lousy fight.
Louis was on the same card in an exhibition bout and Walcott looked so bad that Louis promised Bocchicchio that Walcott would be his next title opponent.
Louis kept his word and figured on the strength of Walcott’s showing against Maxim that Jersey Joe would be a soft touch the following December.
Everyone close to boxing knew that Louis didn’t train properly for the first Walcott fight and nearly lost his title, most boxing experts giving Walcott the decision, but officially the decision went to the champion.
Allen did all the preliminary training of Walcott for this bout, Florio taking over only the last two weeks Walcott was in camp.
Joey also started Walcott off on his training for the second Louis fight, but again was supplanted by Florio, Dan this time coming to Camden weeks in advance of the bout.
And Walcott went stale from training only about eight days before the bout. Only three days of rain saved Walcott from going completely stale.
Rain prevented his doing road work for three days and permitted him to recuperate from over-training. But it showed in his second fight against Louis, Jersey Joe being knocked out in the 11th round.
Florio also took over Walcott’s training for the Charles fight a few days after the camp had been established at Momence, Ill.
Walcott also lost this one, the decision going to Charles in 15 rounds. Jersey Joe didn’t look any too good in this fight, tiring early in the bout.
Allen, according to reports, had little to say in conditioning Walcott for his last fight against Tandberg.
A bum at his best, Tandberg wasn’t conditioned properly and Walcott knocked him out in the fifth round. So Florio must have got Walcott in fair shape for the bout.
But that didn’t overcome the fact that Allen, who had trained Walcott for most of his comeback fights, was slowly but surely being pushed out of the picture.
The little Camden former lightweight decided last Saturday to talk things over with Bocchicchio and the conference ended in their severing connections.
Prior to his taking over the training of Walcott, Allen had been a comanager of Pedro Firpo along with Tony Georgette. Allen sold his share of Firpo to Georgette and Tony made money for the stubby South Camden Negro.
There’s a possibility that Allen and Georgette again may team up as comanagers of Camden boxers.
Allen plans to remain in the fight game. He was a game featherweight and lightweight, and always was a crowd-pleaser.
Bearing a spotless reputation, Allen is an asset to boxing and should have no trouble making new connections provided he decides to continue to act as a trainer instead of turning to the managerial end of the game.
Jersey Joe Walcott Outshone Stalin Among Germans, Malandra Reports
Camden Courier-Post —
The much-touted Soviet march on Berlin last May was admittedly an international bust.
Even the Russians have tacitly acknowledged the heralded youth invasion didn’t achieve the impression they had planned.
But where the Reds failed to make any dent on the emotions of Western Europe, Camden’s Jersey Joe Walcott succeeded magnificently. In fact, wherever he went he drew a following that would have made the Pied Piper of Hamelin green with envy.
Greeted as Hero
“He’s the greatest thing that happened for Camden since Walt Whitman,” said Angelo Malandra, Camden’s deputy mayor who recently visited Europe with Mayor Brunner.
“In all the towns we visited, Jersey Joe was treated like a hero,” said Malandra, who witnessed the Camden heavyweight’s fight with the German champion Hein Ten Hoff.
“Newspapermen clustered around him like flies wherever he went,” Malandra added. At Mannheim alone there were at least 75 newspapermen covering Walcott’s activities.
German newspapers gave little more than three inches of space to the Soviet youth march, but Jersey Joe hit the front pages almost every day, Malandra reported.
On one occasion alone, according to Malandra, Walcott entered an Army store in Heidelburg to make some purchases.
“Within 15 minutes, 10,000 people were jamming in the streets outside the store, and it took us almost an hour to cover one block in our automobile.”
Carried U.S. Coins
In part, Walcott’s popularity could be explained by the fact he was forever handing out nickels, said Malandra. Jersey Joe carted between 300 and 400 of the coins wherever he went.
“But that wouldn’t account for the deference paid him by the top brass everywhere he went,” said the deputy mayor. “He received tribute from the mayors of every town he visited.”
Even in Scotland, autograph hunters were on hand to greet the Camden pugilist.
The deputy mayor explained the German adoration of Jersey Joe on grounds they “still love a strong man.”
“I think they’d give anything to get one German who could beat one American,” he said.
Jersey Joe Obliges
Commenting on the fight itself, Malandra said that at the beginning of the tenth round the German newspapermen were expressing pleasure and pride because their champion was still standing up.
“I asked Joe to give him one more shot for me,” said Malandra. “Joe did hit him the one shot and the world seemed to stand still, but Walcott couldn’t seem to knock the German down.”
In the first round Walcott broke the German’s nose, and blood spattered the deputy mayor’s coat.
After the fight, Malandra quoted the bleeding Ten Hoff as remarking “I do not believe man heet so hard.”
Walcott Is Sued For $9500 by Ex-Manager
Camden Courier-Post —
Joseph Webster, Camden restaurateur today brought suit in Camden county court to collect $9500 he claims is due him for serving as manager of Jersey Joe Walcott, Camden contender for the world’s heavyweight boxing championship.
Named as co-defendants with Walcott, whose legal name is Arnold Cream; are Felix Bocchicchio, the fighter’s present manager, and the Camden Athletic Corporation, set up by Walcott and Bocchicchio in October, 1944, as a joint holding company of their mutual assets.
The suit was filed for Webster by State Senator Bruce A. Wallace.
Walcott and Bocchicchio are on their way to Germany by plane to collect the balance of the purse they claim is due the fighter for a match several months ago, where he defeated Hein Ten Hoff.
Angelo D. Malandra, their attorney, said he had been served with papers in the suit but withheld comment pending filing of a formal answer, for which he has 20 days through court procedure.
In the formal complaint, Webster charges Bocchicchio is the “owner of said prize fighter, directed his activities, advanced money for traveling and training expenses by the fighter and handled all the financial affairs of and for said fighter.”
Webster also charged that on May 1, 1945 both Bocchicchio and Walcott contracted for Webster’s services as manager of the fighter and that he continued in that capacity until July 15, 1948.
“During this time,” the complaint charges, “a dispute arose over the money due him (Webster) as manager and it (the dispute) was resolved on July 15, 1948, when they (Bocchicchio and Walcott) agreed on $22,000 as full payment for his (Webster’s) service.”
Webster charged $10,000 of that amount was paid to him on the day the agreement was reached and that $2500 of the balance was to be paid the following September 15 and the remaining $9500 on November 1, 1948. He did not receive the $2500, however, until December 15, 1948, Webster claims, and has never received the $9500.
Webster, who lives at the Park View apartments, Collingswood, presently is manager of the Sports Center restaurant, Eighth and Federal Streets. He formerly was manager of Homo’s, Third and Market Streets.
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Ezzard Charles — 1951
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Ezzard Charles — 1951
Jersey Joe Walcott Wins the World Heavyweight Title —
Two photographs, no printed caption: Jersey Joe Walcott with Jim Braddock, and Walcott in action against Ezzard Charles during the July 18, 1951 bout in which Walcott won the World Heavyweight Title by a seventh-round knockout.
By Murray Rose
PITTSBURGH, July 19—(AP)—Jersey Joe Walcott, an amazing old man of the ring who wouldn’t be licked, today held the world’s heavyweight championship in an astounding climax to an almost unbelievable saga of the ring.
Today plans were in motion for a September return meeting between the brown Cinderella man and the beaten champion, Ezzard Charles, either in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, or New York. Pittsburgh, with a city record turnout of 28,272 for its first heavyweight title show at Forbes Field, looked the likely winner of the fistic plum.
At 37 Jersey Joe Walcott last night became the oldest man ever to win boxing’s most prized bauble when he flattened the superbly conditioned Charles in 55 seconds of the seventh round of their 15-round bout. A left hook to the jaw sent Charles to the canvas.
It was the ancient Camden battler’s fifth crack at the championship — two more chances than any other challenger ever got at the heavyweight crown — and the devout father of six said, “I thank God for the chance and for helping me to win.
“I’m thankful to everyone,” said Walcott who had twice seen the crown slip out of his eager fingers. “I’m going to be a fighting champion — and Charles will get his chance.
“I got him with a left hook to the jaw,” said Joe with a big grin on his face. Only moments before tears coursed down his cheeks as he realized his glorious moment of triumph.
Just Got Hit
“I just got hit,” said the crestfallen Charles in the stillness of a loser’s dressing room.
“Did I hear the count? I heard five — I guess,” said Charles, who had a lump under his right eye and a cut on his lower lip that required two stitches.
“I don’t know what it was tonight but he seemed more aggressive than ever. He was taking chances with haymaker punches and leaving himself wide open but I couldn’t seem to do anything about it. I guess I was waiting for later when he would tire out.”
“I could have gone on and on,” said Walcott. “I kept banging him to the body early in the fight to bring his guard down. We had planned that all along. Then I was to throw my right to make him throw his right in return and then he would open for a left counter. I got in some good left hooks earlier in the fight. After our Detroit fight I knew he was a target for a left hook. The moment came in the seventh when I got him with that hook.
“I sort of knew I was going to win from the moment Jake Mintz, (Charles’ manager) started that commotion before the fight about the judge,” Joe said. “I knew this was going to be my night.”
Few besides Walcott and his manager, slim, dapper Felix Bocchicchio, gave the slope-shouldered, shuffling oldtimer a chance in his third bout with Charles, a very able but cautious champion who was defending his crown for the ninth time. Charles, who had whipped Walcott twice before, was a nominal 5 to 1 favorite but there was hardly any betting.
Perfect Punch
A perfect left hook dropped Charles on his face. The champ tried to pull himself up at the count of nine. He partially raised himself and then toppled on his back—out.
Walcott was ahead at the time of the knockdown. The referee had him in front, 5-1; Judge Charley Daggert—subject of a violent Mintz protest that held up the fight 10 minutes and brought a suspension to Jake—had Walcott ahead 4-1 1, while Judge Stewart (Red) Robinson had it even, 3-3. The AP scorecard had Walcott in the lead, 4-2.
Up until the end, it had been a tame fight with each contestant waiting for the other to lead.
Mintz, meanwhile, found himself under suspension, pending an Aug. 7 hearing in Philadelphia, for his vociferous objections to Daggert, “an eastern official.”
“We were supposed to use only local officials,” said Jake.
Charles weighed 182 to Walcott’s 194.
1951 Topps Boxing Card
Jersey Joe Walcott — 1951 Topps Boxing Card
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Ezzard Charles —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Ezzard Charles — June 5, 1952 (Walcott retains World Heavyweight Title, W 15)
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Rocky Marciano —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Rocky Marciano — September 23, 1952 (Walcott loses World Heavyweight Title, KO by 13)
Jersey Joe Walcott’s Last Fight —
Jersey Joe Walcott vs. Rocky Marciano — May 15, 1953 (For World Heavyweight Title — Walcott knocked out in round 1). Far more disgusted than hurt, Jersey Joe Walcott in his corner following his stunning knockout at the hands of Rocky Marciano at 2:25 minutes of round one.
Jersey Joe Walcott with Felix Bocchicchio and Gabe Menendez
Jersey Joe Walcott, with Felix Bocchicchio (seated) and Gabe Menendez
Jersey Joe Walcott with Louis Fratto and Felix Bocchicchio
At left: Louis Fratto, who was a major organized crime figure in the midwest in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. At right, Felix Bocchicchio.
North Camden Easter Parade
Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny (rear), portrayed by Mary Topolewski and Edward Wicker, look on as Jersey Joe Walcott presents a prize to Sylvia Riley, 8, of National Park, for an egg hunt which climaxed the third annual North Camden Easter parade.
Amateur Boxing Matches To Aid Drop-A-Buck Club
Camden Courier-Post —
Convention Hall — William Stretch — Jersey Joe Walcott — Anthony Skolski — Frank Guetherman aka Tip Gorman — Joe Webster — Sgt. Ray Smith — George McKenzie — Anthony Moffa — Frank H. Ryan
Amateur Boxing Matches To Aid Drop-A-Buck Club
Camden Courier-Post —
Ten Bouts Scheduled to Be Held Tuesday Night at Convention Hall
Amateur boxing makes its reappearance tomorrow night in Camden, at the Convention Hall, after a lapse of many years.
Sponsored by NJSPBA Local No. 35, Camden, and sanctioned by the Middle Atlantic AAU. 10 three-round bouts will be held, the first bout to start at 8 o’clock.
The proceeds of the show will be donated to the Frank H. Ryan Memorial Drop-A-Buck Christmas Fund.
Six guest referees will officiate as many bouts, while an AAU referee will handle the four other bouts.
The guest referees are:
William Stretch, general manager of the Courier-Post; Jersey Joe Walcott, former world heavyweight champion; Joe Webster, popular restaurateur and former manager of record for Walcott; Mayor Weber, of Delaware Twp.; Sgt. Ray Smith, erstwhile AEF light heavyweight champion, and Frank Guetherman, Camden police sergeant who fought under the name of Tip Gorman.
Ten three-round matches, each round limited to two minutes, will be presented.
Seven of the 20 boxers to appear are Middle Atlantic AAU champions. They are:
Cyril Woodland, Richard Beasley, Woody Marcus, Richard Brown, Willard Roberts, Leslie Smith and Rudy Davis.
Others due to appear are:
Thomas Sharkey, Frank Murtha, Richard Ferraro, Edward Kiernan, William Floyd, Patrick Nutt, Stanley Hinneryk, Clarence Collins and James King.
Inspector Tony Skolski is chairman of the boxing committee and Anthony Moffa and George Mackenzie are co-chairmen.
Camden Boxers — Kenney’s Suburban House —
This appears to be from a Veterans Boxing Association Ring No. 6 Banquet. At far right, seated, is Arnold “Jersey Joe Walcott” Cream, standing behind him wearing glasses is Neil McLaughlin. On the left side of the table, unknown, Tommy Skymer, Lew Skymer, unknown, and Les Cranmer.
Jersey Joe Walcott with Lew Skymer — 1960s
Named: Two ex-fighters, Jersey Joe Walcott with Lew Skymer, and 1960s.
Jersey Joe Aids A Friend in Need
Courier-Post —
Benefit Tonight
Jersey Joe Walcott, who spent too many years on boxing’s fringes to forget what it’s like to need a hand, will go to bat for an old friend involved in a fight for his life.
Tommy Merrell, Walcott’s sparring partner in the days when the Camden fighter was heavyweight champion of the world, has been stricken with a rare diesease[sic] which has sapped his strength and his pocketbook.
So Walcott, who now serves as director of the Camden Police Department’s Juvenile Aid Division, has organized a benefit show for Merrell at Camden Convention Hall tonight.
Joe Frazier, Gypsy Joe Harris and former cruiser-weight champion Harold Johnson are among two dozen fighters who will give area fans 50 rounds of exhibition boxing in hopes of raising money to finance research on Merrell’s case.
Walcott will referee all the bouts, the first of which gets underway at 7:30.
Merrell is suffering from amytrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease of the muscles which has reduced his weight to 90 pounds. Tommy, a Camden boy, has already lived longer than doctors thought possible but faces certain slow death unless new research can be financed.
Crippled Children’s Party Tomorrow
Courier-Post —
41st Annual Affair
The Crippled Children’s Committee of Camden Elks Lodge 293 will sponsor its 41st annual party for crippled children tomorrow.
S.S. Norcross 3rd, exalted ruler of the lodge, and Edward J. Griffith, president of the Crippled Children’s Committee, said the children will board buses at 10:30 AM at the Elks’ home, 807 Cooper Street.
First stop will be Sergeant Ray Smith’s home on Lake Renee, where the children will have their annual picnic lunch. Following lunch they will ride horses from the Persian Acres Dude Ranch operated by County Detective Robert Di Persia.
Erial Fire Company will pick up the children for a ride to the Nike Missile Base in Erial, then onto Clementon Lake Park. Following dinner in the Chick Barn at Silver Lake Inn, the youngsters will return to the Elks’ Home.
Among those helping Sgt. Ray celebrate his 72nd birthday at Silver Lake Inn later in the evening will be former Judge Samuel P. Orlando, Congressman John E. Hunt, Jersey Joe Walcott, Mayor Alfred Pierce and state Senator Frederick J. Scholz and recently appointed Prosecutor A. Donald Bigley.
A Memory
I worked for Jersey Joe at his car wash and BoBet motel he had on the Black Horse Pike in Mount Ephraim. I fully remember Jersey Joe and the laughter he brought to us all while we were there and of course his manager Bocchicchio. What a great time in my life, will never forget the man. I lived on Wayne Ave just off the Black Horse Pike, 1817 to be exact.
— Charles (Bucky) Shinn, August 2006
Final Resting Place
Final Resting Place at Sunset Memorial Park, Pennsauken, NJ