Was Jersey Joe Walcott the most determined heavyweight champion?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by DS Phil Hunter, Oct 12, 2022.


  1. DS Phil Hunter

    DS Phil Hunter Active Member Full Member

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    Jersey Joe Walcott retired at 27 years old in 1941 after not making much impact he came back after a three year lay off unsuccessfully fought for the title four times and then in 1951 at nearly 38 years old beat Ezzard Charles for the heavyweight title. I'd say Cassius Clay/Ali and George Foreman could certainly campaign for being the most determined in their pursuit of claiming the heavyweight championship but is anyone else comparable to Jersey Joe Walcott?
     
    DS Phil Hunter, Oct 12, 2022
    DS Phil Hunter, Oct 12, 2022
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  2. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    He was, a very determined guy. Anyone else would have said screw this, after the second Louis fight.
    But to keep on, win the title eventually then fight like mad to defend it against rocky.
    Tough guy.
     
    Fergy, Oct 12, 2022
    Fergy, Oct 12, 2022
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  3. djanders

    djanders Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Jersey Joe Walcott! He was a local hero where we used to live, in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area. I actually saw his first professional fight, in Vineland, against Cowboy Wallace. It was years later before I realized that Arnold Cream was Jersey Joe Walcott.
     
    djanders, Oct 12, 2022
    djanders, Oct 12, 2022
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  4. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    Oleg Maskaev for modern era.
     
    NoNeck, Oct 12, 2022
    NoNeck, Oct 12, 2022
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  5. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    He had heart, guts and an undying work ethic. No doubt about it.
     
    mr. magoo, Oct 12, 2022
    mr. magoo, Oct 12, 2022
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  6. lone star

    lone star Active Member Full Member

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    Yes and hunger. True hunger where he would literally fight to eat. He had no choice. Fight or starve. To do that at the top level he sure had determination.
     
    lone star, Oct 12, 2022
    lone star, Oct 12, 2022
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  7. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    That is a genuinely interesting question.

    I get the idea that Walcott's main drive, was not so much winning the title, as putting food on the table.

    He had a lot of children, and he took in other peoples children, when they couldn't take care of them.

    That was his determination.

    When he started his successful comeback, he didn't even have enough money to buy coal.

    He invested most of his comeback earnings in motels, to ensure his long term financial security.

    His entire career was spent chasing financial security, and perhaps that is why he beat the odds?
     
    janitor, Oct 12, 2022
    janitor, Oct 12, 2022
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  8. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Mauling Mormon’s banned Full Member

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    He needs a movie. It’d write like a dream. Arnold Cream was the real Cinderella man.
     
    Journeyman92, Oct 12, 2022
    Journeyman92, Oct 12, 2022
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  9. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Mauling Mormon’s banned Full Member

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    How did Walcott do in retirement? Was he comfortable? Mentally well?
     
    Journeyman92, Oct 12, 2022
    Journeyman92, Oct 12, 2022
    #9
  10. LoadedGlove

    LoadedGlove Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Mike Weaver deserves a mention too.
     
    LoadedGlove, Oct 12, 2022
    LoadedGlove, Oct 12, 2022
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  11. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    I have not looked into that question in detail, but he seems to have retired on solid footing.
     
    janitor, Oct 12, 2022
    janitor, Oct 12, 2022
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  12. USFBulls727

    USFBulls727 Active Member Full Member

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    Holyfield was one of the guttier Heavyweight Champions I've seen fight. Ali & Frazier would rank high as well ..
     
    USFBulls727, Oct 12, 2022
    USFBulls727, Oct 12, 2022
    #12