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Beau Jack
Beau.Jack.jpeg
Statistics
Real name Sidney Walker
Rated at Lightweight
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Reach 68.5 in (174 cm)
Nationality American
Born (1921-04-01)April 1, 1921
Waynesboro, Georgia
Died February 9, 2000(2000-02-09) (aged 78)
Miami, Florida
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 a famous American lightweight boxer. He was a world lightweight champion two times in the 1940s. Beau Jack was very popular during World War II. He fought in the main event at Madison Square Garden 21 times, which is still a record!

Beau Jack's Early Life and Start in Boxing

Sidney Walker was born in Waynesboro, Georgia on April 1, 1921. After his mother passed away, he moved to Augusta to live with his grandmother, Evie Mixom. She lovingly called him "Beau Jack." He grew up during the Great Depression, working on a farm and shining shoes. To earn extra money, he sometimes joined "battle royales." These were events where several boys competed in a type of fighting game, often blindfolded, until only one was left. The winner received a prize.

After one of these events at the Augusta National Golf Club, Beau Jack started working there as a caddie. He became friends with some club members, including the famous golfer Bobby Jones. Bobby Jones even helped pay for Beau Jack's boxing training.

Beau Jack's Amazing Boxing Career Begins

Beau Jack became a professional boxer in 1940. He started his career in Massachusetts and quickly built a great record of 27 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws. During this time, he became known as a strong and determined fighter. Fans loved his exciting style.

Winning the Lightweight Championship in 1942

In August 1941, Beau Jack moved to New York City. He kept impressing everyone with his boxing skills. In November 1942, he fought Allie Stolz at Madison Square Garden. The winner would get to challenge for the world lightweight title. Even though Stolz was favored to win, Beau Jack surprised everyone. He won the fight in the seventh round when the referee stopped the match because of cuts on Stolz's face.

On December 18, 1942, Beau Jack fought Tippy Larkin for the NYSAC Lightweight Title. Again, Beau Jack surprised everyone by knocking out the champion in the third round. He hit Larkin with a powerful right uppercut, and Larkin couldn't get up. This was only the third time Larkin had been knocked out in his career.

Fighting Fritzie Zivic in 1943

Beau Jack fought Fritzie Zivic twice at Madison Square Garden in early 1943. He won both fights by decision. Zivic was known for fighting in a rough way. In their first fight, Beau Jack was called for a low blow, which made the scoring closer. But he still won the fight.

Losing and Regaining the Title from Bob Montgomery

Beau Jack held his world lightweight title for only six months. On May 21, 1943, he lost it to Bob Montgomery in a 15-round fight at Madison Square Garden. Beau Jack started strong, but Montgomery fought back with powerful punches. Beau Jack's eyes were almost closed by the end of the fight.

But Beau Jack didn't give up! He fought Montgomery again on November 19, 1943, and won back his title. His trainer told him to stay close to Montgomery and fight hard. Beau Jack followed this advice and won the 15-round fight by decision.

Important Fights During the War Years

On January 28, 1944, Beau Jack had a non-title fight against Sammy Angott, who was another world champion. The fight was a draw, meaning neither boxer won. It was a very close match, and both fighters landed many punches.

Beau Jack lost his lightweight championship for the second time to Bob Montgomery on March 3, 1944. It was a very close fight that went all 15 rounds. This was Beau Jack's last lightweight title match for a few years.

He then defeated Al "Bummy" Davis on March 17, 1944, in a 10-round fight. Beau Jack was a favorite with the crowds at Madison Square Garden.

On March 31, 1944, Beau Jack also defeated Mexican boxer Juan Zurita. Zurita had just won another lightweight title a few weeks before. Beau Jack won this 10-round fight by decision.

The Famous "War Bonds Fight"

One of Beau Jack's most famous fights was against Bob Montgomery on August 4, 1944. This fight happened during World War II and was called the "War Bonds Fight." To buy a ticket, you had to buy war bonds. A ringside seat cost a $100,000 war bond!

Even though Montgomery's title wasn't on the line, the event raised a record $36 million by selling 15,822 war bonds. Many people who bought bonds left their tickets for American soldiers to use. Both Montgomery and Jack were serving in the U.S. Army and refused to take any money for the fight. Beau Jack won the 10-round fight. A special moment happened when the lights dimmed, and a spotlight shone on Joe Louis, another boxing legend, who received a standing ovation.

Beau Jack fought Sammy Angott again on July 8, 1946, and won by technical knockout in the seventh round. It was a very wild and exciting fight.

Last Chance for a World Title

Beau Jack had one more chance to win a world title on July 12, 1948. He fought the champion Ike Williams in Philadelphia. Williams won the fight in the sixth round.

Beau Jack and Ike Williams fought three more times after this. Beau Jack's skills were fading, and Williams won two of those fights, with one ending in a draw. Their last fight was on August 12, 1958, which marked the end of Beau Jack's boxing career.

Life After Boxing

Beau Jack retired from boxing with an impressive record of 83 wins (40 by knockout), 24 losses, and 5 draws. After he retired, he ran a barbecue stand and a small farm in Augusta, Georgia. He also worked as a referee for wrestling matches. Later, he moved to Miami and went back to shining shoes at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. He also helped train other fighters.

Beau Jack's Family

Beau Jack had seven children: Ronald, Donald, George, Barbara Ann, Yvonne, Georgiana, and Timothy. His wife's name was Josephine. None of his sons became boxers.

Later Years and Passing

In his later years, Beau Jack faced financial difficulties and suffered from Parkinson's disease. He passed away at age 78 in a Miami nursing home on February 9, 2000, due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Honors and Legacy

Beau Jack's amazing boxing career earned him many honors. He was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1979. In 1991, he was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a very special recognition for boxers.

Professional Boxing Record

Professional record summary
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.
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