Robert Baker facts for kids

Bob Baker (born October 26, 1926 – died April 23, 2002) was an American boxer. He fought professionally from 1949 to 1960. During the 1950s, he was one of the best and biggest heavyweight boxers in the world. People called him "The Grinder," "Big Bob," and "The Behemoth."

Bob Baker was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. After spending three years in the Navy, he started his boxing career from Pittsburgh.

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Bob Baker had a great start in boxing as an amateur. He won the Pittsburgh Golden Gloves Championship in 1947. The Golden Gloves is a famous amateur boxing competition.

Golden Gloves Success

In 1949, Bob Baker won the Pennsylvania Intercity Golden Gloves championship. This was in the heavyweight division, which is for the biggest boxers. His amateur record was very good, with 33 wins and only 2 losses.

In 1948, he faced Coley Wallace in the New York Golden Gloves Tournament. Baker lost a very close fight. But later that year, Baker and Wallace met again. This time, Bob Baker won and became the 1948 Golden Gloves champion.

Professional Boxing Career

Bob Baker started his professional boxing career very strongly. He went undefeated for his first 26 fights. This means he didn't lose any of them!

First Professional Challenges

After his long winning streak, Baker had a draw (a tie) against Kid Riviera. Just ten days later, he lost his first professional fight to another top boxer, Clarence Henry.

Chasing the Heavyweight Title

From April 1955 to February 1956, many experts thought Bob Baker was the top challenger for Rocky Marciano's heavyweight title. Marciano was the world champion at that time. The International Boxing Club (IBC) ranked Baker as the number one contender.

In December 1955, Baker won a rematch against Nino Valdez. The winner of that fight was supposed to get a chance to fight Rocky Marciano.

Big Fights and Tough Losses

After 13 straight wins, Baker fought Tommy Hurricane Jackson in February 1956. This big fight took place in New York's famous Madison Square Garden. Baker lost this fight in a very close decision. Many people thought the decision was unfair.

In May 1956, Baker easily beat John Holman. Later that year, Baker had another rematch with Tommy Jackson. Again, it was a very close fight, and Baker lost by a small decision. Many boxing writers believed Baker should have won or that the fight should have been a draw.

Later Career Highlights

After 1956, Bob Baker's success in the ring was not as consistent. However, he still had some important wins.

One of his most notable victories was against Canadian boxer George Chuvalo. Baker won this fight easily in September 1957. George Chuvalo later became the Canadian heavyweight champion. He was also a top contender for world titles in the 1960s and 1970s.

Legacy and Passing

Bob Baker passed away on April 23, 2002. He died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from heart failure. He is remembered as a powerful heavyweight boxer from the 1950s.