Bob Baker (boxer) facts for kids

Robert "The Grinder" Baker (born October 26, 1926 – died April 23, 2002) was a famous heavyweight boxer. He was known for his strong fighting style. Bob Baker's professional boxing career lasted from 1949 to 1960. He was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and started his boxing journey in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Bob Baker's Boxing Journey

Starting as an Amateur Boxer

Bob Baker had a very successful start in boxing. As an amateur, he lost only one fight. In 1949, he won the Intercity Golden Gloves championship. This was a big achievement in the heavyweight division.

Becoming a Professional Boxer

Bob Baker began his professional career with an amazing winning streak. He won twenty-six fights in a row! This showed how talented he was.

Facing Tough Opponents

In 1954, his winning streak ended when he lost to another top boxer, Clarence Henry. Just before that, he had a draw (a tie) with Kid Riviera. Bob Baker also faced other strong fighters. These included Bob Satterfield and the legendary Archie Moore. After his loss to Archie Moore in 1954, Bob Baker was never knocked out again. This showed his incredible toughness.

There was even talk that Bob Baker might fight the heavyweight champion, Rocky Marciano. This was in early 1956. Baker had defeated Nino Valdez in December 1955. He had also beaten Valdez in a previous fight in 1953. Both times, Baker won by a unanimous decision. However, the championship fight against Marciano never happened.

Before losing a close fight to Tommy "Hurricane" Jackson in February 1956, Baker had won thirteen fights in a row. He was considered a top contender for the heavyweight title. After beating John Holman in May 1956, Baker had a rematch with Jackson. He lost again by a split decision. Many people watching the fight thought Baker had won, even though the official score went to Jackson.

Later Career Fights

After 1957, Bob Baker's boxing skills started to slow down. However, he still had some important wins. In September 1957, he defeated George Chuvalo. Chuvalo later became a Canadian champion. He also fought for the world heavyweight title many times in the 1960s and 1970s. Baker won this fight by a unanimous decision in Canada.

Life Outside the Ring

Before he became a boxer, Bob Baker served in the Navy. He was an only child. He also had one child himself, named Robert Baker, Jr.

After his boxing career, Bob Baker worked as a foreman. He led a road crew for PennDOT. This was in Penn Hills during the 1980s. People respected him for being honest and humble. He treated his crew fairly. Bob Baker never talked about his fame or his achievements in boxing.