Joe Brown (boxer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe Brown |
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Brown in 1958
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Old Bones |
| Rated at | Lightweight |
| Height | 5 ft 7+1⁄2 in (1.71 m) |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | May 18, 1926 Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Died | December 4, 1997 (aged 71) New Orleans |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 185 |
| Wins | 122 |
| Wins by KO | 56 |
| Losses | 47 |
| Draws | 14 |
| No contests | 3 |
Joe Brown (born May 18, 1926 – died December 4, 1997) was an amazing American professional boxer. He became the world lightweight champion in 1956. He defended his title 11 times against 10 different boxers! He finally lost his championship to Carlos Ortiz in 1962.
Joe Brown was known for his classic boxing style and powerful knockout punches. People called him the 'Creole Clouter' and Joe 'Old Bones' Brown. In 1961, The Ring magazine named him 'Fighter of the Year'. Joe Brown was honored in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1987, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.
Early Life and Boxing Start
Joe Brown was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, on May 18, 1926. His family was not wealthy. He started working young, first in a grocery store, then in carpentry. At just 17 years old, he began his professional boxing career.
His first professional fight was on January 15, 1943. He fought Ringer Thompson in New Orleans and won the four-round match. After six more fights, he joined the United States Navy during World War II. While in the Navy, Joe won the All-Service Lightweight Championship. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
When he returned to boxing, things were tough at first. He often fought in smaller matches. He even lost by knockout in July 1945. But Joe didn't give up. In 1949, he didn't lose a single fight! Over the next seven years, he slowly moved up the Lightweight rankings. He beat famous boxers like Virgil Akins and Isaac Logart.
Joe was a skilled boxer, tall and lean for his weight class. He had a long reach and a strong left hand. Some managers even tried to avoid having their boxers fight him because he was so good. Joe almost quit boxing many times during his 13-year wait for a chance at the world title.
Becoming a Champion
Joe Brown finally got his chance to fight for the Lightweight Championship of the World. He had already beaten the champion, Wallace 'Bud' Smith, in a non-title fight in May 1956. Four months later, on August 24, he fought Smith again in New Orleans. In front of his home crowd, Joe won the title after 15 tough rounds.
Joe proved he was the better boxer early the next year. In his first title defense, he knocked Smith out in the eleventh round. After becoming champion, Joe hoped to earn more money and become famous. But his name, "Joe Brown," wasn't very exciting. So, he started calling himself Joe 'Old Bones' Brown. This new nickname worked, and he became a popular fighter.
Joe successfully defended his title 11 times against 10 different boxers. He was champion for almost six years! He beat fighters like Orlando Zulueta, Joey Lopes, Ralph Dupas, and Kenny Lane. His second fight against Dave Charnley was so exciting that The Ring magazine named it the 'Fight of the Year' for 1961.
However, his time as champion ended when he met the great Carlos Ortiz from Puerto Rico. Ortiz was smart, quick, and ten years younger than Joe. Ortiz beat Joe in Las Vegas on April 21, 1962. Joe lost his title after 15 rounds, and Ortiz began his own long reign as champion.
Life After Boxing
Joe Brown continued to box for another eight years. He retired in 1970 at the age of 44. His final record was 121 wins, 47 losses, and 14 draws, with 56 knockouts. After retiring, Joe Brown became a boxing trainer in New Orleans, Louisiana. He helped other fighters become professionals.
Joe Brown passed away in New Orleans, USA, on December 4, 1997.
See also
- Lineal championship
- List of lightweight boxing champions
