Joe Bygraves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joe Bygraves |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 185 cm |
| Nationality |  British |
| Born | 25 May 1931 Kingston, Jamaica |
| Died | 16 January 2012 (aged 80) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 72 |
| Wins | 42 |
| Wins by KO | 22 |
| Losses | 28 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 0 |
Joe Bygraves (born May 26, 1931 – died January 16, 2012) was a British heavyweight boxer. He started his professional boxing career in 1953. After a strong start, he won the important Commonwealth Heavyweight title in 1956. He defended this title three times, even knocking out famous boxer Henry Cooper. Joe Bygraves moved to Britain when he was a teenager. He became a British citizen later, in 1967.
Contents
Joe Bygraves' Boxing Journey
Joe Bygraves was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1931. He was one of 11 children in his family. When he was 15, he moved to Britain and settled in Liverpool.
Starting as an Amateur
Joe began boxing as an amateur when he was 17. He first competed as a light heavyweight. Later, he moved up to the heavyweight division. He was very good at both weights. He won several amateur titles in his county.
Turning Professional
In 1953, Joe Bygraves became a professional boxer. His first professional fight was on February 12. He won by knockout in just 65 seconds! Joe won his next five fights, mostly by points. He had a great start to his career. By the end of 1954, he had won 24 fights and lost only 4.
Big Fights and the Commonwealth Title
In 1955, Joe Bygraves fought against Henry Cooper, who was a rising British boxer. Joe lost this fight by points. But he soon won four more fights. One of these wins was against Kitione Lave from Tonga. He also had his first fight outside the UK, winning in Germany.
Joe then traveled to Italy for three fights. He lost one fight by disqualification. But he won two others, showing his skill. On February 24, 1956, Joe fought the unbeaten Ingemar Johansson in Sweden. Joe lost this fight by points.
Two months later, Joe was back in Britain. He faced Jack Gardner, a former British heavyweight champion. Joe stopped Gardner in the second round. After another win, Joe got a chance to fight for the vacant Commonwealth Heavyweight title. Even though he lived in Britain, he couldn't fight for British titles because he wasn't born there.
His opponent for the title was Kitione Lave, whom he had beaten before. The title fight was held in London on June 26, 1956. It was a long fight, scheduled for 15 rounds. Joe won by points, becoming the new Commonwealth champion!
Defending the Title
After winning the title, Joe lost his next fight. But then he beat Johnny Williams, another former British champion. His first title defense was on February 19, 1957, against Henry Cooper. Joe won by technical knockout in the ninth round. This was one of his best fights!
Just three months later, Joe defended his title again. This time, his opponent was Dick Richardson from Wales. The fight ended in a draw, so Joe kept his title. His third and final defense was against Joe Erskine, also from Wales. This fight also went the full 15 rounds. But this time, Erskine won, and Joe lost his title.
Later Career
After losing his title, Joe Bygraves found it harder to win. He faced many famous boxers, like Willie Pastrano and Zora Folley. He also fought Ingemar Johansson again, but lost. One of his last big wins was against Olympic gold medalist Franco De Piccoli in 1963. In 1965, he lost to Canadian heavyweight champion George Chuvalo. Joe Bygraves' last professional fight was on March 20, 1967.
