Joe Hipp facts for kids

Joe "The Boss" Hipp was born on December 7, 1962. He is a retired professional American heavyweight boxer. Joe is a proud member of the Blackfeet Tribe.

He made history on August 19, 1995. He became the first Native American to fight for a world heavyweight boxing championship. This big fight was against WBA champion Bruce Seldon. It took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. In May 2009, Joe Hipp was honored by being added to the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.

Joe Hipp's Boxing Journey

Joe Hipp started his professional boxing career on August 29, 1987. His first fight was in Eugene, Oregon, where he won against Steve Cortez. Just two months later, he faced Veti Katoa in Carson City, Nevada. Joe had a tough fight and broke his jaw in the third round. The doctor stopped the fight.

But Joe didn't give up! He came back strong, winning his next three fights by knockout in the first round. He then had a rematch with Veti Katoa on July 2, 1988. Joe fought hard and won by a unanimous decision.

After a break, Joe returned to boxing on July 4th the next year. He won quickly in the first round. Two weeks later, he surprised everyone by beating Cleveland Woods. Ring Magazine called it "the upset of the night."

Joe went on another winning streak. He even beat Veti Katoa for the third time! Then he fought Bert Cooper. Cooper won in the fifth round.

Joe kept fighting and won three more times. On June 27, 1992, he faced Tommy Morrison in Reno, Nevada. It was a very tough fight for both boxers. Joe lost in the ninth round and broke his cheekbones. After healing, he fought again in 1993, winning a rematch against Kevin Ford.

In 1994, Joe won the NABF heavyweight title by beating Alex Garcia. He won two more fights that year. In 1995, he continued his winning streak. These wins led him to the most important fight of his career.

Fighting for the World Title

This big fight was for the WBA World heavyweight title. Joe Hipp fought against Bruce Seldon on August 19, 1995. It was a huge moment for Joe and for Native American athletes.

The fight was very intense. In the tenth round, the referee stopped the fight. Joe had a lot of swelling and bleeding on his face. Bruce Seldon won the match. Even though Joe didn't win the title, he made history as the first Native American to challenge for a major heavyweight boxing championship.

Later Career and Comebacks

After his world title fight, Joe continued to box. He won several fights against different opponents. On June 15, 1997, he faced Ross Puritty. Joe was ahead on points, but Puritty came out strong in the last round. Joe was tired and lost by knockout.

Joe won three more fights after that. However, he injured his knee in a fight on December 9, 1999. This injury caused the fight to stop.

Four years later, Joe tried to make a comeback. He won one fight but then lost his second comeback fight on November 14, 2003.

Joe "The Boss" Hipp returned to the ring one last time on August 13, 2005. He won a six-round decision against Ted Reiter. This was his final professional fight. Joe finished his career with 43 wins (29 by knockout) and 7 losses.

Life Outside the Ring

Joe Hipp is also known for his work outside of boxing. In 2004, different Native American groups held a poetry reading in his honor. This event was sponsored by Rocky Mountain College and the Billings Writer's Voice.

In December 2005, Joe helped with the Hurricane Katrina disaster. He worked as a FEMA worker. He joined other Blackfeet members who were called to help because of their experience in wildfires and search and rescue.

By 2007, Joe was working for his former manager, Ray Frye, at a sweeping company in Seattle. He also co-owned a small construction company.