Jersey Joe Walcott was born Arnold Cream in Pennsauken, New Jersey on January 31, 2014. He started boxing professionally in 1930 at the age of 16 years old. He was a hardened veteran who got his first title shot against Joe Louis on December 5, 1947. Most viewers thought Louis had lost to his 33 year old challenger, including the champ himself, who walked out of the ring not wanting to hear the announcer’s call. Surprisingly he retained his crown via a split decision. The two would fight again just over six months later, and after trailing on the cards again, Louis rallied to knock Jersey Joe out in the 10th round. It would be the last great performance of his hallowed career. Ever resilient, Jersey Joe continued on in pursuit of the crown he thirsted for, and refused to let his growing age keep him from quenching that thirst.
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