Beau Jack (born Sidney Walker; April 1, 1921 – February 9, 2000) was an American lightweight boxer and two-time world lightweight champion in the 1940s. One of the most popular fighters during the War Years, he headlined at Madison Square Garden on 21 occasions, a record that still stands.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Beau Jack
Born
Sidney Walker

(1921-04-01)April 1, 1921
DiedFebruary 9, 2000(2000-02-09) (aged 78)
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Reach68.5 in (174 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights121
Wins91
Wins by KO44
Losses24
Draws5
No contests1

Early years

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Sidney Walker was born in Waynesboro, Georgia on April 1, 1921. After the death of his mother he moved to Augusta, and stayed with his grandmother, Evie Mixom, who affectionately called him "Beau Jack". He grew up during the Depression on a ragged farm where he worked the fields, and in the evening would work as a shoe-shine boy. A few days a week he would arise early, walk three miles into town and shine shoes till dusk. To make extra money, he would engage in battle royales, which consisted of five to ten boys, usually Black, fighting each other, often blindfolded, until only one remained standing. The winner was given a purse by the white organizers.[4][5][6]

Following his first battle royale at the Augusta National Golf Club, Jack accepted a position as a caddie there. He quickly befriended some of the club's members, including golfing legend Bobby Jones, who helped fund his boxing training.[4][6]

Boxing career

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Jack turned professional in 1940, and began his career fighting in Massachusetts where he established an impressive record of 27–4–2. During this period, he earned his reputation as a relentless and powerful fighter, essential traits that endeared him to his fans and won over admirers.[4]

First taking the NYSAC World Lightweight Championship, December 1942

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He moved to New York City in August 1941, where he continued to impress under the management of Chick Wergeles. In November 1942, he found himself in a fight against Allie Stolz at Madison Square Garden to determine who would challenge for the New York version of the world lightweight title.

Going into the fight, Stolz was the clear favorite, with 3-1 odds. Before an enthusiastic crowd, Jack staged an upset, winning the match with a technical knockout of Stolz in the seventh round. Stoltz had cuts on his left eyelid and eyebrow that led the referee to end the bout.[3][7]

In his first NYSAC Lightweight Title bout against Tippy Larkin on December 18, 1942, Jack surprised again by knocking out the champion in the third round with a right uppercut to the chin. He floored Larkin with a left hook for a count of one in the first minute of the first round. The bout was furious and both boxers landed constant blows, though Jack seemed to withstand the onslaught of Larkin and deliver an equal or greater number of counterpunches. Larkin was carried to his corner from a blow by Jack, 1:19 into the third, that rendered him unconscious for the ten count. It was only the third KO of Larkin's career. Both boxers were within a pound of 133.[8]

Victories over Fritzie Zivic, February – March 1943

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Jack twice defeated Fritzie Zivic at Madison Square Garden on February 5, and March 5, 1943, in ten and twelve round unanimous decisions, though their second meeting was rather close. One source wrote Zivic was known for "dirty tactics", and that he fought like "a back ally brawler."[9]

The crowd of more than 20,000 in the Garden on February 5, were displeased when Jack was called for a low blow in the eighth round, and the point's scoring became closer when Jack lost the round as a result of the foul. Nonetheless, the referee and judges gave the bout to Jack by at least a two-round margin.[10]

Losing the NYSAC World Lightweight Championship to Bob Montgomery, May 1943

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Jack held the World Lightweight Title for only six months before dropping it to fellow hall-of-famer Bob Montgomery on May 21, 1943, before 18,343 in a fifteen-round unanimous points decision at the Garden.[3] Jack won the first round by a wide margin with a flurry of uppercuts and his signature free-wheeling, constant punching from many angles. But Montgomery quickly settled down and scored frequently with a strong straight right that at times had Jack close to a knockout and against which he could find no adequate defense. Jack's eyes were virtually closed during much of the bout, but Montgomery's injuries were restricted to a cut above one eye. A right to the chin briefly knocked Jack to his knees in the eleventh round and he struggled in the remaining rounds. One ringside reporter gave Montgomery eleven rounds to only four for Jack.[11]

Regaining the World Lightweight Championship from Montgomery, November 1943

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Jack would go on to regain the title from Montgomery on November 19, 1943, in a fifteen-round unanimous decision at New York's Madison Square Garden before a crowd of 17,866.[3][4] Beau carefully followed the advice of his trainer Larry Amadee, who told him to stay close to Montgomery, fight fiercely when separated from clinches, and generally use his strength in infighting. He coasted on the advice of Amadee in several rounds. He stayed with Amadee's advice when Montgomery finished strong in the last five rounds. The Associated Press gave Jack seven rounds, six to Montgomery, and two even, though both judges gave Jack an impressive ten rounds.[citation needed]

In the ninth round, Jack scored one of his strongest blows after coming out of a clinch, and it helped him to take the offensive and win the ninth and tenth rounds. In the final five and particularly the last two rounds, Montgomery seemed strongest, nearly taking the bout in the opinion of some ringside.[12] Jack was battered and required great conditioning and willpower to hold on through the final rounds.[13]

Jack met Sammy Angott in a non-title match on January 28, 1944, drawing in ten rounds at Madison Square Garden before an impressive crowd of 19,113, the largest of the year. The match was an important contest between Jack, the New York State World Lightweight Champion, and Angott, the National Boxing Association World Lightweight Champion. Who led the battle see-sawed from boxer to boxer so frequently, it was a difficult contest to score. There were no knockdowns in the bout. The United Press gave each boxer four rounds with two even.[citation needed]

Angott had a problem from a thigh injury he had received in training and was limping as he was led from the ring at the end of the bout.[14][15]

Jack finally lost the Lightweight Championship for the second time to Montgomery on March 3, 1944, in a fifteen-round split decision before 19,066 fans in Madison Square Garden.[3] Jack had led in the early betting. The fighting was fierce and close throughout and Montgomery was given no more than a two-round advantage by the judges or referee, though the Associated Press scored the bout 8 for Montgomery, 4 for Jack, and three even. It would be Jack's last lightweight title match until meeting Ike Williams in July 1948.[16]

On March 17, 1944, he defeated Al "Bummy" Davis, the "Brooklyn Bomber", at Madison Square Garden before a crowd of nearly 20,000, in a ten-round unanimous decision. The referees and judges gave him no less than nine of the rounds, with two scoring all ten rounds for Jack. Jack, who was a slight favorite in the betting, brought crowds to the Garden in 1943–44. The Georgia boot-black got out of his crouching style and slugged it out in close quarters with Davis in several rounds.[17]

Win over NBA Lightweight Champion Juan Zurita, March 31, 1944

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On March 31, 1944, Jack defeated Mexican-born boxer Juan Zurita in a ten-round points decision at New York's Madison Square Garden. Zurita had taken the NBA Lightweight Title only three weeks earlier from Sammy Angott in Los Angeles. Zurita faded after the fifth round, and was given only three rounds to seven for Jack by the United Press. The Mexican champion looked strong in the tenth, and took the round. The capacity crowd of 17,593 were hoping for more action in the early rounds, but both boxers, knowing the skills of their opponent fought cautiously.[18][19]

War bonds fight with Bob Montgomery, August 1944

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Some consider the most famous fight of Jack's career, a bout with Montgomery on August 4, 1944. Staged at a critical time in the second World War, it became known as the "War Bonds Fight", and tickets were only made available to purchasers of war bonds. A ringside seat required purchase of a $100,000 war bond.[20]

Although Montgomery's title was not on the line, the gate was a record $36 million with 15,822 war bonds being sold. Many people who purchased bonds charitably left their tickets at the box office to be used by American servicemen. Montgomery and Jack, who were both serving as privates in the US Army, refused to take purses for the fight. Jack took the fight on points after 10 rounds, however the highlight of the evening was when the lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on Joe Louis was standing in the front row. Louis was received with a standing ovation.[21]

Jack met Sammy Angott for the second time on July 8, 1946, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., where a crowd of 10,353 saw Jack win in a seventh-round technical knockout. Angott was very briefly down in round two, and Jack was down twice briefly in round four. The fighting was close but Jack rallied strongly in rounds five and six, and Angott did not answer the opening bell in round seven. The fighters boxed "as if the world championship was at stake". It was a "wild" and "reckless" fight and injuries suffered by Angott to his hip and back were briefly investigated at the request of the D.C. Boxing Commission after the fight. X-rays determined the aging thirty-one year old Angott had chipped a rib and suffered a torn ligament in his foot.[22][23][24]

Last shot at the World Lightweight Title, Ike Williams, July 1948

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Jack would not challenge for the title again until July 12, 1948, when he fought hall-of-famer and reigning champion Ike Williams in a sixth-round TKO at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. The fighting was fairly close in the first three rounds, as the referee gave one round to each fighter, and declared one even. The fourth was fought cautiously but by the fifth, Williams penetrated Beau's defenses and connected repeatedly. Williams brutally ended the bout with a left hook and flurry of subsequent blows in the sixth which led the referee to end the bout.[25]

Williams was managed and on occasion financially exploited by boxing promoter Frank "Blinky" Palermo, who was Mafia-connected and a partner of Murder Inc. button-man Frankie Carbo. Carbo operated a stable of fighters which would later include heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. The first bout marked the start of a rivalry between Williams and Jack who would go on to fight on three more occasions. With Jack's skills clearly waning, Williams took the first match by a split decision, tied in the second match with a draw, and won the third when his opponent Jack was unable to answer the ninth round bell. Their third fight, on August 12, 1958, in Augusta, Georgia, though memorable, marked the end of Jack's career.[4]

Life after boxing

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He retired with a record of 83 wins, with 40 knockouts, 24 losses and five draws. After retirement, he ran a drive-in barbecue stand and operated a small farm in Augusta, Georgia. He refereed wrestling matches in South Carolina during the period. With his boxing earnings, he moved to Miami and returned to shoe shining, working at Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Hotel. He trained fighters in Miami's Fifth Street Gym.[5][6]

Family

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Beau Jack had seven children, Ronald, Donald, George, Barbara Ann, Yvonne, Georgiana and Timothy. His wife was named Josephine. None of the sons became boxers.[5]

Last years and death

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In his later years he suffered from poverty and Parkinson's disease. He died at 78, in a Miami nursing home, on February 9, 2000, of complications from Parkinson's disease.[4][26]

Honors

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Jack was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1979[27] and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.[28]

Professional boxing record

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121 fights 91 wins 24 losses
By knockout 44 4
By decision 47 20
Draws 5
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
121 Loss 91–24–5 (1) Ike Williams RTD 8 (10) Aug 12, 1955 Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
120 Win 91–23–5 (1) Willie Kid Johnson SD 10 Jul 4, 1955 Beach Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
119 Draw 90–23–5 (1) Ike Williams PTS 10 Apr 9, 1955 Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
118 Win 90–23–4 (1) Eddie Green UD 10 Jan 20, 1955 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
117 Loss 89–23–4 (1) Gil Turner TKO 8 (10) May 21, 1951 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
116 Loss 89–22–4 (1) Gil Turner UD 10 Apr 16, 1951 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
115 Win 89–21–4 (1) Leroy Willis UD 10 Mar 30, 1951 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
114 Loss 88–21–4 (1) Ike Williams SD 10 Mar 5, 1951 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
113 Win 88–20–4 (1) Emil Barao UD 10 Jan 31, 1951 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
112 Loss 87–20–4 (1) Del Flanagan UD 10 Jan 18, 1951 Auditorium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
111 Loss 87–19–4 (1) Fitzie Pruden SD 10 Jan 1, 1951 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
110 Loss 87–18–4 (1) Frankie Fernandez UD 10 Nov 14, 1950 Honolulu Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii
109 Win 87–17–4 (1) Philip Kim MD 10 Oct 3, 1950 Honolulu Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii
108 Win 86–17–4 (1) Bobby Timpson TKO 6 (10) Jul 17, 1950 City Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
107 Win 85–17–4 (1) Ronnie Harper TKO 5 (10) Jun 28, 1950 Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
106 Win 84–17–4 (1) Johnny Potenti UD 10 May 22, 1950 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
105 Win 83–17–4 (1) Jackie Weber RTD 6 (10) May 8, 1950 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
104 Win 82–17–4 (1) Lew Jenkins TKO 5 (10) Apr 14, 1950 Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
103 Loss 81–17–4 (1) Joey Carkido PTS 10 Apr 3, 1950 Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
102 Loss 81–16–4 (1) Tuzo Portuguez SD 10 Dec 16, 1949 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
101 Loss 81–15–4 (1) Kid Gavilán UD 10 Oct 14, 1949 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
100 Win 81–14–4 (1) Livio Minelli SD 10 Sep 30, 1949 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
99 Win 80–14–4 (1) Tote Martinez UD 10 Sep 6, 1949 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
98 Win 79–14–4 (1) Johnny Gonsalves SD 10 Aug 31, 1949 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
97 Win 78–14–4 (1) Eddie Giosa UD 10 Jul 13, 1949 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
96 Loss 77–14–4 (1) Johnny Greco UD 10 Mar 28, 1949 Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
95 Win 77–13–4 (1) Jackie Weber UD 10 Jan 17, 1949 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
94 Win 76–13–4 (1) Leroy Willis UD 10 Dec 17, 1948 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
93 Win 75–13–4 (1) Chuck Taylor TKO 3 (10) Nov 23, 1948 Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
92 Win 74–13–4 (1) Eric Boon TKO 3 (10) Oct 28, 1948 Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
91 Loss 73–13–4 (1) Ike Williams TKO 6 (15) Jul 12, 1948 Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
90 Win 73–12–4 (1) Tony Janiro UD 10 May 24, 1948 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
89 Win 72–12–4 (1) Johnny Greco MD 10 Apr 9, 1948 Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
88 Loss 71–12–4 (1) Terry Young SD 10 Feb 20, 1948 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
87 Win 71–11–4 (1) Johnny Bratton TKO 8 (10) Jan 23, 1948 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
86 Win 70–11–4 (1) Jimmy Collins KO 2 (10) Jan 5, 1948 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
85 Win 69–11–4 (1) Billy Kearns UD 10 Dec 29, 1947 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
84 Win 68–11–4 (1) Frankie Vigeant PTS 10 Dec 16, 1947 Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
83 Win 67–11–4 (1) Humberto Zavala KO 4 (10) Nov 3, 1947 Kiel Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
82 Loss 66–11–4 (1) Tony Janiro TKO 4 (10) Feb 21, 1947 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
81 Loss 66–10–4 (1) Buster Tyler PTS 10 Oct 22, 1946 Armory, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
80 Win 66–9–4 (1) Danny Kapilow UD 10 Aug 19, 1946 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
79 Win 65–9–4 (1) Sammy Angott TKO 7 (10) Jul 8, 1946 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
78 Win 64–9–4 (1) Johnny Greco UD 10 May 31, 1946 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Draw 63–9–4 (1) Johnny Greco PTS 10 Feb 8, 1946 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
76 Win 63–9–3 (1) Morris Reif KO 4 (10) Jan 4, 1946 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Win 62–9–3 (1) Willie Joyce UD 10 Dec 14, 1945 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 61–9–3 (1) Bob Montgomery MD 10 Aug 4, 1944 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
73 Win 60–9–3 (1) Juan Zurita UD 10 Mar 31, 1944 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
72 Win 59–9–3 (1) Al Davis UD 10 Mar 17, 1944 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
71 Loss 58–9–3 (1) Bob Montgomery SD 15 Mar 3, 1944 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost NYSAC lightweight title
70 Win 58–8–3 (1) Maxie Berger UD 10 Feb 15, 1944 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
69 Draw 57–8–3 (1) Sammy Angott PTS 10 Jan 28, 1944 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Win 57–8–2 (1) Lulu Costantino SD 10 Jan 7, 1944 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
67 Win 56–8–2 (1) Bob Montgomery UD 15 Nov 19, 1943 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Won NYSAC lightweight title
66 Loss 55–8–2 (1) Bobby Ruffin UD 10 Oct 4, 1943 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
65 Win 55–7–2 (1) Johnny Hutchinson TKO 6 (10) Jul 19, 1943 Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
64 Win 54–7–2 (1) Maxie Starr TKO 6 (10) Jun 21, 1943 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
63 Loss 53–7–2 (1) Bob Montgomery UD 15 May 21, 1943 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost NYSAC lightweight title
62 Win 53–6–2 (1) Henry Armstrong UD 10 Apr 2, 1943 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Win 52–6–2 (1) Fritzie Zivic UD 12 Mar 5, 1943 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
60 Win 51–6–2 (1) Fritzie Zivic UD 10 Feb 5, 1943 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
59 Win 50–6–2 (1) Tippy Larkin KO 3 (15) Dec 18, 1942 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant NYSAC lightweight title
58 Win 49–6–2 (1) Allie Stolz TKO 7 (10) Nov 13, 1942 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
57 Win 48–6–2 (1) Terry Young UD 10 Oct 12, 1942 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 47–6–2 (1) Chester Rico PTS 8 Oct 2, 1942 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
55 Win 46–6–2 (1) Joe De Jesus KO 4 (10) Sep 28, 1942 Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
54 Win 45–6–2 (1) Billy Murray PTS 10 Aug 28, 1942 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
53 Win 44–6–2 (1) Carmine Fatta KO 1 (8) Aug 18, 1942 MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
52 Win 43–6–2 (1) Ruby Garcia TKO 6 (8) Aug 1, 1942 Twin City Arena, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
51 Win 42–6–2 (1) Cosby Linson TKO 8 (8) Jul 7, 1942 Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Win 41–6–2 (1) Bobby McIntire TKO 6 (8) Jul 3, 1942 Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
49 Win 40–6–2 (1) Guillermo Puentes KO 1 (8) Jun 23, 1942 MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 39–6–2 (1) Bobby Ivy PTS 8 May 22, 1942 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
47 Win 38–6–2 (1) Carmelo Fenoy UD 10 Jan 5, 1942 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
46 Loss 37–6–2 (1) Freddie Archer PTS 8 Dec 29, 1941 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
45 Loss 37–5–2 (1) Freddie Archer UD 8 Dec 8, 1941 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
44 Win 37–4–2 (1) Sammy Rivers TKO 3 (8) Dec 1, 1941 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Win 36–4–2 (1) Guillermo Puentes PTS 8 Oct 31, 1941 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Win 35–4–2 (1) Tommy Speigal PTS 8 Oct 14, 1941 Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
41 Win 34–4–2 (1) Al Reid KO 8 (8) Sep 19, 1941 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 33–4–2 (1) Guillermo Puentes PTS 6 Aug 26, 1941 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
39 Win 32–4–2 (1) Al Roth RTD 5 (6) Aug 14, 1941 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 31–4–2 (1) Minnie DeMore TKO 3 (6) Aug 5, 1941 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
37 Win 30–4–2 (1) George Zengaras UD 8 Jun 16, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
36 Win 29–4–2 (1) Tommy Speigal PTS 8 Jun 2, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
35 Win 28–4–2 (1) George Salamone KO 8 (8) May 19, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
34 Draw 27–4–2 (1) Chester Rico PTS 8 May 5, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
33 Win 27–4–1 (1) Harry Gentile TKO 1 (6) Apr 28, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
32 Win 26–4–1 (1) Bob Reilly TKO 7 (8) Apr 22, 1941 Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
31 Win 25–4–1 (1) Tony Iacovacci KO 6 (6) Apr 7, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
30 Win 24–4–1 (1) Joey Silva UD 6 Mar 24, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Win 23–4–1 (1) Nicky Jerome TKO 3 (6) Mar 10, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
28 Win 22–4–1 (1) Lenny Isrow TKO 3 (6) Feb 24, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
27 Win 21–4–1 (1) Mexican Joe Rivers TKO 4 (6) Feb 10, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
26 Loss 20–4–1 (1) Joey Silva SD 6 Jan 27, 1941 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
25 Win 20–3–1 (1) Mel Neary TKO 5 (6) Dec 30, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
24 Win 19–3–1 (1) Young Johnny Buff KO 1 (6) Dec 16, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
23 Win 18–3–1 (1) Jimmy Fox PTS 6 Dec 2, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
22 Win 17–3–1 (1) Joey Stack UD 6 Nov 4, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
21 Win 16–3–1 (1) Ritchie Jones KO 3 (6) Oct 21, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
20 Win 15–3–1 (1) Abe Cohen KO 3 (6) Oct 14, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
19 Win 14–3–1 (1) Tony Dupre TKO 2 (6) Sep 30, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
18 Win 13–3–1 (1) Oliver Barbour TKO 3 (6) Sep 16, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Win 12–3–1 (1) Jackie Small TKO 2 (4) Sep 2, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
16 Win 11–3–1 (1) Carlo Daponde UD 4 Aug 26, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
15 Loss 10–3–1 (1) Jackie Parker UD 4 Aug 19, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
14 Win 10–2–1 (1) Joe Polowitzer PTS 6 Aug 12, 1940 White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
13 Loss 9–2–1 (1) Joe Polowitzer PTS 6 Aug 2, 1940 White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
12 Loss 9–1–1 (1) Jackie Parker SD 4 Jun 17, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
11 Win 9–0–1 (1) Billy Bannick TKO 3 (4) May 27, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
10 Draw 8–0–1 (1) Frankie Allen PTS 4 May 20, 1940 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Win 8–0 (1) Joe James KO 2 (6) Mar 27, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
8 Win 7–0 (1) Silent Stafford PTS 6 Mar 21, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
7 ND 6–0 (1) Vincent Corbett ND ? (6) Feb 29, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S. Bout was scheduled for this day. Result unknown as of yet
6 Win 6–0 Alvin Stevens KO 3 (6) Feb 15, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Battling Burns PTS 4 Feb 8, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Jack Moseley PTS 4 Feb 1, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Unknown PTS 4 Jan 18, 1940 Municipal Auditorium, Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Battling Henry KO 5 (6) Apr 12, 1939 Reynolds Street Arena, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Unknown TKO ? (6) Apr 7, 1939 Richmond Arena, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.

References

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  1. ^ Mike Lewis. "Beau Jack profile". The Guardian. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  2. ^ Mike Sterritt (2011-04-15). The Great Underrated Boxers. iUniverse. p. 16. ISBN 9781450289139. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Beau Jack Boxing Record". BoxRec. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Beau Jack, Cyber Boxing Zone". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d "The Ballad Of Beau Jack No Fighter Was Tougher Than The Man Who Went From Shoeshine Boy To Champion And Back Again - Page 2". sun-sentinel.com. 1988-10-09. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  6. ^ a b c d "Beau Jack Boxing Bio". BoxRec. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  7. ^ "Augusta Georgia: Other Sports:Lord of the ring 02/10/02". Old.chronicle.augusta.com. 2002-02-10. Archived from the original on 2016-04-08. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  8. ^ Cuddy, Jack, "Beau Jack's Win Impressive", The Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, pg. 7, December 19, 1942.
  9. ^ Zivic was a dirty fighter in Sterrit, Mike, (2011) The Great Underrated Boxers, iUniverse Books, Bloomington, Indiana, pg. 17
  10. ^ "Zivic Loses to Beau Jack on Low Blow", The Daily Tribune, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, pp. 5, February 6, 1943.
  11. ^ Carver, Lawton, "Jack Drubbed As Philly Negro Pulls Big Upset", The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, pg. 15, May 22, 1943.
  12. ^ Meier, Ted, "Bobcat Bob to Receive Another Go At Crown", The Mason-City Glove Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, pg. 4, November 20, 1943.
  13. ^ Feder, Sid, "New Titleholder Weathers Strong Finish to Win Decision", The Ottawa Journal, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, pg. 18, November 20, 1943.
  14. ^ Cuddy, Jack, "Sammy Angott Battles Beau Jack to Draw", The St. Louis Star and Times, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 5, January 29, 1944.
  15. ^ Cuddy, Jack, "Turn Away Crowd Sees Lightweights", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 9, January 29, 1944
  16. ^ "19,066 Fans See Bob Montgomery Defeat Beau Jack", The Bend Bulletin, Bend, Oregon, pg. 2, March 4, 1944.
  17. ^ Howell, Fritz, "Ex-Georgia Bootblack Beats Brooklyn Bomber", Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pg. 11, March 18, 1944.
  18. ^ "Beau Jack Wins Over Zurita in Garden", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 3, 1 April 1944
  19. ^ Crowd of 17,593, in "Beau Jack Decisions Juan Zurita", The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield, California, pg. 9, 1 April 1944
  20. ^ $100,000 for a ringside seat in Williams, Bernard, "I Bet You Didn't Know", Clarion Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, pg. 23, 1 April 2000
  21. ^ Goldstein, Richard (2000-02-12). "Beau Jack, 78, Lightweight Boxing Champion in the 1940s". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  22. ^ "Two Monday Night Fights Being Probed Today", The Reno Gazette Journal, Reno, Nevada, pg. 14, 9 July 1946
  23. ^ "Angott Cleared Gets Purse", The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pg. 22, 10 July 1946
  24. ^ Crowd of 10,353 in "Beau Jack Stops Sammy Angott in Wild Fight", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 10, 9 July 1946
  25. ^ "Champ Keeps Crown as Ref Halts Battle", The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 33, 13 July 1948
  26. ^ Goldstein, Richard (2000-02-12). "Beau Jack, 78, Lightweight Boxing Champion in the 1940s". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  27. ^ "Class of 1979: Sidney "Beau Jack" Walker". Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
  28. ^ "Beau Jack". International Boxing Hall of Fame.
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Achievements
Preceded by NYSAC lightweight champion
December 18, 1942 – May 21, 1943
Succeeded by
Preceded by NYSAC lightweight champion
November 19, 1943 – March 3, 1944
Succeeded by