Joe Brown (May 18, 1926 – December 4, 1997) was an American professional boxer who won the world lightweight title in 1956, making 11 successful defenses against 10 contenders before losing his crown to Carlos Ortiz in 1962. Brown was a classic boxer and a knockout puncher. Known as "The Creole Clouter" and "Old Bones", he was managed by Lou Viscusi and named The Ring's 'Fighter of the Year' for 1961. Brown was inducted into 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.[1][2]

Joe Brown
Brown in 1958
Born(1926-05-18)May 18, 1926
DiedDecember 4, 1997(1997-12-04) (aged 71)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesOld Bones
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
Height5 ft 7+12 in (1.71 m)
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights185
Wins122
Wins by KO56
Losses47
Draws14
No contests3

Early life and career

edit

Born into poverty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, on May 18, 1926, Brown started work as a grocery assistant, moved into carpentry and then embarked on his professional boxing career at the age of seventeen. He made his professional debut on January 15, 1943, at Victory Arena in New Orleans against Ringer Thompson, winning the four-round bout on points.[2] Brown had another six fights, one of which was winning a four-round decision against Leonard Caesar on September 3, 1943, before he was drafted into the United States Navy during World War II.[2] While in the Navy, Brown captured the All-Service Lightweight Championship before being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945.[2]

The resumption of Brown's career was initially disappointing and he frequently fought in undercard matches at Coliseum Arena or Pelican Stadium.[2] One fight saw Brown suffering a third-round knock-out by Melvin Bartholomew in July 1945. After this fight, Brown did not fight again until January 1946, when he lost on a decision over five rounds to Leonard Caesar. Some reward came a mere seven days later when Brown out-pointed Johnny Monroe, but his career over the following three years was, at best, checkered.

The impetus for Brown's ultimate success seems to have been provided by a crushing defeat at the hands of the future National Boxing Association Welterweight Champion, Johnny Bratton, late in 1948, immediately followed by a short spell away from the ring. In 1949, Brown actually went unbeaten and, over the next seven years, he steadily climbed the Lightweight rankings, defeating along the way such notable boxers as Virgil Akins, Isaac Logart and Teddy 'Redtop' Davis.

These fruitful times were not, however, without their difficulties. The skilful Brown, standing a lanky 5 feet 7½ inches, with a long reach and solid left hand, came to be viewed as dangerous – too dangerous by some astute managers who frequently appeared to steer their charges away from meeting him. Several times, Brown quit in despair during his thirteen-year wait for a shot at the title.

World Champion

edit

Brown earned his chance for the Lightweight Championship of the World by out-pointing the reigning champion, Wallace 'Bud' Smith in a non-title bout held in Houston, Texas, in May 1956. Four months later, on August 24 and in front of his home crowd at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans, Brown defeated Smith by way of a split decision over fifteen hard-fought rounds.[2] Confirmation of Brown's superiority came early in the following year when, defending the Championship for the first time, he knocked Smith out in eleven rounds.[1][3]

Once Champion, Brown hoped that his newly acquired status would confer the riches and popular recognition denied to him for so long. Yet, as George Gainford (manager of the charismatic and handsome Sugar Ray Robinson) noted, the name 'Joe Brown' was hardly inspirational. Realising this, Brown attempted to solve his problems by billing himself as Joe 'Old Bones' Brown. The gimmick worked and he became something of a draw for the remainder of his Championship career.

In all, Brown made eleven successful defences of his title against ten boxers, and remained Champion for almost six years.[4] After demolishing Smith, Brown beat Orlando Zulueta, Joey Lopes, Ralph Dupas, Kenny Lane, Johnny Busso, Paolo Rosi, Cisco Andrade, Bert Somodio and Dave Charnley (twice). Brown's re-match with Charnley, was named The Ring's Fight of the Year for 1961.

Nemesis came in the form of the great Carlos Ortiz from Puerto Rico. Ortiz – intelligent, agile and ten years Brown's junior – stepped down from the Junior Welterweight division where he had been king until out-pointed by Duilio Loi, to focus on the richer pickings to be had amongst the world's top Lightweights. He met Brown in Las Vegas on April 21, 1962, and took the ageing Champion's title after fifteen lackluster rounds to begin his own lengthy domination of the division.

Beyond glory

edit

Brown fought on for another eight years, before retiring in 1970, at the age of 44 with a record of 121 wins, 47 losses and 14 draws with 56 KOs.[1] In reflecting on the close of Brown's career, Henry Cooper has written that there came to be "little pride left in his performances" as he tried to compensate "for all the hungry years when he had been forced to fight for peanuts" (Cooper, 1990).[5] Joe Brown later became a trainer in New Orleans, Louisiana, and led some fighters to become professionals, such as Gregory E. Haines, of Slidell, Louisiana.

Joe Brown died in New Orleans, USA, on December 4, 1997.

Professional boxing record

edit
185 fights 122 wins 47 losses
By knockout 56 11
By decision 65 34
By disqualification 1 2
Draws 14
No contests 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Age Location Notes
185 Loss 122–47–14 (2) Dave Oropeza UD 10 Aug 24, 1970 44 years, 98 days Riverside Ballroom Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
184 Win 122–46–14 (2) Ramon Flores UD 10 Apr 24, 1970 43 years, 341 days Sports Center, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
183 Draw 121–46–14 (2) Steve Freeman PTS 10 Aug 12, 1969 43 years, 86 days Houston, Texas, U.S.
182 Loss 121–46–13 (2) Chucho Garcia TKO 9 (10) Nov 6, 1968 42 years, 172 days Sam's Sports Palace, Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
181 Loss 121–45–13 (2) Ricardo Medrano UD 10 Sep 10, 1968 42 years, 115 days Sam's Sports Palace, Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
180 Loss 121–44–13 (2) Chango Carmona TKO 4 (10) Jun 8, 1968 42 years, 21 days Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
179 Win 121–43–13 (2) Vic Graffio TKO 8 (10) Apr 23, 1968 41 years, 341 days Sam's Sports Palace, Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
178 Win 120–43–13 (2) Nat Jackson TKO 6 (10) Dec 13, 1967 41 years, 209 days National Guard Armory, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.
177 Win 119–43–13 (2) Benito Juarez UD 10 Sep 11, 1967 41 years, 116 days Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
176 Loss 118–43–13 (2) Percy Pugh UD 10 Aug 1, 1967 41 years, 75 days Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
175 Win 118–42–13 (2) Joe Barrientes MD 10 Jun 26, 1967 41 years, 39 days Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
174 Win 117–42–13 (2) Blackie Zamora TKO 8 (10) Jun 16, 1967 41 years, 29 days Teamsters Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
173 Win 116–42–13 (2) Rodwell LeKay PTS 10 Aug 27, 1966 40 years, 101 days Praça de Touros Monumental, Maputo, Mozambique
172 Loss 115–42–13 (2) Joe N'Gidi PTS 10 Jul 30, 1966 40 years, 73 days Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Union of South Africa
171 Loss 115–41–13 (2) Joe N'Gidi PTS 10 Jun 25, 1966 40 years, 38 days Curries Fountain, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Union of South Africa
170 Win 115–40–13 (2) Enoch Nhlapo PTS 10 Jun 4, 1966 40 years, 17 days Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Union of South Africa
169 Win 114–40–13 (2) Josiah Nakedi KO 9 (10) May 14, 1966 39 years, 361 days Bochabela Arena, Bloemfontein, Free State, Union of South Africa
168 Draw 113–40–13 (2) Jarmo Berglöf MD 10 Apr 15, 1966 39 years, 332 days Helsinki, Finland
167 Loss 113–40–12 (2) Bruno Arcari PTS 10 Mar 11, 1966 39 years, 297 days Roma, Lazio, Italy
166 Loss 113–39–12 (2) Frankie Narvaez UD 10 Nov 13, 1965 39 years, 179 days Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
165 Loss 113–38–12 (2) Mario Rossito PTS 10 Oct 2, 1965 39 years, 137 days Coliseo Humberto Perea, Barranquilla, Colombia
164 Loss 113–37–12 (2) Antonio Herrera UD 10 Aug 26, 1965 39 years, 100 days Cali, Colombia
163 Win 113–36–12 (2) Blackie Zamora UD 10 Jun 30, 1965 39 years, 43 days Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.
162 Loss 112–36–12 (2) Joey Olguin UD 10 May 18, 1965 39 years, 0 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California, U.S.
161 Loss 112–35–12 (2) Vic Andreetti TKO 5 (10) Mar 9, 1965 38 years, 295 days Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
160 Loss 112–34–12 (2) Joe N'Gidi PTS 10 Feb 27, 1965 38 years, 285 days Wembley Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Union of South Africa
159 Win 112–33–12 (2) Levi Madi PTS 10 Feb 9, 1965 38 years, 267 days Green Point Track, Cape Town, Western Cape, Union of South Africa
158 Win 111–33–12 (2) Joas Kangaroo Maoto KO 6 (10) Dec 19, 1964 38 years, 215 days Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Union of South Africa
157 Win 110–33–12 (2) Levi Madi PTS 10 Nov 21, 1964 38 years, 64 days Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Union of South Africa
156 Loss 109–33–12 (2) Percy Hayles PTS 10 Oct 3, 1964 38 years, 138 days National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
155 Win 109–32–12 (2) Hector Diaz KO 8 (10) Sep 14, 1964 38 years, 119 days City Auditorium, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
154 Loss 108–32–12 (2) Ricardo Medrano DQ 10 (10) Aug 25, 1964 38 years, 99 days City Coliseum, Austin, Texas, U.S.
153 Win 108–31–12 (2) Esteban Santamaria SD 10 Jun 21, 1964 38 years, 34 days Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
152 Loss 107–31–12 (2) Paul Armstead UD 10 May 25, 1964 38 years, 7 days Kezar Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
151 Win 107–30–12 (2) Tony Perez PTS 10 May 5, 1964 37 years, 353 days San Jose, California, U.S.
150 Loss 106–30–12 (2) Paul Armstead SD 10 Apr 28, 1964 37 years, 346 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California, U.S.
149 Loss 106–29–12 (2) Manuel Gonzalez UD 10 Apr 2, 1964 37 years, 320 days Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, Texas, U.S.
148 Loss 106–28–12 (2) Carlos Morocho Hernández KO 3 (10) Nov 11, 1963 37 years, 177 days Maracaibo, Venezuela
147 Win 106–27–12 (2) Pedro Galasso TKO 5 (10) Sep 14, 1963 37 years, 119 days Auditório da TV-Excelsior, Río de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
146 Loss 105–27–12 (2) Nicolino Locche UD 10 Aug 10, 1963 37 years, 84 days Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina
145 Loss 105–26–12 (2) Alfredo Urbina UD 10 Jun 22, 1963 37 years, 35 days Arena Coliseo, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
144 Win 105–25–12 (2) Joey Lopes RTD 7 (10) May 21, 1963 37 years, 3 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California, U.S.
143 Win 104–25–12 (2) Manuel Alvarez KO 8 (10) Apr 20, 1963 36 years, 337 days Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
142 Loss 103–25–12 (2) Dave Charnley KO 6 (10) Feb 25, 1963 36 years, 283 days King's Hall, Belle Vue, Manchester, Lancashire, England
141 Win 103–24–12 (2) Tony Noriega KO 6 (10) Jan 22, 1963 36 years, 249 days City Auditorium, Houston, Texas, U.S.
140 Loss 102–24–12 (2) Luis Molina UD 10 Aug 24, 1962 36 years, 98 days Municipal Stadium, San Jose, California, U.S.
139 Loss 102–23–12 (2) Carlos Ortiz UD 15 Apr 21, 1962 35 years, 338 days Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
138 Win 102–22–12 (2) Bert Somodio UD 15 Oct 28, 1961 35 years, 163 days Araneta Coliseum, Barangay Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
137 Win 101–22–12 (2) Dave Charnley PTS 15 Apr 18, 1961 34 years, 335 days Earls Court Arena, Kensington, London, England Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
136 Win 100–22–12 (2) Joey Parks UD 10 Mar 7, 1961 34 years, 293 days Houston, Texas, U.S.
135 Loss 99–22–12 (2) Giordano Campari PTS 10 Dec 7, 1960 34 years, 203 days Palazzo dello Sport (Pad. 3 Fiera), Milan, Lombardia, Italy
134 Win 99–21–12 (2) Cisco Andrade UD 15 Oct 28, 1960 34 years, 163 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
133 Win 98–21–12 (2) Raymundo Torres KO 4 (10) Oct 4, 1960 34 years, 139 days Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas, U.S.
132 Win 97–21–12 (2) Harlow Irwin TKO 5 (10) Aug 25, 1960 34 years, 99 days Auditorium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
131 Loss 96–21–12 (2) Ray Portilla TKO 6 (10) Mar 21, 1960 33 years, 308 days Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
130 Win 96–20–12 (2) Joey Parks UD 10 Dec 14, 1959 33 years, 210 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
129 Win 95–20–12 (2) Dave Charnley TKO 6 (15) Dec 2, 1959 33 years, 198 days Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
128 Draw 94–20–12 (2) Joey Parks PTS 10 Sep 25, 1959 33 years, 130 days State Fair Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S
127 Win 94–20–11 (2) Gale Kerwin TKO 4 (10) Sep 9, 1959 33 years, 114 days Fairgrounds Coliseum, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
126 Win 93–20–11 (2) Santiago Ramirez KO 8 (10) Aug 27, 1959 33 years, 101 days Memorial Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
125 Win 92–20–11 (2) Paolo Rosi TKO 9 (15) Jun 3, 1959 33 years, 16 days Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
124 Win 91–20–11 (2) Johnny Busso UD 15 Feb 11, 1959 32 years, 269 days Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
123 Loss 90–20–11 (2) Johnny Busso UD 10 Nov 5, 1958 32 years, 171 days Exhibition Hall, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
122 Win 90–19–11 (2) Kenny Lane UD 15 Jul 23, 1958 32 years, 66 days Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
121 Win 89–19–11 (2) Ralph Dupas TKO 8 (15) May 7, 1958 31 years, 354 days Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
120 Win 88–19–11 (2) Orlando Echevarria KO 1 (10) Feb 26, 1958 31 years, 284 days Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
119 Win 87–19–11 (2) Ernie Williams TKO 5 (10) Jan 24, 1958 31 years, 251 days Capitol Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
118 Win 86–19–11 (2) Joey Lopes TKO 11 (15) Dec 4, 1957 31 years, 200 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
117 Win 85–19–11 (2) Kid Centella UD 10 Nov 12, 1957 31 years, 178 days Houston, Texas, U.S.
116 Draw 84–19–11 (2) Joey Lopes MD 10 Aug 21, 1957 31 years, 95 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
115 Win 84–19–10 (2) Gilberto Holguin UD 10 Jul 30, 1957 31 years, 73 days Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
114 Win 83–19–10 (2) Orlando Zulueta TKO 15 (15) Jun 19, 1957 31 years, 32 days Coliseum, Denver, Colorado, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
113 Win 82–19–10 (2) Armand Savoie SD 10 Mar 12, 1957 30 years, 298 days Houston, Texas, U.S.
112 Win 81–19–10 (2) Wallace "Bud" Smith TKO 11 (15) Feb 13, 1957 30 years, 271 days Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
111 Win 80–19–10 (2) Wallace "Bud" Smith SD 15 Aug 24, 1956 30 years, 98 days Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
110 Win 79–19–10 (2) Eddie Brant TKO 3 (10) Jun 6, 1956 30 years, 19 days Sportatorium, Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
109 Win 78–19–10 (2) Wallace "Bud" Smith UD 10 May 2, 1956 29 years, 350 days Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas, U.S.
108 Win 77–19–10 (2) Arthur Persley KO 9 (10) Feb 6, 1956 29 years, 264 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
107 Win 76–19–10 (2) Ray Portilla TKO 5 (?) Dec 13, 1955 29 years, 209 days Auditorium, Houston, Texas, U.S.
106 Win 75–19–10 (2) Ray Riojas RTD 7 (10) Nov 8, 1955 29 years, 174 days City Auditorium, Houston, Texas, U.S.
105 Win 74–19–10 (2) Jimmy Hackney UD 10 Oct 1, 1955 29 years, 136 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
104 Loss 73–19–10 (2) Arthur Persley UD 12 Aug 1, 1955 29 years, 75 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
103 Win 73–18–10 (2) Junius West KO 3 (10) Jun 16, 1955 29 years, 29 days Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
102 Win 72–18–10 (2) Tony Armenteros PTS 10 Mar 20, 1955 28 years, 306 days Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
101 Win 71–18–10 (2) Bobby Rosado UD 10 Mar 6, 1955 28 years, 292 days Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
100 Win 70–18–10 (2) Tito Despaigne KO 4 (10) Jan 30, 1955 28 years, 257 days Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
99 Win 69–18–10 (2) Tony Armenteros TKO 8 (10) Jan 18, 1955 28 years, 245 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
98 Loss 68–18–10 (2) Tony Armenteros PTS 6 Dec 29, 1954 28 years, 225 days Dinner Key Auditorium, Coconut Grove, Florida, U.S.
97 Loss 68–17–10 (2) Carl Coates SD 10 Sep 28, 1954 28 years, 133 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
96 Win 68–16–10 (2) Nat Jackson KO 4 (10) Aug 31, 1954 28 years, 105 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
95 Win 67–16–10 (2) Wilfrdo Brown KO 4 (10) Jul 25, 1954 28 years, 68 days Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
94 Win 66–16–10 (2) Federico Plummer TKO 9 (10) Jun 20, 1954 27 years, 247 days Arena de Colon, Colon City, Panama
93 Win 65–16–10 (2) Elvis Matthews TKO 7 (10) May 18, 1954 28 years, 0 days Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
92 Win 64–16–10 (2) Little David TKO 9 (10) Apr 13, 1954 27 years, 330 days Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
91 Win 63–16–10 (2) Jimmy Louis UD 6 Apr 5, 1954 27 years, 322 days Front Street Arena, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
90 Win 62–16–10 (2) Isaac Logart UD 10 Mar 24, 1954 27 years, 310 days Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
89 Loss 61–16–10 (2) Charlie Smith DQ 6 (10) Feb 8, 1954 27 years, 266 days Arcadia Ballroom, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. Brown was disqualified for "not trying"
88 Win 61–15–10 (2) Cliff Dyes TKO 9 (10) Dec 29, 1953 27 years, 225 days Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
87 Win 60–15–10 (2) Ernie Hall TKO 3 (10) Nov 10, 1953 27 years, 176 days Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
86 Draw 59–15–10 (2) Luther Rawlings PTS 10 Jun 9, 1953 27 years, 22 days Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
85 Draw 59–15–9 (2) Orlando Zulueta PTS 10 Apr 22, 1953 26 years, 339 days Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
84 Win 59–15–8 (2) Joey Greenwood UD 10 Jan 7, 1953 26 years, 234 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
83 Win 58–15–8 (2) Don Bowman KO 1 (10) Dec 10, 1952 26 years, 206 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
82 Loss 57–15–8 (2) George Araujo KO 7 (10) Oct 10, 1952 26 years, 145 days St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
81 Win 57–14–8 (2) Jimmy Taylor SD 10 Aug 22, 1952 26 years, 96 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
80 Win 56–14–8 (2) Marshall Clayton RTD 8 (10) Jul 18, 1952 26 years, 61 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
79 Win 55–14–8 (2) Melvin Bartholomew PTS 10 Jul 11, 1952 26 years, 54 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
78 Win 54–14–8 (2) Jerry Turner TKO 5 (10) Jun 10, 1952 26 years, 23 days Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
77 Win 53–14–8 (2) Calvin Smith TKO 7 (10) Mar 28, 1952 25 years, 315 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
76 Win 52–14–8 (2) Walter Haines SD 10 Mar 14, 1952 25 years, 301 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
75 Draw 51–14–8 (2) Walter Haines PTS 10 Feb 15, 1952 25 years, 273 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
74 Draw 51–14–7 (2) Walter Haines PTS 6 Feb 4, 1952 25 years, 262 days Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
73 Loss 51–14–6 (2) Virgil Akins UD 10 Dec 6, 1951 25 years, 202 days Kiel Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
72 Win 51–13–6 (2) Stonewall Jackson TKO 5 (10) Sep 28, 1951 25 years, 133 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
71 Win 50–13–6 (2) Tommy Campbell KO 1 (10) Aug 31, 1951 25 years, 105 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
70 Win 49–13–6 (2) Virgil Akins PTS 10 Jul 6, 1951 25 years, 49 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
69 Win 48–13–6 (2) Virgil Akins UD 10 May 25, 1951 25 years, 7 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
68 Win 47–13–6 (2) Honeychile Johnson UD 10 May 11, 1951 24 years, 358 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
67 Win 46–13–6 (2) Lester Felton SD 10 Apr 27, 1951 24 years, 344 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
66 Win 45–13–6 (2) Teddy Davis UD 10 Apr 13, 1951 24 years, 330 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
65 Win 44–13–6 (2) Baby Neff Ortiz KO 2 (10) Mar 19, 1951 24 years, 305 days Ocean Park Arena, Santa Monica, California, U.S.
64 Loss 43–13–6 (2) Tommy Campbell MD 10 Feb 20, 1951 24 years, 278 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
63 Win 43–12–6 (2) Bernie Hall KO 11 (12) Dec 14, 1950 24 years, 210 days Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
62 NC 42–12–6 (2) Irvin Steen ND 10 (12) Nov 27, 1950 24 years, 193 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
61 Win 42–12–6 (1) Charley Williams KO 1 (12) Oct 30, 1950 24 years, 165 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
60 Win 41–12–6 (1) Jack Hassen KO 8 (12) Sep 22, 1950 24 years, 127 days West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
59 Loss 40–12–6 (1) John L. Davis UD 10 Jun 16, 1950 24 years, 29 days Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
58 Win 40–11–6 (1) Dave Marsh PTS 4 Feb 22, 1950 23 years, 280 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
57 Win 39–11–6 (1) Danny Womber UD 8 Feb 6, 1950 23 years, 264 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
56 Win 38–11–6 (1) Milton Scott TKO 2 (4) Jan 20, 1950 23 years, 247 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55 Win 37–11–6 (1) Isaac Jenkins PTS 6 Dec 5, 1949 23 years, 201 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
54 Win 36–11–6 (1) Charley Milan UD 10 Jul 1, 1949 23 years, 44 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
53 Win 35–11–6 (1) Willie Russell UD 10 Jun 6, 1949 23 years, 19 days Parkway Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
52 Win 34–11–6 (1) Leroy Willis PTS 10 May 27, 1949 23 years, 9 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
51 Draw 33–11–6 (1) John L.aBroi PTS 10 May 23, 1949 23 years, 5 days Marigold Gardens, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
50 Win 33–11–5 (1) Hugh Sublett UD 8 May 10, 1949 22 years, 357 days Palais Royale, South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
49 Win 32–11–5 (1) Joe Sgro PTS 8 Apr 25, 1949 22 years, 342 days Marigold Gardens, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
48 Win 31–11–5 (1) Luther Rawlings PTS 10 Mar 28, 1949 22 years, 286 days Marigold Gardens, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
47 Win 30–11–5 (1) Booker T Ellis PTS 6 Mar 22, 1949 22 years, 308 days Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
46 Win 29–11–5 (1) Loisel Isadore KO 2 (10) Jan 21, 1949 22 years, 248 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
45 Loss 28–11–5 (1) Johnny Bratton KO 4 (10) Dec 3, 1948 22 years, 199 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
44 Win 28–10–5 (1) Arthur Persley PTS 8 Oct 31, 1948 22 years, 166 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
43 Win 27–10–5 (1) Frankie Cockrell KO 5 (10) Oct 26, 1948 22 years, 161 days Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
42 Loss 26–10–5 (1) Freddie Dawson UD 10 Oct 1, 1948 22 years, 136 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
41 Draw 26–9–5 (1) Luther Burgess PTS 10 Jul 25, 1948 22 years, 68 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
40 Loss 26–9–4 (1) Bobby McQuillar PTS 10 May 7, 1948 21 years, 355 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
39 Draw 26–8–4 (1) Bobby McQuillar PTS 10 Feb 28, 1948 21 years, 286 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
38 Win 26–8–3 (1) Joey Bagnato KO 1 (8) Dec 15, 1947 21 years, 211 days Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
37 Loss 25–8–3 (1) Arthur King SD 8 Nov 10, 1947 21 years, 176 days Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
36 Win 25–7–3 (1) Arthur King UD 8 Oct 21, 1947 21 years, 156 days Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
35 Win 24–7–3 (1) Ernie Butler KO 5 (10) Oct 6, 1947 21 years, 141 days Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
34 Win 23–7–3 (1) Danny Robinson PTS 10 Sep 24, 1947 21 years, 129 days Jersey City Gardens, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
33 Win 22–7–3 (1) Danny Webb PTS 10 Aug 6, 1947 21 years, 80 days Exchange Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
32 Win 21–7–3 (1) Freddie Latson PTS 6 Jul 23, 1947 21 years, 66 days Crystal Arena, Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.
31 Win 20–7–3 (1) Walter Stevens PTS 6 Jul 14, 1947 21 years, 57 days Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
30 Win 19–7–3 (1) Melvin Bartholomew UD 10 Jul 4, 1947 21 years, 47 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
29 Win 18–7–3 (1) Leonard Caesar DQ 10 (10) May 18, 1947 21 years, 0 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
28 Loss 17–7–3 (1) Sandy Saddler RTD 2 (10) May 2, 1947 20 years, 349 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
27 Win 17–6–3 (1) Jimmy Carter PTS 10 Apr 18, 1947 20 years, 335 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
26 Loss 16–6–3 (1) Melvin Bartholomew UD 10 Mar 28, 1947 20 years, 314 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
25 Draw 16–5–3 (1) Buster Tyler PTS 10 Mar 7, 1947 20 years, 293 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
24 Win 16–5–2 (1) Janius West PTS 10 Dec 20, 1946 20 years, 216 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
23 Win 15–5–2 (1) Bob Weatherly PTS 8 Oct 18, 1946 20 years, 153 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
22 Loss 14–5–2 (1) Buster Tyler PTS 10 Jul 26, 1946 20 years, 69 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
21 Win 14–4–2 (1) Midget Jones PTS 8 Jun 28, 1946 20 years, 41 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
20 Win 13–4–2 (1) Arthur Ross KO 2 (6) May 3, 1946 19 years, 350 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
19 Win 12–4–2 (1) Francis Adams PTS 6 Apr 5, 1946 19 years, 322 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
18 Win 11–4–2 (1) Leonard Caesar PTS 8 Mar 29, 1946 19 years, 315 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
17 Draw 10–4–2 (1) Leonard Caesar PTS 6 Mar 22, 1946 19 years, 308 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
16 Win 10–4–1 (1) Johnny Monroe PTS 6 Jan 20, 1946 19 years, 247 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
15 Loss 9–4–1 (1) Leonard Caesar PTS 5 Jan 13, 1946 19 years, 240 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
14 Loss 9–3–1 (1) Melvin Bartholomew KO 3 (6) Jul 9, 1945 19 years, 52 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
13 Win 9–2–1 (1) Leonard Caesar PTS 4 Sep 3, 1943 17 years, 108 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
12 Win 8–2–1 (1) Leonard Caesar PTS 4 Aug 1, 1943 17 years, 75 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
11 Win 7–2–1 (1) Charles Wright KO 3 (4) Apr 19, 1943 16 years, 336 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
10 Win 6–2–1 (1) Richard Germaine TKO 4 (4) Apr 2, 1943 16 years, 319 days Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
9 Loss 5–2–1 (1) Midget Jones PTS 6 Mar 26, 1943 16 years, 312 days Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
8 Win 5–1–1 (1) Kenneth Hurst PTS 6 Feb 19, 1943 16 years, 277 days Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
7 Win 4–1–1 (1) Richard Germaine KO 3 (4) Jan 24, 1943 16 years, 251 days Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
6 Win 3–1–1 (1) Ringer Thompson PTS 4 Jan 15, 1943 16 years, 242 days Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
5 Win 2–1–1 (1) Ringer Thompson PTS 6 Dec 13, 1942 16 years, 209 days Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
4 Win 1–1–1 (1) Kid Alphonse KO 3 (6) Jul 27, 1942 16 years, 70 days Legion Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
3 Loss 0–1–1 (1) John L. Robertson KO 1 (4) Dec 5, 1941 15 years, 201 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
2 Draw 0–0–1 (1) George Bradford PTS 4 Oct 6, 1941 15 years, 141 days Athletic Club, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
1 ND 0–0 (1) Ringer Thompson ND ? (6) Sep 12, 1941 15 years, 117 days Catholic High School Gym, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c "Joe Brown". ibhof.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Joe Brown". 64parishes.org. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  3. ^ Details of Brown's ring record and Championship fights from: (i) The Ring Record Book & Boxing Encyclopedia 1959 (Nat Fleischer, The Ring Book Shop Inc., 1959), pages 5, 301 & 896. (ii) The Cyber Boxing Zone [1]. (iii) The Boxing Records Archive [2]. Unusually, this source lists Brown's exhibitions dated October 17, 1952, and April 7, 1958, as being official bouts, while crediting him with a victory on October 10, 1952, that is recorded elsewhere as a seventh round defeat.
  4. ^ "Joe Brown ("Old Bones"), p. 352" (pdf). The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved May 26, 2019.
  5. ^ Biographical Information from: (i) Henry Cooper's 100 Greatest Boxers (Henry Cooper, Queen Anne Press, 1990). See page 32 for the 'Old Bones' anecdote and page 33 for Cooper's reflections on the twilight of Brown's career. (ii) The Ring Record Book & Boxing Encyclopedia 1959 (Nat Fleischer, The Ring Book Shop Inc., 1959). A cameo of Brown's life and career, including brief details of his military service may be found on page 5. (iii) The International Boxing Hall of Fame's online exhibit [3] provides a very sketchy account indeed of Brown's career, but was used to confirm the date of Brown's induction into that body.
edit
Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by NYSAC lightweight champion
August 24, 1956 – April 21, 1962
Succeeded by
NBA lightweight champion
August 24, 1956 – April 21, 1962
The Ring lightweight champion
August 24, 1956 – April 21, 1962
Undisputed lightweight champion
August 24, 1956 – April 21, 1962