Jersey Joe - Like a fine wine?

[Russell]

Did he truly get better with age? I mean, far better than he was in his prime.

Supposedly he was brought in to spar with Louis when Louis made his comback and he absolutely handled Joe, knocking him down multiple times.

I think Joe's first showing against Marciano speaks volumes about him too.

Thoughts? Stories?

[janitor]

Jersey Joe's boxing career can efectively be divided into two chapters. Up untill about 1944 he worked various 9-5 jobs and took fights on short notice to make money on the side. He had no real managment at this point but if he had it is likley that he would have come into contention much sooner.

With the shortage of talent during the second world war promotors were less picky about hiring black fighters and Walcott was promptly signed. Able to devote himself to boxing 24-7 he rapidly rose through the rankings.

[Joe E]

What was truly amazing about Joe than and now is that his reflexes and his legs were'nt shot even at the age of 37 when he won the title.What is more amazing is that he looked even better a year later in his effort against Marciano and was in fact beating him until he was knocked out.Quite a Man.Thanks.

[mr. magoo]

Did he truly get better with age? I mean, far better than he was in his prime.

Supposedly he was brought in to spar with Louis when Louis made his comback and he absolutely handled Joe, knocking him down multiple times.

I think Joe's first showing against Marciano speaks volumes about him too.

Thoughts? Stories?

Jersey had a late prime. In his younger years as a fighter, he wasn't able train enough hours, nor properly, due to having to work a heavy schedule to support his family. He also, was forced to take some fights on short notice, and on a few occasions may have been injured going into some of these bouts. Your statement about Walcott sparring with Louis was correct. He did indeed floor Louis during a sparring session, resulting in Blackburn handing Walcot 25$ and asking him to leave the gym!

[Ted Stickles]

Did he truly get better with age? I mean, far better than he was in his prime.

Supposedly he was brought in to spar with Louis when Louis made his comback and he absolutely handled Joe, knocking him down multiple times.

I think Joe's first showing against Marciano speaks volumes about him too.

Thoughts? Stories?

Actuallly from what i understand he sparred with Joe while Joe was still Joe way before he retired and he was asked to leave because he was giving it to Joe