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76 years ago

Ike Williams vs Beau Jack

Ike Williams vs Beau Jack

Date: 12th July 1948

Venue: Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Title: World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Herman Taylor

Ike Williams
( 93 - 10 - 4 )
Weight: 134 lbs

Beau Jack
( 73 - 12 - 4 )
Weight: 134 lbs


On July 12, 1948, Shibe Park in Philadelphia witnessed a memorable lightweight title bout between champion Ike Williams and former titleholder Beau Jack. This contest, their first of several meetings, ended in a dramatic sixth-round technical knockout victory for Williams.

Both fighters weighed in at the lightweight limit of 134 pounds. Despite Jack's reputation and past accomplishments, he entered the ring as an underdog. Williams had dominated the division, and Jack hadn't made the lightweight limit in over four years.

Surprisingly, Jack started strong. He turned back the clock for the first three rounds, using his signature swarming style and rapid-fire jab combinations to keep Williams on the defensive. Jack even stunned the champion in the second round with powerful hooks and rights.

However, the fourth round marked a significant shift. Williams began to assert control, his sharper, more accurate punches finding their mark as Jack's energy waned. By the fifth round, Williams had seized the momentum, landing several hard rights that visibly hurt Jack.

The sixth round proved decisive. Williams immediately cornered an exhausted Jack and unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches. Jack, trapped in a neutral corner and virtually defenceless, absorbed a brutal series of blows. At one point, Williams looked to referee Charley Daggert as if seeking permission to stop but was signalled to continue. After 33 seconds of the round, Daggert finally intervened, awarding Williams a TKO victory.

The official scorecards at the time of stoppage showed a close fight:
- Referee Charley Daggert: 2-2-1 Even
- Judge Frank Knarsborough: 3-2 Williams
- Judge Harry Lasky: 3-2 Jack

Post-fight, Jack graciously acknowledged Williams' superiority, stating, "He got me pinned up in a corner and I couldn't get away. He's a great fighter." This display of sportsmanship and respect between the fighters was a testament to the spirit of the sport.

This fight marked the beginning of the end for Jack's time as a top contender, though he would continue boxing for several more years. For Williams, it was another impressive defence of his lightweight crown, further cementing his status as the division's dominant force.


Ike Williams vs Beau Jack on YouTube


Ike Williams vs Beau Jack



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