Date: 13th February 1957
Venue: Auditorium, Miami Beach, Florida
Title: World Lightweight Title
Referee: Jimmy Peerless
Joe Brown
(
79
-
19
-
10
)
Weight: 134 lbs
Wallace Bud Smith
(
31
-
17
-
6
)
Weight: 134 lbs
On February 13, 1957, Joe Brown and Wallace "Bud" Smith faced off for the third time in their series, with the World Lightweight Title on the line at the Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida. This bout marked a significant moment in their rivalry, as Brown aimed to solidify his dominance over Smith. The fight was refereed by Jimmy Peerless, and both fighters weighed in at 134 lbs, the lightweight limit.
Joe Brown, known as "The Creole Clouter" and "Old Bones," entered the fight with a record of 79-19-10. He had previously outpointed Smith in a non-title bout on May 2, 1956, setting the stage for their first title fight. Brown won a split decision in that initial title bout on August 24, 1956, claiming the World Lightweight Championship. With a record of 31-17-6, Smith was determined to regain his title but faced a formidable opponent in Brown.
The February 13, 1957, fight ended with Brown securing a decisive victory over Smith via an eleventh-round technical knockout. This win reinforced Brown's position as the champion and demonstrated his superior skill and power over Smith. The TKO victory marked the second consecutive defeat for Smith at the hands of Brown, following their split decision bout just a few months prior. Brown's performance showcased his strategic approach and ability to finish fights with authority, which would become hallmarks of his championship reign.
Wallace "Bud" Smith's career began to decline significantly after these losses to Brown. He went on to lose several more fights, eventually ending his career in 1959. Despite his tough start to the year, Smith remained a respected figure in the boxing community for his aggressive style and achievements, including his stint as a world lightweight champion in 1955. However, his inability to overcome Brown's defensive prowess and counterpunching ultimately defined their rivalry.