Joe Brown

Biography

Joe Brown, affectionately known as "Old Bones," was an American lightweight boxer born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 18, 1926. His early life was marked by poverty, but he found solace in boxing, turning professional at the age of 15 on September 12, 1941. However, some sources suggest his first professional bout was on January 15, 1943, against Ringer Thompson at Victory Arena in New Orleans, which he won on points. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in tracing early boxing careers, but it is clear that Brown's professional journey began in his teens.

Brown's amateur career was notable for his service in the United States Navy during World War II, where he captured the All-Service Lightweight Championship. After his honourable discharge in 1945, he resumed his professional career, facing numerous challenges, including a third-round knockout by Melvin Bartholomew in July 1945. Despite these setbacks, Brown persevered, eventually finding success under the guidance of his manager, Lou Viscusi. His career gained momentum in the late 1940s and early 1950s as he steadily climbed the lightweight rankings by defeating notable boxers like Virgil Akins and Teddy 'Redtop' Davis.

The turning point in Brown's career came in 1956 when he outpointed Wallace 'Bud' Smith in a non-title bout in Houston. This victory led to a title shot against Smith in New Orleans on August 24, 1956, which Brown won via a split decision. He defended his title eleven times against ten opponents, including Orlando Zulueta, Joey Lopes, Ralph Dupas, and Dave Charnley. His rematch with Charnley in 1961 was named The Ring magazine's Fight of the Year. Brown's reign as champion was marked by his elegant ring manner and increased punching power, thanks in part to his trainer, Bill Gore. However, his title reign ended on April 21, 1962, when he lost to Carlos Ortiz in Las Vegas.

Brown's career spanned nearly three decades, concluding with a final professional record of 122 wins, 47 losses, and 14 draws, with 56 victories by knockout. His final bout took place on August 24, 1970, at the age of 44, when he lost a 10-round decision to Dave Oropeza in Phoenix. After retiring, Brown went on to become a respected trainer in New Orleans. His legacy extends beyond his impressive boxing career; he 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. Brown passed away on December 4, 1997, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest lightweight champions in boxing history.