Joey Maxim

Biography

Joey Maxim, born Giuseppe Antonio Berardinelli on March 28, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, built a storied career in boxing as a light heavyweight whose resilience, durability, and technical ability earned him a place in the annals of the sport. Standing 6'1" with a reach of 71.7 inches, Maxim competed with an orthodox stance, showcasing a style defined more by skill and toughness than brute force. He fought professionally for over 17 years, navigating a career that saw him face some of boxing's most iconic names and achieve notable success on the world stage.

Before stepping into the professional ranks, Maxim honed his craft as an amateur, where his talent quickly became evident. His amateur success included winning the prestigious Golden Gloves title in Cleveland, setting the stage for transitioning to the professional circuit. On January 13, 1941, at 18 years old, Maxim made his pro debut against Leonard Adams, winning a four-round decision in his hometown. His early career was marked by steady progress as he built experience and refined his defensive skills, which became hallmarks of his style.

Maxim's durability and ring intelligence carried him through a gruelling schedule during the 1940s when fighters often competed frequently against tough opposition. Known for his ability to absorb punishment and remain composed, Maxim earned the nickname "Joey Maxim" after a Maxim gun, reflecting his relentless and steady approach inside the ring.

His crowning achievement came on January 24, 1950, when he defeated Freddie Mills at London's Earls Court Arena to claim the World Light Heavyweight Title. Mills, a hard-hitting British champion, struggled to penetrate Maxim's disciplined defence, and Maxim secured a 10th-round knockout victory to become the division's undisputed champion. This triumph established him as one of the premier light heavyweights of his era and cemented his place on the world stage.

Maxim's title reign included several memorable bouts, including his successful defence against Bob Murphy, a relentless brawler, and his well-documented clash with Sugar Ray Robinson on June 25, 1952, at Yankee Stadium. The fight, contested in the sweltering heat, became legendary for Robinson collapsing from heat exhaustion in the 14th round, marking Maxim as the only fighter to stop Robinson, albeit under extraordinary circumstances. Maxim's toughness and ability to endure the punishing conditions that night reinforced his reputation as one of boxing's most resilient champions.

In addition to facing Robinson, Maxim fought other world-class opponents, including heavyweight champion Ezzard Charles, whom he met multiple times. Though often undersized against heavyweights, Maxim's skill allowed him to compete admirably in those encounters. He also squared off with Archie Moore, one of the greatest light heavyweights in history, in a series of bouts that showcased both men's technical brilliance. Despite falling short against Moore, Maxim's ability to remain competitive against elite opposition highlighted his tenacity.

Maxim's final professional outing took place on March 28, 1958, when he faced Ulli Ritter in Saarbrücken, Germany. In a 10-round contest, Maxim fell short on points, ending a long and distinguished career. He retired with a professional record of 82 wins (21 by knockout), 29 losses, and 4 draws. His longevity and durability were remarkable, especially given the quality of opposition he faced across multiple weight divisions.

After retiring, Maxim remained involved in boxing and shared stories of his era, which included some of the sport's most memorable moments. He passed away on June 2, 2001, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy defined by his resilience, technical skill, and willingness to face the best fighters of his time. Joey Maxim's contributions to boxing continue to be celebrated, particularly his reign as light heavyweight champion and his historic battles with legends like Sugar Ray Robinson and Archie Moore.