Wallace Bud Smith

Biography

Wallace "Bud" Smith, born on April 2, 1924, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a formidable lightweight boxer whose career spanned nearly a decade. Before turning professional, Smith had a distinguished amateur career. He won the 1947 A.A.U. Featherweight Championship and the 1948 lightweight Golden Gloves inter-city tournament in Chicago, defeating Luis Ortiz with a knockout in the second round. This success led to his selection for the 1948 Olympic Games, where he represented the United States in the lightweight division. Smith's amateur record was impressive, finishing with a 52-4 mark.

Smith's professional debut took place on November 29, 1948, at Music Hall Arena in Cincinnati, where he knocked out Torpedo Tinsley. This victory marked the beginning of a career that would see him face some of the toughest opponents in the lightweight division. Smith's early professional bouts were against seasoned fighters, with six of his first ten fights against boxers with at least 20 wins. This aggressive scheduling took its toll, as he endured a six-fight winless streak between 1950 and 1951. However, Smith revitalized his career with a fan-friendly style, earning him a shot at the world title.

One of the most significant moments in Smith's career came in 1955 when he challenged Jimmy Carter for the lightweight world championship. On June 29, 1955, at Boston Garden, Smith won the title via a split decision in a gruelling 15-round bout. This fight is remembered for its intensity and the damage both fighters sustained. Smith successfully defended his title against Carter in an October 10, 1955 rematch at Cincinnati Gardens, winning unanimously. However, his reign as champion was short-lived, as he lost the title to Joe Brown in 1956. Smith faced Brown multiple times, including a non-title bout on May 2, 1956, where Brown outpointed him, setting the stage for his eventual title win.

Smith's career was marked by battles against world-class fighters. Besides his bouts with Jimmy Carter and Joe Brown, he faced other notable opponents like Tony DeMarco and Duilio Loi. Despite his valiant efforts, Smith's career began to decline after losing his title. He suffered a series of losses, including a knockout defeat to Duilio Loi in March 1958. His final professional bout took place on April 1, 1958, against Gomeo Brennan at the Auditorium in Miami Beach, Florida, where he lost by technical knockout in the fifth round. Smith finished his career with a record of 31 wins (18 KOs), 24 losses (7 KOs), and 6 draws.

Tragically, Smith's life was cut short when he was murdered on July 10, 1973, at the age of 49. Despite the challenges he faced both in and out of the ring, Smith's legacy as a world champion and a fierce competitor remains an integral part of boxing history.