Jersey Joe Walcott
Arnold Raymond Cream (January 31, 1914 – February 25, 1994), best known as Jersey Joe Walcott, was an American professional boxer who competed from 1930 to 1953. He held the NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles from 1951 to 1952, and broke the record for the oldest man to win the title, at the age of 37. That record would eventually be broken in 1994 by 45-year-old George Foreman. Despite holding the world heavyweight title for a relatively short period of time, Walcott was regarded among the best heavyweights in the world during the 1940s and 1950s.
Jersey Joe Walcott | |
|---|---|
Walcott (left) with Robert Culp in television series Cain's Hundred, 1962 | |
| Born | Arnold Raymond Cream January 31, 1914 Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | February 25, 1994 (aged 80) Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Jersey Joe |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Reach | 74 in (188 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 70 |
| Wins | 49 |
| Wins by KO | 31 |
| Losses | 20 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey | |
| In office 1971–1974 | |
| Preceded by | Martin Segal |
| Succeeded by | Joseph W. Coyle |
| Personal details | |
| Resting place | Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery Pennsauken Township, New Jersey |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Boxer |
After retiring from boxing, Walcott did some acting, playing small parts in a few movies and television shows. He also refereed several boxing matches, but after the controversial ending to the second fight between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, Walcott was not asked to referee again. From 1971 to 1974, Walcott held the elected position of Sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey, the first African-American to do so. From 1975 to 1984, he was the chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission.
He is the grandfather of boxer Luis Cream.