Joe Louis Wins Controversial Decision Over Jersey Joe Walcott – Dec. 5, 1947

Arnold Raymond Cream, better known as Jersey Joe Walcott is best known for breaking the record to become the oldest man to win a heavyweight title. He broke the record at 37 and it stood until George Foreman memorably broke the record at 45 years old, stopping Michael Moorer. Walcott only held the titles for a short time – but Big Fight Weekend is taking you back to before that historic night, when he challenged Joe Louis and lost in a hugely controversial fight on December 5, 1947.

Joe Louis Claims Controversial Victory Against Jersey Joe Walcott

Walcott’s Dominance Overshadowed by Controversial Decision

From the beginning of the fight, Jersey Joe started brightly, showcasing clever footwork, while picking his punches well. His timing was exceptional as he caught the champion with a beautifully timed counter shot in the first round, flooring Louis and shocking all inside MSG. He further shocked the champion and fight fans again in the fourth round, knocking down “The Brown Bomber.”

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Walcott was boxing brilliantly, seemingly well ahead on points. His jab ensured he controlled the distance impressively. His right hand couldn’t miss, as he seemingly won round after round. “The Brown Bomber” headhunted for the knockout – but the movement of Walcott ensured he missed the target. Arnold Raymond Cream seemed to relax in the later rounds and stay out of trouble which allowed Louis to outwork him, but after the final bell, it was difficult to find anyone who believed the challenger wouldn’t get the verdict.

The decision to award Louis a split-decision victory was met with huge criticism, with judge Ruby Goldstein scoring the bout 7-6 for Walcott, while Frank Forbes scored it 8-6 to Louis. The final card from Marty Monroe had it 9-6 to “The Brown Bomber.”

Rematch and Career Highlights

Jersey Joe and Louis met six months later at Yankee Stadium, but the champion was in no mood to let this one go to the scorecards. The Alabama native won the rematch by eleventh-round KO.

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Walcott then lost by unanimous decision to Ezzard Charles before winning his next five contests. He later lost again to Charles again, before defeating him twice, most memorably winning the NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles. His final fight was a first-round loss to Rocky Marciano on May 15, 1953. The New Jersey native retired with a record of 49-20-1, 31 KOs. The legacy of Jersey Joe lives on.