Jersey Joe Walcott: A Boxing Biography Paperback – Illustrated, April 18, 2012

A recent web blog posted his ranking of all-time great heavyweights. His assessment of Jersey Joe Walcott was that he was a bum.With all due respect, this historian did not take into account this man's grit, skill, or belief in his own destiny.Mr. Curl has crafted a fine biography and recognized what an extraordinary story this is, and what a unique and special man Jersey Joe Walcott was. Walcott was a 1940's and early 1950's version of Jerry Quarry, constantly clearing out the contenders of the division to bring a title shot his way. But Walcott was far more gifted, fighting through disappointments, like his gift decision loss to Joe Louis, his knockout in the return, and two close losses (one on the scorecard) to the great Ezzard Charles. He also fought through age, fighting at high levels far past the chronological time most would have packed it in.Walcott amassed great global popularity, in his pursuit of a title. The common man could identify with his underdog status, and quest for the most coveted place in the sporting world.Walcott pulled himself from dire poverty to retire a millionaire, at a time when both that, and the Heavyweight Championship meant something big.This is as story of a man's inherent decency, and his drive. Even after retirement to make a difference in his world. And the world in general.It is difficult not to read a book like this and find inspiration in a man's belief in himself, in his quest for achievement and self-respect. He was a figure who cut across color lines, and in many, many ways, a great man.Mr . Curl brings the fight nights to life with his vivid depictions of the opponents, and the historical contexts with which they play out. A seminal biography of a fascinating Heavyweight Champion.

We all need to learn the old school character of a man who refused to allow the challenges of poverty and adversity stop him from reaching many pinnacles of.success. I'm proud of.being a.citizen of.New Jersey which can nervous of this champion of.a.man.

Very good personal as well as career biography of Jersey Joe Walcott!.

Great book about one of the true greats of the ring who, along with Ezzard Charles and Gene Tunney, is often overlooked. Read the life if this man, it wasn't easy. Great fighter and an even better man.

Very good source of info about a remarkable Champion who, were it not for odd circumstances, may not have become worthy of history in the sport of Boxing and therefore subject to so much fascination. A memorable fighter.

Excellent book!

I really enjoyed reading Jersey Joe's story. Like Jim Braddock at around the same time, Joe often had to take fights undernourished and on short notice. Often "frozen" out of the big fights early on, and having quit the game out of frustration a couple of times, Joe came back to thrust himself into contention for the heavyweight crown. After four tries, he finally won the title from Ezzard Charles here in Pittsburgh with a crackling left hook. Joe was a master craftsman with an arsenal of slick defensive moves that belied his punching power. His war with Rocky Marciano was an all-time classic. My quibble with this book is with the writing; it's a bit colorless and basic. That's not unexpected, though, as it's the author's first attempt at writing a book.

Great book to read

fantastic book to read

Everything. Good fast and fine thanks

Happy to finally learn more about a beautiful boxer and equally human being.

first class buy

Finally a book has been written about one of the finest fighters of his or any generation. Walcott was a great fighter who grew up during a tough time in the thirties, and often went without food. Through it all he showed great perseverance in overcoming these obstacles while raising a family, and went on to win the Heavyweight Championship at the age of 37.