Obie Walker
American boxer
Obie Walker
Born Obie Dia Walker
(1911-09-19 ) September 19, 1911Died May 23, 1989(1989-05-23) (aged 77) Nationality American Other names Bearcat Obie Statistics Weight(s) Heavyweight Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) Stance Orthodox
Boxing record Total fights 124;[ 1] with the inclusion of newspaper decisions Wins 93 Wins by KO 62 Losses 20 Draws 8 No contests 1
Obie Walker (September 19, 1911 – May 23, 1989), born Obie Dia Walker in Cochran, Georgia, was a professional boxer. Walker was the penultimate World Colored Heavyweight Champion from October 9, 1933, when he out-decisioned title holder George Godfrey in a 10-round fight at the Arena in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , to July 20, 1935, when he lost the title on a decision in a 15-round bout to former colored heavyweight champ Larry Gains in Tigers Rugby Stadium, Leicester , England .
A heavyweight contender of the 1930s, he was avoided by many boxers. Sportswriter Ed Danforth praised the "Bearcat" in the Atlanta Georgian in a column published on July 5, 1938:
"Walker became the toast of Paris. He knocked cold every topnotcher he met on the continent. Max Schmeling shrewdly dodged him, the best of the Englishmen too, sidestepped the squatty brown man who carried lightning bolts in both fists. Competent critics say he could have knocked out Schmeling, Joe Louis and Jim Braddock in one night within the space of 10 rounds."[ 2]
Though short, Walker was quick on his feet, could take a punch on the chin, and was a strong puncher. Among the top heavyweight contenders he defeated was Two-Ton Tony Galento , who fought Joe Louis for the heavyweight championship. It was Louis's long reign as champ that ended the World Colored Heavyweight Title.
In his career, Walker won 77 fights (53 by K.O. ) and lost 16, with 5 draws. He was never K.O.'ed himself.[ 3]
Legacy and honors
In 2020 award-winning author Mark Allen Baker published the first comprehensive account of The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876–1937, with McFarland & Company, a leading independent publisher of academic & nonfiction books. This history traces the advent and demise of the Championship, the stories of the talented professional athletes who won it, and the demarcation of the color line both in and out of the ring.
For decades the World Colored Heavyweight Championship was a useful tool to combat racial oppression—the existence of the title a leverage mechanism, or tool, used as a technique to counter a social element, "drawing the color line."
Professional boxing record
All information in this section is derived from BoxRec ,[ 4] unless otherwise stated.
Official record
124 fights
92 wins
18 losses
By knockout
62
0
By decision
30
17
By disqualification
0
1
Draws
7
No contests
3
Newspaper decisions/draws
4
All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
No.
Result
Record
Opponent
Type
Round, time
Date
Location
Notes
124
Loss
92–18–7 (7)
Elza Thompson
PTS
10
Mar 19, 1946
Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S.
123
Loss
92–17–7 (7)
Elmer Ray
UD
10
Jun 24, 1941
City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
122
Win
92–16–7 (7)
Frank Lumpkin
SD
10
May 1, 1940
Memorial Stadium, Columbus, Georgia, U.S.
121
Loss
91–16–7 (7)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Apr 1, 1940
Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
120
Loss
91–15–7 (7)
Elmer Ray
PTS
12
Mar 7, 1940
Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S.
119
Loss
91–14–7 (7)
Henry Taylor
UD
10
Feb 1, 1940
Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S.
118
Loss
91–13–7 (7)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Dec 4, 1939
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
117
Win
91–12–7 (7)
Jimmy Harvey
KO
2 (8)
Nov 7, 1939
Textile Hall, Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.
116
Win
90–12–7 (7)
Leroy Haynes
UD
10
Jun 19, 1939
Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
115
Loss
89–12–7 (7)
Elmer Ray
NWS
10
Apr 13, 1939
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
114
Win
89–12–7 (6)
Leroy Haynes
PTS
15
Mar 16, 1939
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
113
Win
88–12–7 (6)
Leroy Haynes
SD
10
Mar 2, 1939
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
112
Loss
87–12–7 (6)
Elmer Ray
NWS
10
Feb 23, 1939
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
111
Win
87–12–7 (5)
Tiger Jack Wright
KO
12 (15), (2:25)
Nov 30, 1938
City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
Billed for the Texas state colored heavyweight title
110
Win
86–12–7 (5)
Jack Thompson
KO
3 (8)
Nov 16, 1938
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
109
Win
85–12–7 (5)
Charlie Harvey
KO
2 (8)
Oct 27, 1938
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
108
Win
84–12–7 (5)
Elmer Ray
TKO
6 (10)
Oct 3, 1938
Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
107
Win
83–12–7 (5)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Sep 15, 1938
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
106
Win
82–12–7 (5)
Jack Ward
TKO
3 (10)
Aug 29, 1938
Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
105
Win
81–12–7 (5)
Oscar Jenkins
KO
10 (10)
Jul 13, 1938
Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S.
Jenkins died of injuries sustained from the fight.[ 5]
104
Loss
80–12–7 (5)
Jim Howell
PTS
10
Jun 30, 1938
Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S.
103
Win
80–11–7 (5)
Otto McCall
PTS
10
Jun 10, 1938
Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S.
102
Win
79–11–7 (5)
Edward Winston Jr.
KO
5 (10)
May 19, 1938
Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
101
Loss
78–11–7 (5)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Apr 27, 1938
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
100
Win
78–10–7 (5)
Charley Douglas
TKO
4 (10)
Apr 6, 1938
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
99
Win
77–10–7 (5)
Edward Winston Jr.
TKO
5 (10)
Mar 30, 1938
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
98
Draw
76–10–7 (5)
Edward Winston Jr.
PTS
10
Mar 23, 1938
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
97
Loss
76–10–6 (5)
Jim Howell
PTS
10
Mar 1, 1938
Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
96
Loss
76–9–6 (5)
Jack Trammell
PTS
10
Jan 18, 1938
Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
95
Win
76–8–6 (5)
Al Caldwell
KO
3 (10)
Dec 2, 1937
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
94
Win
75–8–6 (5)
Al Hart
KO
2 (10)
Nov 18, 1937
Spring Street Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
93
Win
74–8–6 (5)
Simpson Tolliver
KO
4 (10)
Oct 11, 1937
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
92
Win
73–8–6 (5)
Otto McCall
RTD
4 (10)
Sep 16, 1937
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
91
Win
72–8–6 (5)
Jack Rose
KO
1 (10)
Aug 31, 1937
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
90
Win
71–8–6 (5)
Jesse Caldwell
KO
4 (10)
Aug 24, 1937
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
89
Win
70–8–6 (5)
Jesse Caldwell
KO
3 (10)
Jul 26, 1937
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
88
NC
69–8–6 (5)
Elmer Ray
NC
6 (10)
Apr 20, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
Bout called off after Ray refused to continue from an accidental low blow
87
Win
69–8–6 (4)
Elmer Ray
TKO
6 (10)
Mar 25, 1937
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
86
Draw
68–8–6 (4)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1937
Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
85
Win
68–8–5 (4)
Shorty Ahearn
PTS
10
Mar 15, 1937
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
84
Win
67–8–5 (4)
Jesse Caldwell
TKO
4 (10)
Mar 2, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
83
Win
66–8–5 (4)
Black Eagle
KO
1 (10)
Feb 23, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
82
Win
65–8–5 (4)
Speedy Jackson
KO
3 (10)
Feb 1, 1937
Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
81
Win
64–8–5 (4)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Jan 26, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
80
Draw
63–8–5 (4)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Jan 19, 1937
Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
79
Loss
63–8–4 (4)
Willie Reddish
PTS
4
Sep 22, 1936
Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78
Loss
63–7–4 (4)
Jack London
PTS
10
Jun 15, 1936
Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England
77
Win
63–6–4 (4)
Maurice Strickland
PTS
10
Feb 9, 1936
The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England
76
Win
62–6–4 (4)
Norman Baines
PTS
12
Jan 27, 1936
Colston Hall, Bristol, England
75
Win
61–6–4 (4)
Don McCorkindale
PTS
10
Nov 11, 1935
The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England
74
Win
60–6–4 (4)
Gustave Limousin
KO
5 (10)
Oct 5, 1935
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
73
Loss
59–6–4 (4)
Larry Gains
PTS
15
Jul 20, 1935
Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England
Lost world colored heavyweight title
72
Win
59–5–4 (4)
George Cook
PTS
10
May 8, 1935
White City, England
71
Win
58–5–4 (4)
Rodolfo Valenti
TKO
5 (8)
Mar 26, 1935
Velodrome d'Hiver, Paris, France
70
Win
57–5–4 (4)
Albert Di Meglio
KO
8 (10)
Mar 15, 1935
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
69
Win
56–5–4 (4)
Arthur Meurant
TKO
1 (10), (0:45)
Feb 15, 1935
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
68
Win
55–5–4 (4)
Otto von Porat
UD
10
Nov 17, 1934
Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland
67
Loss
54–5–4 (4)
Gustave Limousin
PTS
8
Oct 29, 1934
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
66
Win
54–4–4 (4)
Hans Schönrath
RTD
5 (8)
Sep 13, 1934
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
65
Win
53–4–4 (4)
Emil Scholz
TKO
1 (8)
Sep 3, 1934
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
64
Win
52–4–4 (4)
Giuseppe Sanga
KO
1 (8)
Jul 25, 1934
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
63
Win
51–4–4 (4)
Italo Colonello
TKO
2 (8)
Jul 11, 1934
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
62
Win
50–4–4 (4)
Saverio Grizzo
TKO
2 (10)
Jun 2, 1934
Pavillon des Sports, Montreux, Switzerland
61
Win
49–4–4 (4)
Saverio Grizzo
KO
2 (10)
Apr 7, 1934
Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland
60
Win
48–4–4 (4)
Maurice Griselle
RTD
7 (10)
Mar 2, 1934
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
59
Win
47–4–4 (4)
Casimir Beszterda
KO
2 (10)
Feb 19, 1934
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
58
Win
46–4–4 (4)
Louis Verbeeren
KO
1 (10)
Feb 2, 1934
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
57
Loss
45–4–4 (4)
Don "Red" Barry
PTS
10
Nov 27, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Not to be confused with Don "Red" Barry
56
Win
45–3–4 (4)
George Godfrey
PTS
10
Oct 9, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Won world colored heavyweight title
55
Win
44–3–4 (4)
Salvatore Ruggirello
TKO
3 (6)
Sep 27, 1933
Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
54
Win
43–3–4 (4)
Humberto Arce
PTS
6
Sep 4, 1933
Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
53
Win
42–3–4 (4)
Sailor Jack Vernon
KO
1 (8)
Aug 22, 1933
Shellpot Park, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
52
NC
41–3–4 (4)
Humberto Arce
NC
9 (10)
Aug 17, 1933
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
Fight stopped for "stalling"
51
Win
41–3–4 (3)
Mickey Taylor
TKO
2 (10)
Jul 20, 1933
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
50
Win
40–3–4 (3)
Leonard Dixon
TKO
2 (6)
Jun 29, 1933
Leiperville Arena, Leiperville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49
Win
39–3–4 (3)
Tony Galento
PTS
10
Apr 17, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
48
Win
38–3–4 (3)
Meyer K.O. Christner
TKO
4 (10)
Mar 13, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47
Win
37–3–4 (3)
Joe Doctor
KO
2 (8)
Feb 13, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46
Win
36–3–4 (3)
Larry Crabtree
TKO
3 (6)
Jan 30, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45
Win
35–3–4 (3)
Humberto Arce
PTS
8
Dec 12, 1932
Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
44
Win
34–3–4 (3)
Frankie Simms
TKO
6 (6)
Nov 4, 1932
Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
43
Win
33–3–4 (3)
Red Tom
KO
4 (10)
Aug 22, 1932
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
42
Win
32–3–4 (3)
Willie Bush
PTS
12
Jul 25, 1932
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
41
Win
31–3–4 (3)
Ed "Bearcat" Wright
PTS
10
Apr 15, 1932
Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
40
Win
30–3–4 (3)
Tiger Henderson
KO
5 (10)
Apr 12, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
39
Draw
29–3–4 (3)
Ed "Bearcat" Wright
PTS
10
Apr 5, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
38
Win
29–3–3 (3)
Ed "Bearcat" Wright
PTS
10
Mar 22, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
37
Win
28–3–3 (3)
Willie Bush
KO
7 (10)
Mar 15, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
36
Draw
27–3–3 (3)
Willie Bush
PTS
10
Mar 2, 1932
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
35
Win
27–3–2 (3)
Tiger Henderson
KO
8 (10)
Feb 26, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
34
Win
26–3–2 (3)
Big Boy Burlap
TKO
6 (10)
Feb 17, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
33
Win
25–3–2 (3)
Big Boy Burlap
PTS
8
Jan 15, 1932
Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
32
Win
24–3–2 (3)
Eddie Cox
KO
1 (4), 2:17
Dec 21, 1931
New York Coliseum, New York City, New York, U.S.
31
Win
23–3–2 (3)
Ted Coolidge
TKO
4 (8)
Nov 20, 1931
Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
30
Win
22–3–2 (3)
K.O. Brown
KO
? (10)
Sep 14, 1931
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
29
Win
21–3–2 (3)
Seldom Heard
KO
3 (10)
Aug 31, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
28
NC
20–3–2 (3)
Willie McGee
NC
7 (10)
Aug 12, 1931
Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
27
Win
20–3–2 (2)
Roy Clark
PTS
10
Jul 27, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
26
Win
19–3–2 (2)
George Cheatham
KO
1 (10)
Jul 20, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
25
Draw
18–3–2 (2)
Willie Bush
PTS
10
Jun 22, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
24
Win
18–3–1 (2)
Willie Bush
PTS
10
May 20, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
23
Loss
17–3–1 (2)
Willie Bush
PTS
10
Apr 30, 1931
Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
22
Win
17–2–1 (2)
Al Walker
PTS
10
Apr 24, 1931
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
21
Win
16–2–1 (2)
Al Walker
TKO
7 (10)
Apr 9, 1931
Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
20
Win
15–2–1 (2)
Seldom Heard
KO
?
Mar 26, 1931
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Exact date unknown in March
19
Draw
14–2–1 (2)
Seldom Heard
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
18
Win
14–2 (2)
Al Walker
PTS
10
Mar 11, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
17
Win
13–2 (2)
Bob Lawson
PTS
10
Mar 6, 1931
Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
16
Win
12–2 (2)
Willie McGee
PTS
10
Feb 23, 1931
Punch Bowl, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
15
Loss
11–2 (2)
Willie Bush
DQ
2 (10)
Feb 5, 1931
Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Walker DQ'd for hitting Bush after a knockdown
14
Win
11–1 (2)
Bob Lawson
PTS
10
Jan 28, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
13
Draw
10–1 (2)
Bob Lawson
NWS
10
Dec 31, 1930
Troy, Alabama, U.S.
12
Win
10–1 (1)
Willie McGee
KO
7 (10)
Dec 17, 1930
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
11
Win
9–1 (1)
Bob Lawson
NWS
10
Dec 8, 1930
City Auditorium, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
10
Win
9–1
Edward Winston Jr.
KO
4 (10)
Nov 5, 1930
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
9
Win
8–1
Speedy Freeman
RTD
3 (6)
Jun 17, 1930
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
8
Win
7–1
Charlie King
KO
6 (6)
May 23, 1930
81 Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
7
Loss
6–1
Happy Hunter
PTS
10
Feb 3, 1930
Atlanta Theater, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
6
Win
6–0
Speedy Freeman
TKO
2 (6)
Dec 27, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
5
Win
5–0
Battling Bell
KO
3 (?)
Jul 1, 1929
Roby's Gymnasium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
4
Win
4–0
Sam Jones
TKO
1 (4)
Jun 7, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
3
Win
3–0
Battling Cornell
PTS
4
Apr 2, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
2
Win
2–0
Battling Cornell
TKO
5 (6)
Mar 26, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
1
Win
1–0
Battling Cornell
PTS
4
Feb 15, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Unofficial record
124 fights
93 wins
20 losses
By knockout
62
0
By decision
31
19
By disqualification
0
1
Draws
8
No contests
3
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
No.
Result
Record
Opponent
Type
Round
Date
Location
Notes
124
Loss
93–20–8 (3)
Elza Thompson
PTS
10
Mar 19, 1946
Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S.
123
Loss
93–19–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
UD
10
Jun 24, 1941
City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
122
Win
93–18–8 (3)
Frank Lumpkin
SD
10
May 1, 1940
Memorial Stadium, Columbus, Georgia, U.S.
121
Loss
92–18–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Apr 1, 1940
Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
120
Loss
92–17–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
PTS
12
Mar 7, 1940
Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S.
119
Loss
92–16–8 (3)
Henry Taylor
UD
10
Feb 1, 1940
Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S.
118
Loss
92–15–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Dec 4, 1939
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
117
Win
92–14–8 (3)
Jimmy Harvey
KO
2 (8)
Nov 7, 1939
Textile Hall, Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.
116
Win
91–14–8 (3)
Leroy Haynes
UD
10
Jun 19, 1939
Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
115
Loss
90–14–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
NWS
10
Apr 13, 1939
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
114
Win
90–13–8 (3)
Leroy Haynes
PTS
15
Mar 16, 1939
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
113
Win
89–13–8 (3)
Leroy Haynes
SD
10
Mar 2, 1939
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
112
Loss
88–13–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
NWS
10
Feb 23, 1939
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
111
Win
88–12–8 (3)
Tiger Jack Wright
KO
12 (15), (2:25)
Nov 30, 1938
City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
Billed for the Texas state colored heavyweight title
110
Win
87–12–8 (3)
Jack Thompson
KO
3 (8)
Nov 16, 1938
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
109
Win
86–12–8 (3)
Charlie Harvey
KO
2 (8)
Oct 27, 1938
City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
108
Win
85–12–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
TKO
6 (10)
Oct 3, 1938
Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
107
Win
84–12–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Sep 15, 1938
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
106
Win
83–12–8 (3)
Jack Ward
TKO
3 (10)
Aug 29, 1938
Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
105
Win
82–12–8 (3)
Oscar Jenkins
KO
10 (10)
Jul 13, 1938
Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S.
Jenkins died of injuries sustained from the fight.[ 6]
104
Loss
81–12–8 (3)
Jim Howell
PTS
10
Jun 30, 1938
Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S.
103
Win
81–11–8 (3)
Otto McCall
PTS
10
Jun 10, 1938
Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S.
102
Win
80–11–8 (3)
Edward Winston Jr.
KO
5 (10)
May 19, 1938
Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
101
Loss
79–11–8 (3)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Apr 27, 1938
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
100
Win
79–10–8 (3)
Charley Douglas
TKO
4 (10)
Apr 6, 1938
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
99
Win
78–10–8 (3)
Edward Winston Jr.
TKO
5 (10)
Mar 30, 1938
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
98
Draw
77–10–8 (3)
Edward Winston Jr.
PTS
10
Mar 23, 1938
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
97
Loss
77–10–7 (3)
Jim Howell
PTS
10
Mar 1, 1938
Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
96
Loss
77–9–7 (3)
Jack Trammell
PTS
10
Jan 18, 1938
Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
95
Win
77–8–7 (3)
Al Caldwell
KO
3 (10)
Dec 2, 1937
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
94
Win
76–8–7 (3)
Al Hart
KO
2 (10)
Nov 18, 1937
Spring Street Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
93
Win
75–8–7 (3)
Simpson Tolliver
KO
4 (10)
Oct 11, 1937
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
92
Win
74–8–7 (3)
Otto McCall
RTD
4 (10)
Sep 16, 1937
Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
91
Win
73–8–7 (3)
Jack Rose
KO
1 (10)
Aug 31, 1937
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
90
Win
72–8–7 (3)
Jesse Caldwell
KO
4 (10)
Aug 24, 1937
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
89
Win
71–8–7 (3)
Jesse Caldwell
KO
3 (10)
Jul 26, 1937
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
88
NC
70–8–7 (3)
Elmer Ray
NC
6 (10)
Apr 20, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
Bout called off after Ray refused to continue from an accidental low blow
87
Win
70–8–7 (2)
Elmer Ray
TKO
6 (10)
Mar 25, 1937
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
86
Draw
69–8–7 (2)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1937
Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
85
Win
69–8–6 (2)
Shorty Ahearn
PTS
10
Mar 15, 1937
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
84
Win
68–8–6 (2)
Jesse Caldwell
TKO
4 (10)
Mar 2, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
83
Win
67–8–6 (2)
Black Eagle
KO
1 (10)
Feb 23, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
82
Win
66–8–6 (2)
Speedy Jackson
KO
3 (10)
Feb 1, 1937
Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
81
Win
65–8–6 (2)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Jan 26, 1937
N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
80
Draw
64–8–6 (2)
Elmer Ray
PTS
10
Jan 19, 1937
Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
79
Loss
64–8–5 (2)
Willie Reddish
PTS
4
Sep 22, 1936
Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78
Loss
64–7–5 (2)
Jack London
PTS
10
Jun 15, 1936
Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England
77
Win
64–6–5 (2)
Maurice Strickland
PTS
10
Feb 9, 1936
The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England
76
Win
63–6–5 (2)
Norman Baines
PTS
12
Jan 27, 1936
Colston Hall, Bristol, England
75
Win
62–6–5 (2)
Don McCorkindale
PTS
10
Nov 11, 1935
The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England
74
Win
61–6–5 (2)
Gustave Limousin
KO
5 (10)
Oct 5, 1935
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
73
Loss
60–6–5 (2)
Larry Gains
PTS
15
Jul 20, 1935
Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England
Lost world colored heavyweight title
72
Win
60–5–5 (2)
George Cook
PTS
10
May 8, 1935
White City, England
71
Win
59–5–5 (2)
Rodolfo Valenti
TKO
5 (8)
Mar 26, 1935
Velodrome d'Hiver, Paris, France
70
Win
58–5–5 (2)
Albert Di Meglio
KO
8 (10)
Mar 15, 1935
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
69
Win
57–5–5 (2)
Arthur Meurant
TKO
1 (10), (0:45)
Feb 15, 1935
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
68
Win
56–5–5 (2)
Otto von Porat
UD
10
Nov 17, 1934
Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland
67
Loss
55–5–5 (2)
Gustave Limousin
PTS
8
Oct 29, 1934
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
66
Win
55–4–5 (2)
Hans Schönrath
RTD
5 (8)
Sep 13, 1934
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
65
Win
54–4–5 (2)
Emil Scholz
TKO
1 (8)
Sep 3, 1934
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
64
Win
53–4–5 (2)
Giuseppe Sanga
KO
1 (8)
Jul 25, 1934
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
63
Win
52–4–5 (2)
Italo Colonello
TKO
2 (8)
Jul 11, 1934
Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France
62
Win
51–4–5 (2)
Saverio Grizzo
TKO
2 (10)
Jun 2, 1934
Pavillon des Sports, Montreux, Switzerland
61
Win
50–4–5 (2)
Saverio Grizzo
KO
2 (10)
Apr 7, 1934
Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland
60
Win
49–4–5 (2)
Maurice Griselle
RTD
7 (10)
Mar 2, 1934
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
59
Win
48–4–5 (2)
Casimir Beszterda
KO
2 (10)
Feb 19, 1934
Palais des Sports, Paris, France
58
Win
47–4–5 (2)
Louis Verbeeren
KO
1 (10)
Feb 2, 1934
Salle Wagram, Paris, France
57
Loss
46–4–5 (2)
Don "Red" Barry
PTS
10
Nov 27, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Not to be confused with Don "Red" Barry
56
Win
46–3–5 (2)
George Godfrey
PTS
10
Oct 9, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Won world colored heavyweight title
55
Win
45–3–5 (2)
Salvatore Ruggirello
TKO
3 (6)
Sep 27, 1933
Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
54
Win
44–3–5 (2)
Humberto Arce
PTS
6
Sep 4, 1933
Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
53
Win
43–3–5 (2)
Sailor Jack Vernon
KO
1 (8)
Aug 22, 1933
Shellpot Park, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
52
NC
42–3–5 (2)
Humberto Arce
NC
9 (10)
Aug 17, 1933
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
Fight stopped for "stalling"
51
Win
42–3–5 (1)
Mickey Taylor
TKO
2 (10)
Jul 20, 1933
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
50
Win
41–3–5 (1)
Leonard Dixon
TKO
2 (6)
Jun 29, 1933
Leiperville Arena, Leiperville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49
Win
40–3–5 (1)
Tony Galento
PTS
10
Apr 17, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
48
Win
39–3–5 (1)
Meyer K.O. Christner
TKO
4 (10)
Mar 13, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47
Win
38–3–5 (1)
Joe Doctor
KO
2 (8)
Feb 13, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46
Win
37–3–5 (1)
Larry Crabtree
TKO
3 (6)
Jan 30, 1933
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45
Win
36–3–5 (1)
Humberto Arce
PTS
8
Dec 12, 1932
Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
44
Win
35–3–5 (1)
Frankie Simms
TKO
6 (6)
Nov 4, 1932
Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
43
Win
34–3–5 (1)
Red Tom
KO
4 (10)
Aug 22, 1932
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
42
Win
33–3–5 (1)
Willie Bush
PTS
12
Jul 25, 1932
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
41
Win
32–3–5 (1)
Ed "Bearcat" Wright
PTS
10
Apr 15, 1932
Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
40
Win
31–3–5 (1)
Tiger Henderson
KO
5 (10)
Apr 12, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
39
Draw
30–3–5 (1)
Ed "Bearcat" Wright
PTS
10
Apr 5, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
38
Win
30–3–4 (1)
Ed "Bearcat" Wright
PTS
10
Mar 22, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
37
Win
29–3–4 (1)
Willie Bush
KO
7 (10)
Mar 15, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
36
Draw
28–3–4 (1)
Willie Bush
PTS
10
Mar 2, 1932
Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
35
Win
28–3–3 (1)
Tiger Henderson
KO
8 (10)
Feb 26, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
34
Win
27–3–3 (1)
Big Boy Burlap
TKO
6 (10)
Feb 17, 1932
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
33
Win
26–3–3 (1)
Big Boy Burlap
PTS
8
Jan 15, 1932
Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
32
Win
25–3–3 (1)
Eddie Cox
KO
1 (4), 2:17
Dec 21, 1931
New York Coliseum, New York City, New York, U.S.
31
Win
24–3–3 (1)
Ted Coolidge
TKO
4 (8)
Nov 20, 1931
Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
30
Win
23–3–3 (1)
K.O. Brown
KO
? (10)
Sep 14, 1931
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
29
Win
22–3–3 (1)
Seldom Heard
KO
3 (10)
Aug 31, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
28
NC
21–3–3 (1)
Willie McGee
NC
7 (10)
Aug 12, 1931
Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
27
Win
21–3–3
Roy Clark
PTS
10
Jul 27, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
26
Win
20–3–3
George Cheatham
KO
1 (10)
Jul 20, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
25
Draw
19–3–3
Willie Bush
PTS
10
Jun 22, 1931
Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
24
Win
19–3–2
Willie Bush
PTS
10
May 20, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
23
Loss
18–3–2
Willie Bush
PTS
10
Apr 30, 1931
Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
22
Win
18–2–2
Al Walker
PTS
10
Apr 24, 1931
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
21
Win
17–2–2
Al Walker
TKO
7 (10)
Apr 9, 1931
Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
20
Win
16–2–2
Seldom Heard
KO
?
Mar 26, 1931
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Exact date unknown in March
19
Draw
15–2–2
Seldom Heard
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
18
Win
15–2–1
Al Walker
PTS
10
Mar 11, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
17
Win
14–2–1
Bob Lawson
PTS
10
Mar 6, 1931
Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
16
Win
13–2–1
Willie McGee
PTS
10
Feb 23, 1931
Punch Bowl, Orlando, Florida, U.S.
15
Loss
12–2–1
Willie Bush
DQ
2 (10)
Feb 5, 1931
Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.
Walker DQ'd for hitting Bush after a knockdown
14
Win
12–1–1
Bob Lawson
PTS
10
Jan 28, 1931
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
13
Draw
11–1–1
Bob Lawson
NWS
10
Dec 31, 1930
Troy, Alabama, U.S.
12
Win
11–1
Willie McGee
KO
7 (10)
Dec 17, 1930
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
11
Win
10–1
Bob Lawson
NWS
10
Dec 8, 1930
City Auditorium, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
10
Win
9–1
Edward Winston Jr.
KO
4 (10)
Nov 5, 1930
City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
9
Win
8–1
Speedy Freeman
RTD
3 (6)
Jun 17, 1930
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
8
Win
7–1
Charlie King
KO
6 (6)
May 23, 1930
81 Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
7
Loss
6–1
Happy Hunter
PTS
10
Feb 3, 1930
Atlanta Theater, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
6
Win
6–0
Speedy Freeman
TKO
2 (6)
Dec 27, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
5
Win
5–0
Battling Bell
KO
3 (?)
Jul 1, 1929
Roby's Gymnasium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
4
Win
4–0
Sam Jones
TKO
1 (4)
Jun 7, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
3
Win
3–0
Battling Cornell
PTS
4
Apr 2, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
2
Win
2–0
Battling Cornell
TKO
5 (6)
Mar 26, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
1
Win
1–0
Battling Cornell
PTS
4
Feb 15, 1929
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
References