The Original Joe Walcott: Boxing's First Black Welterweight Champion

By Sylvan Spooner

Conspicuous by its absence, a biography of the life and career of Barbados Joe Walcott has long been missing from the historiography of the sport of boxing. From its examination of the social circumstances which led to his migration, to his domination of the amateur and professional ranks and later becoming the first black world welterweight champion, this book highlights a career in constant evolution. In addition to his prowess within the ring, this biography examines his triumphs and his tragedies beyond it. These range from the deaths of his wife and several young children, his accidental shooting of his friend Nelson Hall, the resulting injury which effectively ended his career, and his never-ending will to survive in the years following his retirement.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1476653240
• ISBN13: 9781476653242
• Release Date: June 2027
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 151 Pages
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up