Overview

"Among the great lightweights of the 1940s and 1950s, Boxing Hall of Famer Sidney ""Beau Jack"" Walker (1921–2000) was virtually orphaned by his parents and eked out a living as a shoeshine boy. He honed his craft fighting battles royale for wealthy white members of the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, eventually receiving financing for his career from club founders. He went on to win two lightweight titles and set numerous records. He was the draw for the highest admission paid for a ringside seat—$100,000—and was named ""Fighter of the Year"" in 1944. Like most black pugilists of his day he struggled against discrimination in the sport. Despite this, he sustained an impressive 18-year professional career—117 fights, 83 wins, 40 by KO. Walker retired from the ring penniless and went back to shining shoes, the money set aside for him by his handlers mysteriously depleted."

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9781476679068

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In this deeply researched narrative Mullins has corrected certain myths about Walker, giving a full-bodied treatment to an African American fighter who has too often been portrayed as a one-dimensional victim....recommended --Choice

"""In this deeply researched narrative Mullins has corrected certain myths about Walker, giving a full-bodied treatment to an African American fighter who has too often been portrayed as a one-dimensional victim....recommended""--Choice"

Author Information

Robert Mullins is an assistant professor of political science at East Georgia State College—Augusta. He has authored numerous professional journal articles and regularly writes about local history.

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