Jersey Joe Walcott

Arnold Raymond Cream January 31 1914 February 25 1994 best known as Jersey Joe Walcott was an American professional boxer who competed from 1930 to 1953 He held the NYSAC NBA and The Ring heavyweight titles from 1951 to 1952 and broke the record for the oldest man to win the title at the age of 37 That record would eventually be broken in 1994 by 45yearold George Foreman Despite holding the world heavyweight title for a relatively short period of time Walcott was regarded as among the best heavyweights in the world during the 1940s and 1950s After retiring from boxing Walcott did some acting playing small parts in a few movies and television shows He also refereed several boxing matches but after the controversial ending to the second fight between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston Walcott was not asked to referee again From 1971 to 1974 Walcott held the elected position of Sheriff of Camden County New Jersey the first AfricanAmerican to do so From 1975 to 1984 he was the chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission