Description
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Joe Jeannette
Born: August 26, 1879 West Hoboken, New Jersey
Died: July 2, 1958 (aged 78) Weehawken, New Jersey
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 185-205 lbs
Division: Heavyweight
Record:
Total fights: 165
Wins: 113
Wins by KO: 68
Losses: 22
Draws: 14
No Contest: 16
Biography:
Jeremiah “Joe” Jeannette (also Jennette (August 26, 1879 – July 2, 1958) is considered one of the best heavyweight boxers of the early 20th century. Because he was African-American, he was not given a shot at the world heavyweight title, though he did win the World Colored Heavyweight Championship. Jeannette was born on August 26, 1879, in West Hoboken, New Jersey, which is now part of Union City, to Mena and Benjamin F. Jeanette, who worked for a local blacksmith.
He began work as his father’s apprentice, and then as a coal truck driver for Jaels and Bellis. In 1904, at the age of 25, he began his boxing career on a dare, fighting against Arthur Dickinson in Jersey City. At 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) and weighing 190 lb (86 kg), Jeanette was relatively short and stocky, with his initial knowledge of fighting stemming from youthful street brawls.
Within two years, Jeanette was considered one of the best black heavyweights in the United States. Jeanette mimicked the style of Sam Langford, whom he fought 15 times (some sources say 14), developing defensive techniques that were elusive and effective. Opponents considered Jeanette, whose style reflected the “inside punching” style of the times, a dangerous inside boxer whom few wished to fight. Because of the racial barrier, black boxers only had a small number of prospective opponents from which to choose, and often ended up matched against the same fighters over and over.
More info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Jeanette
http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/jennerec.htm
