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Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Combat sports & self-defence > Boxing
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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