1909 E76 American Caramel, Joe Walcott 🥊 Boxing Pioneer
Barbados Joe Walcott, known as the “Barbados Demon,” was a Boxing Pioneer and World Welterweight Champion who broke barriers as one of the first Black world champions in boxing history. Renowned for his explosive power and fearless fighting style, he often defeated larger opponents, earning respect across multiple weight classes. His success in the early 1900s helped pave the way for future generations of Black boxers to compete on the world stage.
FACT: Jersey Joe Walcott, whose birth name was Arnold Raymond Cream, adopted the professional name "Jersey Joe Walcott" to honor his home state and Barbados Joe Walcott, the boxing idol his father admired.

1910 T218 Joe Jeannette. 🥊
Joe Jeannette was one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of the early 20th century, remembered for his skill, toughness, and role as a pioneer for Black fighters in an era of strict racial barriers. Though denied a shot at the world title due to the color line, he proved himself against the very best, including legendary bouts with Sam Langford and Jack Johnson. His epic 1909 fight against Sam McVea—lasting an astonishing 49 rounds—is considered one of the most grueling in boxing history. Jeannette’s career stands as a testament to both his remarkable ability and the resilience of Black athletes who helped pave the way for future generations.

1928 Exhibits Red Tint, George Godfrey. (rare) This is the only example of this card that I've come across.
Boxing Pioneer ⭐ George Godfrey, known as the "Old Chocolate," was a pioneering Black heavyweight boxer whose career in the late 19th century broke racial barriers in a deeply segregated sport. Born in Canada in 1853, Godfrey fought professionally at a time when Black fighters were often denied opportunities to compete for official titles. Despite this, he became the first widely recognized Black American heavyweight champion in 1883, a title acknowledged in the absence of access to the world heavyweight crown. His strength, durability, and skill earned him respect in and out of the ring, and his career paved the way for future greats like Jack Johnson. Godfrey's legacy is one of resilience and quiet defiance in the face of racism, making him a foundational figure in the history of boxing.

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1922-23 The Champion #42,, Sporting Champions, Battling Siki.
Louis Mbarick Fall, known in the boxing world as Battling Siki, born in Senegal and raised in France, holds a unique place in boxing history as the first African-born fighter to win a world title. In 1922, he shocked the boxing world by defeating French hero Georges Carpentier to claim the light heavyweight championship. Winning the world championship defied both racial and colonial expectations of the era. Charismatic and flamboyant, Siki often entered the ring in military attire, symbolizing his service in World War I and his fight against prejudice. His brief, turbulent career and tragic death at age 28, in New York City highlight the racial challenges faced by Black athletes in the early 20th century, making him a complex and pioneering figure in the boxing's global story.

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