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Joe Jeanette
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Jeremiah "Joe" Jeannette (also Jennette[2]) (August 26, 1879 – July 2, 1958) was an American boxer, 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 on two occasions.
Key Information
Early life and career
[edit]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.[3]
Professional career
[edit]
Within two years, Jeanette was considered one of the best black heavyweights in the United States.[3] Jeanette mimicked the style of Sam Langford, whom he fought 15 times (some sources say 14[4]), 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.[3]
Jeanette fought the future heavyweight champion Jack Johnson seven times in his first two years as a pro, and a total of ten times. According to the Ken Burns documentary Unforgivable Blackness, Jeanette lost twice, won one fight on a foul after two rounds, had two draws, and five "No Decisions" in his fights against Johnson. Johnson called Jeannette "the toughest man I ever fought."[2][3]
After Johnson became the first African-American Heavyweight Champion of the World on December 26, 1908, he never again fought Jeanette, despite numerous challenges. Johnson's refusal to fight African-Americans offended the African-American community. Jeanette criticized Johnson, saying, "Jack forgot about his old friends after he became champion and drew the color line against his own people."[3]
Jeanette was never allowed to fight for the heavyweight championship during his 15-year career, despite having a stellar record against opponents of all races.
Joe's most memorable fight occurred on April 17, 1909 in a return bout with Sam McVey in Paris, France that lasted three-and-a-half-hours, and 49 rounds, the longest boxing match of the 20th century, and one of the greatest marathons in boxing history. Although McVey began the fight strong and looked like a sure winner, knocking down the usually sturdy Jeannette 27 times, and almost knocking him out in the 16th round with a right uppercut to Jeanette's jaw, he weakened greatly by the 19th round. Jeanette took control, knocking down McVey, a boxer (who had only been stopped once in his career, by Johnson), 19 times. After the 49th round, McVey could not rise from his stool at the call of time and Jeannette was declared winner on a technical knockout. This won him the "World Colored Heavyweight Championship," as Jack Johnson had defeated Tommy Burns for his heavyweight title the previous December.[3]
Jeanette retired in 1919[5] at the age of 40. Of his 166 documented pro fights (he believed it was closer to 400), in a career spanning 1904-1922, Jeanette had 106 wins, 68 of which were by knockout, with 20 losses. Only two of his losses were by knockout, once early in his career and once late in his career. He is rated alongside the very best boxers of his era, including Johnson, Langford, and McVey.[3]
He starred in the 1922 film Square Joe.[6][7]
Personal life
[edit]Jeanette met his wife, Adelaide, at a dance in Hoboken. They had two children, a son, Joe Jr., and a daughter, Agnes.[8]
Post-boxing career and legacy
[edit]
Unlike many boxers, Jeanette was not a spendthrift and invested his money and time wisely. He spent most of his career fighting in and around the Eastern Seaboard, with only brief tours of Europe. After his career, he became a referee and a trainer of young boxers. He owned a boxing gym on 27th Street and Summit Avenue in Union City, New Jersey, where he was a fixture on the boxing scene for many years, training hundreds of boxers, including Heavyweight Champion James J. Braddock.
Jeanette, who was fond of automobiles,[8] eventually converted his boxing gym into a garage, out of which he operated a fleet of rental limousines, and then a taxi company named Adelaide, after his wife, which was located at 522 Clinton Avenue, now New York Avenue.[3]
Jeanette died in 1958.[5] He is buried in Fairview, New Jersey.[8]
He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997.[5]
A street in Union City, located between Summit Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard, was named Jeanette Street in his honor.[9]
A historical marker was subsequently dedicated at the corner of Summit Avenue and 27th Street, where Jeanette's former residence and gym once stood. It was the first historical marker erected by the city, and was installed on April 17, 2009, the 100th anniversary of Jeannette’s 49th-round knockout of Sam McVea.[10][11][12]
Professional boxing record
[edit]All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[1] unless otherwise noted.
Official record
[edit]| 166 fights | 84 wins | 10 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 69 | 2 |
| By decision | 9 | 8 |
| By disqualification | 6 | 0 |
| Draws | 9 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
| Newspaper decisions/draws | 62 | |
All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as "no decision" bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 166 | Draw | 84–10–9 (63) | Harry Gibson | PTS | 6 | Jun 1, 1922 | Orange, New Jersey, US | |
| 165 | Win | 84–10–8 (63) | Bartley Madden | DQ | 4 (8) | Nov 11, 1919 | Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, US | |
| 164 | Loss | 83–10–8 (63) | Harry Wills | NWS | 8 | Oct 20, 1919 | 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 163 | Win | 83–10–8 (62) | Tom Cowler | NWS | 10 | May 23, 1919 | Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US | |
| 162 | Win | 83–10–8 (61) | Clay Turner | NWS | 8 | May 1, 1919 | Open-Air Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 161 | Win | 83–10–8 (60) | Bert Kenny | NWS | 8 | Apr 15, 1919 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 160 | Win | 83–10–8 (59) | Tom Cowler | NWS | 8 | Feb 10, 1919 | Grand View Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 159 | Win | 83–10–8 (58) | Andy Schmader | NWS | 8 | Dec 20, 1918 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 158 | Win | 83–10–8 (57) | Andy Schmader | NWS | 8 | Dec 2, 1918 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 157 | Loss | 83–10–8 (56) | Kid Norfolk | NWS | 8 | Oct 11, 1918 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 156 | Win | 83–10–8 (55) | Battling Jim Johnson | PTS | ? | Aug 27, 1918 | Wiedenmayer Park, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 155 | Loss | 82–10–8 (55) | Kid Norfolk | NWS | 8 | Jul 19, 1918 | International League Ballpark, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 154 | Win | 82–10–8 (54) | Jack Thompson | NWS | 6 | Apr 15, 1918 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 153 | Win | 82–10–8 (53) | George Christian | NWS | 6 | Dec 19, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 152 | Draw | 82–10–8 (52) | Gabe Gulart | NWS | 10 | Sep 15, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, US | |
| 151 | Loss | 82–10–8 (51) | Sam Langford | NWS | 12 | Sep 14, 1917 | Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 150 | Win | 82–10–8 (50) | Andre Anderson | NWS | 10 | Jul 20, 1917 | Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 149 | Win | 82–10–8 (49) | Tango Kid | KO | 5 (10) | Jul 6, 1917 | Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 148 | Win | 81–10–8 (49) | Tony Ross | KO | 3 (10) | Dec 4, 1916 | Mishler Theatre, Altoona, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 147 | Win | 80–10–8 (49) | Jack Hubbard | KO | 5 (10) | Sep 4, 1916 | Garland City Park, Watertown, New York, US | |
| 146 | Win | 79–10–8 (49) | Jack Driscoll | KO | 3 (?) | Aug 19, 1916 | Washington Park A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 145 | Win | 78–10–8 (49) | Jim Smith | TKO | 5 (10) | Aug 17, 1916 | Averne A.C., Averne, Queens, New York City, New York, US | |
| 144 | Win | 77–10–8 (49) | Porky Dan Flynn | NWS | 10 | Aug 4, 1916 | Flower City A.C., Rochester, New York, US | |
| 143 | Loss | 77–10–8 (48) | Sam Langford | KO | 7 (10) | May 12, 1916 | Arena, Syracuse, New York, US | Lost world colored heavyweight title; For world colored heavyweight title claim (undisputed) |
| 142 | Win | 77–9–8 (48) | George Kid Cotton | KO | 2 (10) | Mar 24, 1916 | East New York A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 141 | Win | 76–9–8 (48) | Silas Green | KO | 6 (10) | Feb 25, 1916 | Canadian A.C., Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Retained world colored heavyweight title |
| 140 | Win | 75–9–8 (48) | Bill Watkins | NWS | 10 | Jul 2, 1915 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US | |
| 139 | Win | 75–9–8 (47) | Battling Brooks | KO | 5 (?) | May 14, 1915 | New York City, New York, US | |
| 138 | Loss | 74–9–8 (47) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | May 10, 1915 | Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 137 | Draw | 74–9–8 (46) | Sam McVea | PTS | 12 | Apr 27, 1915 | Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Retained world colored heavyweight title |
| 136 | Win | 74–9–7 (46) | Battling Brooks | KO | 4 (?) | Apr 19, 1915 | New York City, New York, US | |
| 135 | Win | 73–9–7 (46) | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Apr 13, 1915 | Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Won world colored heavyweight title |
| 134 | Win | 72–9–7 (46) | Arthur Pelkey | TKO | 8 (10) | Apr 9, 1915 | Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 133 | Win | 71–9–7 (46) | Cleve Hawkins | NWS | 10 | Mar 19, 1915 | Canadian A.C., Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 132 | Win | 71–9–7 (45) | Larry Williams | KO | 5 (10) | Feb 26, 1915 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 131 | Win | 70–9–7 (45) | Bill Tate | TKO | 2 (10) | Feb 1, 1915 | Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 130 | Win | 69–9–7 (45) | John Lester Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jan 11, 1915 | Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 129 | Win | 69–9–7 (44) | Bill Tate | NWS | 10 | Dec 14, 1914 | Irving A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 128 | Draw | 69–9–7 (43) | Battling Jim Johnson | PTS | 12 | Nov 10, 1914 | Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 127 | Draw | 69–9–6 (43) | Sam Langford | NWS | 10 | Oct 1, 1914 | Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 126 | Win | 69–9–6 (42) | Jim Kruger | KO | 2 (?) | Sep 12, 1914 | Martins Ferry, Ohio, US | |
| 125 | Win | 68–9–6 (42) | Bill Tate | TKO | 6 (10) | Aug 11, 1914 | Rockaway Beach A.A., New York City, New York, US | |
| 124 | Win | 67–9–6 (42) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Aug 5, 1914 | Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 123 | Win | 67–9–6 (41) | Black Bill | TKO | 9 (10) | Aug 1, 1914 | Irving A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 122 | Win | 66–9–6 (41) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jul 15, 1914 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US | |
| 121 | Win | 66–9–6 (40) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jul 1, 1914 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US | |
| 120 | Win | 66–9–6 (39) | Silas Green | TKO | 3 (10) | Jun 16, 1914 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 119 | Draw | 65–9–6 (39) | Harry Wills | NWS | 10 | Jun 9, 1914 | National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, US | |
| 118 | Win | 65–9–6 (38) | Colin Bell | PTS | 20 | May 4, 1914 | Premierland, Whitechapel, London, England, U.K. | |
| 117 | Win | 64–9–6 (38) | Kid Jackson | KO | 7 (20) | May 2, 1914 | Wonderland, Paris, France | |
| 116 | Win | 63–9–6 (38) | Andy Johnson | KO | 4 (?) | Apr 8, 1914 | Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K. | |
| 115 | Win | 62–9–6 (38) | Georges Carpentier | PTS | 15 | Mar 21, 1914 | Luna Parc, Porte Maillot, Paris, France | |
| 114 | Win | 61–9–6 (38) | Alf Langford | DQ | 7 (20) | Feb 21, 1914 | Wonderland, Paris, France | Langford threw a wild shot and fell over motionless. DQ by ref for suspected dive |
| 113 | Loss | 60–9–6 (38) | Sam Langford | PTS | 20 | Dec 20, 1913 | Luna Park Arena, Paris, France | For vacant world heavyweight title claim; As recognized by the French Boxing Federation |
| 112 | Win | 60–8–6 (38) | Sam Langford | NWS | 10 | Oct 3, 1913 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 111 | Win | 60–8–6 (37) | John Lester Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jul 22, 1913 | Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 110 | Win | 60–8–6 (36) | Nat Dewey | PTS | 10 | Jul 4, 1913 | Savannah, Georgia, US | |
| 109 | Draw | 59–8–6 (36) | Harry Wills | PTS | 10 | Jul 1, 1913 | Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, US | |
| 108 | Win | 59–8–5 (36) | Al Benedict | TKO | 3 (15) | Jun 27, 1913 | Joplin, Missouri, US | |
| 107 | NC | 58–8–5 (36) | Jeff Clark | NC | 7 (8) | Jun 23, 1913 | Phoenix A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US | Fight was stopped by the referee as he felt Jennette wasn't trying for the KO |
| 106 | Win | 58–8–5 (35) | Black Bill | NWS | 10 | May 21, 1913 | Gowanus A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 105 | Win | 58–8–5 (34) | George Kid Cotton | KO | 4 (6) | Apr 16, 1913 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 104 | Win | 57–8–5 (34) | Jack Reed | KO | 3 (10) | Mar 17, 1913 | Queensboro A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 103 | Win | 56–8–5 (34) | Jack Reed | KO | 3 (10) | Feb 10, 1913 | Olympia Club, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 102 | Loss | 55–8–5 (34) | Jack Thompson | PTS | ? | Feb 2, 1913 | United States of America | Exact date and location unknown |
| 101 | Win | 55–7–5 (34) | Chuck Carleton | KO | 1 (6) | Jan 24, 1913 | Easton, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 100 | Win | 54–7–5 (34) | Battling Jim Johnson | DQ | 15 (?) | Jan 21, 1913 | Providence, Rhode Island, US | |
| 99 | Win | 53–7–5 (34) | Jeff Clark | NWS | 10 | Jan 17, 1913 | Southwest A.C., Joplin, Missouri, US | |
| 98 | Win | 53–7–5 (33) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jan 1, 1913 | Irving A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 97 | Win | 53–7–5 (32) | Chuck Carleton | TKO | 2 (10) | Dec 6, 1912 | National A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 96 | Win | 52–7–5 (32) | George Christian | KO | 8 (10) | Nov 27, 1912 | Columbus, Ohio, US | |
| 95 | Win | 51–7–5 (32) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Oct 30, 1912 | Forty-Fourth Street A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 94 | Win | 51–7–5 (31) | Tony Ross | DQ | 7 (10) | Sep 9, 1912 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | |
| 93 | Draw | 50–7–5 (31) | Jeff Clark | NWS | 6 | Sep 2, 1912 | Exposition Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 92 | Win | 50–7–5 (30) | Griff Jones | KO | 2 (10) | Aug 30, 1912 | Atlantic A.A., New York City, New York, US | |
| 91 | Win | 49–7–5 (30) | Bill Tate | KO | 2 (6) | Aug 20, 1912 | Morris Park, Newark, New Jersey, US | |
| 90 | Win | 48–7–5 (30) | Battling Brooks | KO | 2 (?) | Aug 20, 1912 | Morris Park, Newark, New Jersey, US | |
| 89 | Win | 47–7–5 (30) | Jeff Madden | TKO | 2 (10) | Aug 19, 1912 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | |
| 88 | Win | 46–7–5 (30) | Young Hank Griffin | KO | 3 (6) | Aug 9, 1912 | Scranton, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 87 | Loss | 45–7–5 (30) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 6 | Jul 19, 1912 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 86 | Win | 45–7–5 (29) | Jeff Madden | TKO | 4 (?) | Jul 15, 1912 | New Bedford, Massachusetts, US | |
| 85 | Win | 44–7–5 (29) | Mickey McDonough | TKO | 2 (?) | Jul 15, 1912 | New Bedford, Massachusetts, US | |
| 84 | Win | 43–7–5 (29) | Black Bill | DQ | 6 (10) | Jun 15, 1912 | Royale A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 83 | Win | 42–7–5 (29) | George Rodel | KO | 11 (15) | May 24, 1912 | Old Cosmo Rink, Plymouth, Devon, England, U.K. | |
| 82 | Win | 41–7–5 (29) | Young Johnny Johnson | RTD | 3 (10) | May 13, 1912 | National AC, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K. | |
| 81 | Win | 40–7–5 (29) | Black Bill | KO | 3 (12) | Apr 4, 1912 | Lewiston, Maine, US | |
| 80 | Win | 39–7–5 (29) | Griff Jones | TKO | 4 (10) | Apr 1, 1912 | Olympia Boxing Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 79 | Win | 38–7–5 (29) | Nat Dewey | TKO | 7 (10) | Mar 13, 1912 | Long Acre A.A., New York City, New York, US | |
| 78 | Win | 37–7–5 (29) | Andy Morris | TKO | 6 (15) | Feb 27, 1912 | Casino, New Haven, Connecticut, US | |
| 77 | Win | 36–7–5 (29) | Morris Harris | NWS | 3 | Feb 19, 1912 | American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 76 | Win | 36–7–5 (28) | Chuck Carleton | NWS | 3 | Feb 19, 1912 | American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 75 | Win | 36–7–5 (27) | Griff Jones | TKO | 3 (10) | Jan 19, 1912 | Oneida County A.A., Utica, New York, US | |
| 74 | Win | 35–7–5 (27) | Jack "Twin" Sullivan | NWS | 10 | Dec 26, 1911 | Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, US | |
| 73 | Win | 35–7–5 (26) | Topeka Jack Johnson | KO | 3 (?) | Dec 21, 1911 | Louisiana A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, US | |
| 72 | Win | 34–7–5 (26) | Al Mitchell | KO | 4 (?) | Dec 18, 1911 | Memphis, Tennessee, US | |
| 71 | Win | 33–7–5 (26) | Nat Dewey | PTS | 8 | Dec 15, 1911 | Chattanooga, Tennessee, US | |
| 70 | Win | 32–7–5 (26) | Young Jack Johnson | KO | 4 (8) | Dec 11, 1911 | Memphis, Tennessee, US | |
| 69 | Win | 31–7–5 (26) | Jewey Smith | KO | 3 (?) | Dec 7, 1911 | Fordham A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 68 | Win | 30–7–5 (26) | Bill Watkins | KO | 1 (?) | Nov 30, 1911 | German Hall, Albany, New York, US | |
| 67 | Loss | 29–7–5 (26) | Sam Langford | NWS | 10 | Sep 5, 1911 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 66 | Win | 29–7–5 (25) | Porky Dan Flynn | NWS | 10 | Aug 29, 1911 | Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 65 | Win | 29–7–5 (24) | Dummy Maxson | KO | 1 (10) | Aug 23, 1911 | Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 64 | Draw | 28–7–5 (24) | Tony Ross | NWS | 10 | Aug 1, 1911 | 20th Century A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 63 | Win | 28–7–5 (23) | Al Kubiak | KO | 3 (10) | Jul 25, 1911 | 20th Century A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 62 | Win | 27–7–5 (23) | Al Kubiak | KO | 9 (10) | Apr 20, 1911 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 61 | Win | 26–7–5 (23) | Jim Barry | NWS | 10 | Mar 16, 1911 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 60 | Draw | 26–7–5 (22) | Jim Barry | NWS | 6 | Feb 8, 1911 | American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 59 | Loss | 26–7–5 (21) | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Jan 10, 1911 | Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | For world colored heavyweight title |
| 58 | Win | 26–6–5 (21) | Jeff Clark | PTS | 10 | Dec 27, 1910 | Central Institute, Newark, New Jersey, US | |
| 57 | Win | 25–6–5 (21) | Black Bill | KO | 5 (10) | Nov 10, 1910 | Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 56 | Win | 24–6–5 (21) | Morris Harris | NWS | 10 | Sep 30, 1910 | National A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 55 | Loss | 24–6–5 (20) | Sam Langford | PTS | 15 | Sep 6, 1910 | Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Lost world colored heavyweight title; For world colored heavyweight title claim |
| 54 | Draw | 24–5–5 (20) | Morris Harris | NWS | 10 | Jul 1, 1910 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 53 | Win | 24–5–5 (19) | Jim Smith | NWS | 10 | Jun 3, 1910 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 52 | Win | 24–5–5 (18) | Andy Morris | TKO | 3 (12) | May 24, 1910 | Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 51 | Draw | 23–5–5 (18) | Sam McVea | PTS | 30 | Dec 11, 1909 | Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, France | Retained world colored heavyweight title |
| 50 | Draw | 23–5–4 (18) | Sid Russell | PTS | 15 | Nov 13, 1909 | Wonderland, Paris, France | |
| 49 | Win | 23–5–3 (18) | Al Kubiak | KO | 10 (20) | Oct 30, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | |
| 48 | Draw | 22–5–3 (18) | Al Kubiak | NWS | 6 | Sep 18, 1909 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 47 | Win | 22–5–3 (17) | Sandy Ferguson | TKO | 8 (10) | Aug 27, 1909 | Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 46 | Loss | 21–5–3 (17) | Sandy Ferguson | PTS | 12 | Jun 22, 1909 | Armory A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 45 | Win | 21–4–3 (17) | Trooper G. Cook | RTD | 2 (6) | May 27, 1909 | Arena, Villiers Street, Strand, London, England, U.K. | |
| 44 | Win | 20–4–3 (17) | Harry Shearing | RTD | 4 (6) | May 27, 1909 | Arena, Villiers Street, Strand, London, England, U.K. | |
| 43 | Win | 19–4–3 (17) | Sandy Ferguson | PTS | 20 | May 22, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | |
| 42 | Win | 18–4–3 (17) | Jack Scales | KO | 1 (10) | May 1, 1909 | Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, France | |
| 41 | Win | 17–4–3 (17) | Sam McVea | RTD | 49 | Apr 17, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | Won world colored heavyweight title; A fight to the finish |
| 40 | Loss | 16–4–3 (17) | Sam McVea | PTS | 20 | Feb 20, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | For vacant world colored heavyweight title |
| 39 | Win | 16–3–3 (17) | Charley Croxon | TKO | 2 (10) | Feb 6, 1909 | Folies Bergère, Paris, France | |
| 38 | Win | 15–3–3 (17) | Ben Taylor | KO | 3 (?) | Jan 23, 1909 | Folies Bergère, Paris, France | |
| 37 | Win | 14–3–3 (17) | Morris Harris | NWS | 6 | Dec 7, 1908 | West End A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 36 | Win | 14–3–3 (16) | Sandy Ferguson | PTS | 12 | Sep 15, 1908 | Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 35 | Draw | 13–3–3 (16) | Sam Langford | NWS | 6 | Sep 1, 1908 | National A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 34 | Draw | 13–3–3 (15) | Jim Barry | NWS | 6 | May 8, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 33 | Win | 13–3–3 (14) | Sam Campbell | TKO | 6 (?) | Mar 9, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 32 | Draw | 12–3–3 (14) | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Mar 3, 1908 | Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 31 | Win | 12–3–2 (14) | George Cole | TKO | 4 (6) | Feb 17, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 30 | Win | 11–3–2 (14) | Jim Jeffords | KO | 2 (6) | Jan 27, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 29 | Win | 10–3–2 (14) | Griff Jones | KO | 3 (?) | Jan 13, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 28 | Win | 9–3–2 (14) | Joe Phillips | KO | 3 (6) | Jan 13, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 27 | Win | 8–3–2 (14) | Morris Harris | TKO | 4 (?) | Jun 11, 1907 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 26 | Win | 7–3–2 (14) | Sam McVea | NWS | 10 | Apr 15, 1907 | Lyric Hall, New York City, New York, US | |
| 25 | Win | 7–3–2 (13) | Young Peter Jackson | NWS | 6 | Mar 8, 1907 | Spring Garden A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 24 | Win | 7–3–2 (12) | Jim Jeffords | KO | 7 (10) | Feb 11, 1907 | Casco A.C., Portland, Oregon, US | |
| 23 | Draw | 6–3–2 (12) | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Jan 11, 1907 | Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US | |
| 22 | Draw | 6–3–1 (12) | Jack Johnson | NWS | 10 | Nov 26, 1906 | Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 21 | Loss | 6–3–1 (11) | Jack Johnson | NWS | 6 | Sep 20, 1906 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 20 | Win | 6–3–1 (10) | Black Bill | KO | 4 (6) | Sep 6, 1906 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 19 | Loss | 5–3–1 (10) | Sam Langford | PTS | 15 | Apr 5, 1906 | Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US | |
| 18 | Loss | 5–2–1 (10) | Jack Johnson | PTS | 15 | Mar 14, 1906 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | For world colored heavyweight title |
| 17 | Loss | 5–1–1 (10) | Jack Johnson | NWS | 3 | Jan 16, 1906 | Sharkey A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 16 | Win | 5–1–1 (9) | Sam Langford | TKO | 8 (12) | Dec 25, 1905 | Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US | Langford retired after round 8 |
| 15 | Win | 4–1–1 (9) | Walter Johnson | TKO | 2 (3) | Dec 21, 1905 | Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 14 | Loss | 3–1–1 (9) | Jack Johnson | NWS | 6 | Dec 2, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 13 | Win | 3–1–1 (8) | Jack Johnson | DQ | 2 (6) | Nov 25, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | Jennette was winning the fight until he was fouled |
| 12 | Draw | 2–1–1 (8) | Black Bill | PTS | 6 | Nov 2, 1905 | National S.C., Wilmington, Delaware, US | |
| 11 | Win | 2–1 (8) | George Cole | NWS | 6 | Oct 28, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 10 | Win | 2–1 (7) | Jim Jeffords | NWS | 6 | Oct 26, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 9 | Win | 2–1 (6) | Black Bill | KO | 7 (10) | Oct 11, 1905 | National S.C., Wilmington, New Jersey, US | |
| 8 | Win | 1–1 (6) | Pat O'Rourke | KO | 5 (?) | Oct 7, 1905 | North Bergen, New Jersey, US | |
| 7 | Win | 0–1 (6) | George Cole | NWS | 6 | Aug 28, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 6 | Loss | 0–1 (5) | George Cole | NWS | 6 | Jul 6, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 5 | Win | 0–1 (4) | Black Bill | NWS | 6 | Jun 8, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 4 | Loss | 0–1 (3) | Jack Johnson | NWS | 3 | May 9, 1905 | Knickerbocker A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 3 | Loss | 0–1 (2) | Black Bill | KO | 2 (6) | Apr 20, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 2 | Loss | 0–0 (2) | Morris Harris | NWS | 6 | Mar 2, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 1 | Loss | 0–0 (1) | Morris Harris | NWS | 6 | Nov 11, 1904 | Manhattan A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US[1] |
Unofficial record
[edit]| 166 fights | 121 wins | 24 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 69 | 2 |
| By decision | 46 | 22 |
| By disqualification | 6 | 0 |
| Draws | 20 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 166 | Draw | 121–24–20 (1) | Harry Gibson | PTS | 6 | Jun 1, 1922 | Orange, New Jersey, US | |
| 165 | Win | 121–24–19 (1) | Bartley Madden | DQ | 4 (8) | Nov 11, 1919 | Schuetzen Park, Bayonne, New Jersey, US | |
| 164 | Loss | 120–24–19 (1) | Harry Wills | NWS | 8 | Oct 20, 1919 | 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 163 | Win | 120–23–19 (1) | Tom Cowler | NWS | 10 | May 23, 1919 | Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US | |
| 162 | Win | 119–23–19 (1) | Clay Turner | NWS | 8 | May 1, 1919 | Open-Air Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 161 | Win | 118–23–19 (1) | Bert Kenny | NWS | 8 | Apr 15, 1919 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 160 | Win | 117–23–19 (1) | Tom Cowler | NWS | 8 | Feb 10, 1919 | Grand View Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 159 | Win | 116–23–19 (1) | Andy Schmader | NWS | 8 | Dec 20, 1918 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 158 | Win | 115–23–19 (1) | Andy Schmader | NWS | 8 | Dec 2, 1918 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 157 | Loss | 114–23–19 (1) | Kid Norfolk | NWS | 8 | Oct 11, 1918 | Spring A.C., West Hoboken, New Jersey, US | |
| 156 | Win | 114–22–19 (1) | Battling Jim Johnson | PTS | ? | Aug 27, 1918 | Wiedenmayer Park, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 155 | Loss | 113–22–19 (1) | Kid Norfolk | NWS | 8 | Jul 19, 1918 | International League Ballpark, Jersey City, New Jersey, US | |
| 154 | Win | 113–21–19 (1) | Jack Thompson | NWS | 6 | Apr 15, 1918 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 153 | Win | 112–21–19 (1) | George Christian | NWS | 6 | Dec 19, 1917 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 152 | Draw | 111–21–19 (1) | Gabe Gulart | NWS | 10 | Sep 15, 1917 | Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, US | |
| 151 | Loss | 111–21–18 (1) | Sam Langford | NWS | 12 | Sep 14, 1917 | Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 150 | Win | 111–20–18 (1) | Andre Anderson | NWS | 10 | Jul 20, 1917 | Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 149 | Win | 110–20–18 (1) | Tango Kid | KO | 5 (10) | Jul 6, 1917 | Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 148 | Win | 109–20–18 (1) | Tony Ross | KO | 3 (10) | Dec 4, 1916 | Mishler Theatre, Altoona, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 147 | Win | 108–20–18 (1) | Jack Hubbard | KO | 5 (10) | Sep 4, 1916 | Garland City Park, Watertown, New York, US | |
| 146 | Win | 107–20–18 (1) | Jack Driscoll | KO | 3 (?) | Aug 19, 1916 | Washington Park A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 145 | Win | 106–20–18 (1) | Jim Smith | TKO | 5 (10) | Aug 17, 1916 | Averne A.C., Averne, Queens, New York City, New York, US | |
| 144 | Win | 105–20–18 (1) | Porky Dan Flynn | NWS | 10 | Aug 4, 1916 | Flower City A.C., Rochester, New York, US | |
| 143 | Loss | 104–20–18 (1) | Sam Langford | KO | 7 (10) | May 12, 1916 | Arena, Syracuse, New York, US | Lost world colored heavyweight title; For world colored heavyweight title claim (undisputed) |
| 142 | Win | 104–19–18 (1) | George Kid Cotton | KO | 2 (10) | Mar 24, 1916 | East New York A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 141 | Win | 103–19–18 (1) | Silas Green | KO | 6 (10) | Feb 25, 1916 | Canadian A.C., Montreal, Quebec, Canada | Retained world colored heavyweight title |
| 140 | Win | 102–19–18 (1) | Bill Watkins | NWS | 10 | Jul 2, 1915 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US | |
| 139 | Win | 101–19–18 (1) | Battling Brooks | KO | 5 (?) | May 14, 1915 | New York City, New York, US | |
| 138 | Loss | 100–19–18 (1) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | May 10, 1915 | Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 137 | Draw | 100–18–18 (1) | Sam McVea | PTS | 12 | Apr 27, 1915 | Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Retained world colored heavyweight title |
| 136 | Win | 100–18–17 (1) | Battling Brooks | KO | 4 (?) | Apr 19, 1915 | New York City, New York, US | |
| 135 | Win | 99–18–17 (1) | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Apr 13, 1915 | Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Won world colored heavyweight title |
| 134 | Win | 98–18–17 (1) | Arthur Pelkey | TKO | 8 (10) | Apr 9, 1915 | Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 133 | Win | 97–18–17 (1) | Cleve Hawkins | NWS | 10 | Mar 19, 1915 | Canadian A.C., Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 132 | Win | 96–18–17 (1) | Larry Williams | KO | 5 (10) | Feb 26, 1915 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 131 | Win | 95–18–17 (1) | Bill Tate | TKO | 2 (10) | Feb 1, 1915 | Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 130 | Win | 94–18–17 (1) | John Lester Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jan 11, 1915 | Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 129 | Win | 93–18–17 (1) | Bill Tate | NWS | 10 | Dec 14, 1914 | Irving A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 128 | Draw | 92–18–17 (1) | Battling Jim Johnson | PTS | 12 | Nov 10, 1914 | Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 127 | Draw | 92–18–16 (1) | Sam Langford | NWS | 10 | Oct 1, 1914 | Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 126 | Win | 92–18–15 (1) | Jim Kruger | KO | 2 (?) | Sep 12, 1914 | Martins Ferry, Ohio, US | |
| 125 | Win | 91–18–15 (1) | Bill Tate | TKO | 6 (10) | Aug 11, 1914 | Rockaway Beach A.A., New York City, New York, US | |
| 124 | Win | 90–18–15 (1) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Aug 5, 1914 | Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 123 | Win | 89–18–15 (1) | Black Bill | TKO | 9 (10) | Aug 1, 1914 | Irving A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 122 | Win | 88–18–15 (1) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jul 15, 1914 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US | |
| 121 | Win | 87–18–15 (1) | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jul 1, 1914 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US | |
| 120 | Win | 86–18–15 (1) | Silas Green | TKO | 3 (10) | Jun 16, 1914 | Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 119 | Draw | 85–18–15 (1) | Harry Wills | NWS | 10 | Jun 9, 1914 | National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, US | |
| 118 | Win | 85–18–14 (1) | Colin Bell | PTS | 20 | May 4, 1914 | Premierland, Whitechapel, London, England, U.K. | |
| 117 | Win | 84–18–14 (1) | Kid Jackson | KO | 7 (20) | May 2, 1914 | Wonderland, Paris, France | |
| 116 | Win | 83–18–14 (1) | Andy Johnson | KO | 4 (?) | Apr 8, 1914 | Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K. | |
| 115 | Win | 82–18–14 (1) | Georges Carpentier | PTS | 15 | Mar 21, 1914 | Luna Parc, Porte Maillot, Paris, France | |
| 114 | Win | 81–18–14 (1) | Alf Langford | DQ | 7 (20) | Feb 21, 1914 | Wonderland, Paris, France | Langford threw a wild shot and fell over motionless. DQ by ref for suspected dive |
| 113 | Loss | 80–18–14 (1) | Sam Langford | PTS | 20 | Dec 20, 1913 | Luna Park Arena, Paris, France | For vacant world heavyweight title claim; As recognized by the French Boxing Federation |
| 112 | Win | 80–17–14 (1) | Sam Langford | NWS | 10 | Oct 3, 1913 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 111 | Win | 79–17–14 (1) | John Lester Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jul 22, 1913 | Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 110 | Win | 78–17–14 (1) | Nat Dewey | PTS | 10 | Jul 4, 1913 | Savannah, Georgia, US | |
| 109 | Draw | 77–17–14 (1) | Harry Wills | PTS | 10 | Jul 1, 1913 | Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, US | |
| 108 | Win | 77–17–13 (1) | Al Benedict | TKO | 3 (15) | Jun 27, 1913 | Joplin, Missouri, US | |
| 107 | NC | 76–17–13 (1) | Jeff Clark | NC | 7 (8) | Jun 23, 1913 | Phoenix A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US | Fight was stopped by the referee as he felt Jennette wasn't trying for the KO |
| 106 | Win | 76–17–13 | Black Bill | NWS | 10 | May 21, 1913 | Gowanus A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 105 | Win | 75–17–13 | George 'Kid' Cotton | KO | 4 (6) | Apr 16, 1913 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 104 | Win | 74–17–13 | Jack Reed | KO | 3 (10) | Mar 17, 1913 | Queensboro A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 103 | Win | 73–17–13 | Jack Reed | KO | 3 (10) | Feb 10, 1913 | Olympia Club, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 102 | Loss | 72–17–13 | Jack Thompson | PTS | ? | Feb 2, 1913 | United States of America | Exact date and location unknown |
| 101 | Win | 72–16–13 | Chuck Carleton | KO | 1 (6) | Jan 24, 1913 | Easton, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 100 | Win | 71–16–13 | Battling Jim Johnson | DQ | 15 (?) | Jan 21, 1913 | Providence, Rhode Island, US | |
| 99 | Win | 70–16–13 | Jeff Clark | NWS | 10 | Jan 17, 1913 | Southwest A.C., Joplin, Missouri, US | |
| 98 | Win | 69–16–13 | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Jan 1, 1913 | Irving A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 97 | Win | 68–16–13 | Chuck Carleton | TKO | 2 (10) | Dec 6, 1912 | National A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 96 | Win | 67–16–13 | George Christian | KO | 8 (10) | Nov 27, 1912 | Columbus, Ohio, US | |
| 95 | Win | 66–16–13 | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 10 | Oct 30, 1912 | Forty-Fourth Street A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 94 | Win | 65–16–13 | Tony Ross | DQ | 7 (10) | Sep 9, 1912 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | |
| 93 | Draw | 64–16–13 | Jeff Clark | NWS | 6 | Sep 2, 1912 | Exposition Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 92 | Win | 64–16–12 | Griff Jones | KO | 2 (10) | Aug 30, 1912 | Atlantic A.A., New York City, New York, US | |
| 91 | Win | 63–16–12 | Bill Tate | KO | 2 (6) | Aug 20, 1912 | Morris Park, Newark, New Jersey, US | |
| 90 | Win | 62–16–12 | Battling Brooks | KO | 2 (?) | Aug 20, 1912 | Morris Park, Newark, New Jersey, US | |
| 89 | Win | 61–16–12 | Jeff Madden | TKO | 2 (10) | Aug 19, 1912 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | |
| 88 | Win | 60–16–12 | Young Hank Griffin | KO | 3 (6) | Aug 9, 1912 | Scranton, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 87 | Loss | 59–16–12 | Battling Jim Johnson | NWS | 6 | Jul 19, 1912 | Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 86 | Win | 59–15–12 | Jeff Madden | TKO | 4 (?) | Jul 15, 1912 | New Bedford, Massachusetts, US | |
| 85 | Win | 58–15–12 | Mickey McDonough | TKO | 2 (?) | Jul 15, 1912 | New Bedford, Massachusetts, US | |
| 84 | Win | 57–15–12 | Black Bill | DQ | 6 (10) | Jun 15, 1912 | Royale A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 83 | Win | 56–15–12 | George Rodel | KO | 11 (15) | May 24, 1912 | Old Cosmo Rink, Plymouth, Devon, England, U.K. | |
| 82 | Win | 55–15–12 | Young Johnny Johnson | RTD | 3 (10) | May 13, 1912 | National AC, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K. | |
| 81 | Win | 54–15–12 | Black Bill | KO | 3 (12) | Apr 4, 1912 | Lewiston, Maine, US | |
| 80 | Win | 53–15–12 | Griff Jones | TKO | 4 (10) | Apr 1, 1912 | Olympia Boxing Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 79 | Win | 52–15–12 | Nat Dewey | TKO | 7 (10) | Mar 13, 1912 | Long Acre A.A., New York City, New York, US | |
| 78 | Win | 51–15–12 | Andy Morris | TKO | 6 (15) | Feb 27, 1912 | Casino, New Haven, Connecticut, US | |
| 77 | Win | 50–15–12 | Morris Harris | NWS | 3 | Feb 19, 1912 | American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 76 | Win | 49–15–12 | Chuck Carleton | NWS | 3 | Feb 19, 1912 | American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 75 | Win | 48–15–12 | Griff Jones | TKO | 3 (10) | Jan 19, 1912 | Oneida County A.A., Utica, New York, US | |
| 74 | Win | 47–15–12 | Jack "Twin" Sullivan | NWS | 10 | Dec 26, 1911 | Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, US | |
| 73 | Win | 46–15–12 | Topeka Jack Johnson | KO | 3 (?) | Dec 21, 1911 | Louisiana A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, US | |
| 72 | Win | 45–15–12 | Al Mitchell | KO | 4 (?) | Dec 18, 1911 | Memphis, Tennessee, US | |
| 71 | Win | 44–15–12 | Nat Dewey | PTS | 8 | Dec 15, 1911 | Chattanooga, Tennessee, US | |
| 70 | Win | 43–15–12 | Young Jack Johnson | KO | 4 (8) | Dec 11, 1911 | Memphis, Tennessee, US | |
| 69 | Win | 42–15–12 | Jewey Smith | KO | 3 (?) | Dec 7, 1911 | Fordham A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 68 | Win | 41–15–12 | Bill Watkins | KO | 1 (?) | Nov 30, 1911 | German Hall, Albany, New York, US | |
| 67 | Loss | 40–15–12 | Sam Langford | NWS | 10 | Sep 5, 1911 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 66 | Win | 40–14–12 | Porky Dan Flynn | NWS | 10 | Aug 29, 1911 | Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 65 | Win | 39–14–12 | Dummy Maxson | KO | 1 (10) | Aug 23, 1911 | Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 64 | Draw | 38–14–12 | Tony Ross | NWS | 10 | Aug 1, 1911 | 20th Century A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 63 | Win | 38–14–11 | Al Kubiak | KO | 3 (10) | Jul 25, 1911 | 20th Century A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 62 | Win | 37–14–11 | Al Kubiak | KO | 9 (10) | Apr 20, 1911 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 61 | Win | 36–14–11 | Jim Barry | NWS | 10 | Mar 16, 1911 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 60 | Draw | 35–14–11 | Jim Barry | NWS | 6 | Feb 8, 1911 | American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 59 | Loss | 35–14–10 | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Jan 10, 1911 | Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | For world colored heavyweight title |
| 58 | Win | 35–13–10 | Jeff Clark | PTS | 10 | Dec 27, 1910 | Central Institute, Newark, New Jersey, US | |
| 57 | Win | 34–13–10 | Black Bill | KO | 5 (10) | Nov 10, 1910 | Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 56 | Win | 33–13–10 | Morris Harris | NWS | 10 | Sep 30, 1910 | National A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 55 | Loss | 32–13–10 | Sam Langford | PTS | 15 | Sep 6, 1910 | Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Lost world colored heavyweight title; For world colored heavyweight title claim |
| 54 | Draw | 32–12–10 | Morris Harris | NWS | 10 | Jul 1, 1910 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 53 | Win | 32–12–9 | Jim Smith | NWS | 10 | Jun 3, 1910 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 52 | Win | 31–12–9 | Andy Morris | TKO | 3 (12) | May 24, 1910 | Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 51 | Draw | 30–12–9 | Sam McVea | PTS | 30 | Dec 11, 1909 | Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, France | Retained world colored heavyweight title |
| 50 | Draw | 30–12–8 | Sid Russell | PTS | 15 | Nov 13, 1909 | Wonderland, Paris, France | |
| 49 | Win | 30–12–7 | Al Kubiak | KO | 10 (20) | Oct 30, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | |
| 48 | Draw | 29–12–7 | Al Kubiak | NWS | 6 | Sep 18, 1909 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 47 | Win | 29–12–6 | Sandy Ferguson | TKO | 8 (10) | Aug 27, 1909 | Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 46 | Loss | 28–12–6 | Sandy Ferguson | PTS | 12 | Jun 22, 1909 | Armory A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 45 | Win | 28–11–6 | Trooper G. Cook | RTD | 2 (6) | May 27, 1909 | Arena, Villiers Street, Strand, London, England, U.K. | |
| 44 | Win | 27–11–6 | Harry Shearing | RTD | 4 (6) | May 27, 1909 | Arena, Villiers Street, Strand, London, England, U.K. | |
| 43 | Win | 26–11–6 | Sandy Ferguson | PTS | 20 | May 22, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | |
| 42 | Win | 25–11–6 | Jack Scales | KO | 1 (10) | May 1, 1909 | Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, France | |
| 41 | Win | 24–11–6 | Sam McVea | RTD | 49 | Apr 17, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | Won world colored heavyweight title; A fight to the finish |
| 40 | Loss | 23–11–6 | Sam McVea | PTS | 20 | Feb 20, 1909 | Cirque de Paris, Paris, France | For vacant world colored heavyweight title |
| 39 | Win | 23–10–6 | Charley Croxon | TKO | 2 (10) | Feb 6, 1909 | Folies Bergère, Paris, France | |
| 38 | Win | 22–10–6 | Ben Taylor | KO | 3 (?) | Jan 23, 1909 | Folies Bergère, Paris, France | |
| 37 | Win | 21–10–6 | Morris Harris | NWS | 6 | Dec 7, 1908 | West End A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 36 | Win | 20–10–6 | Sandy Ferguson | PTS | 12 | Sep 15, 1908 | Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 35 | Draw | 19–10–6 | Sam Langford | NWS | 6 | Sep 1, 1908 | National A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 34 | Draw | 19–10–5 | Jim Barry | NWS | 6 | May 8, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 33 | Win | 19–10–4 | Sam Campbell | TKO | 6 (?) | Mar 9, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 32 | Draw | 18–10–4 | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Mar 3, 1908 | Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 31 | Win | 18–10–3 | George Cole | TKO | 4 (6) | Feb 17, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 30 | Win | 17–10–3 | Jim Jeffords | KO | 2 (6) | Jan 27, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 29 | Win | 16–10–3 | Griff Jones | KO | 3 (?) | Jan 13, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 28 | Win | 15–10–3 | Joe Phillips | KO | 3 (6) | Jan 13, 1908 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 27 | Win | 14–10–3 | Morris Harris | TKO | 4 (?) | Jun 11, 1907 | Consolidated A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 26 | Win | 13–10–3 | Sam McVea | NWS | 10 | Apr 15, 1907 | Lyric Hall, New York City, New York, US | |
| 25 | Win | 12–10–3 | Young Peter Jackson | NWS | 6 | Mar 8, 1907 | Spring Garden A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 24 | Win | 11–10–3 | Jim Jeffords | KO | 7 (10) | Feb 11, 1907 | Casco A.C., Portland, Oregon, US | |
| 23 | Draw | 10–10–3 | Sam Langford | PTS | 12 | Jan 11, 1907 | Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US | |
| 22 | Draw | 10–10–2 | Jack Johnson | NWS | 10 | Nov 26, 1906 | Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, US | World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only) |
| 21 | Loss | 10–10–1 | Jack Johnson | NWS | 6 | Sep 20, 1906 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 20 | Win | 10–9–1 | Black Bill | KO | 4 (6) | Sep 6, 1906 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 19 | Loss | 9–9–1 | Sam Langford | PTS | 15 | Apr 5, 1906 | Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US | |
| 18 | Loss | 9–8–1 | Jack Johnson | PTS | 15 | Mar 14, 1906 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | For world colored heavyweight title |
| 17 | Loss | 9–7–1 | Jack Johnson | NWS | 3 | Jan 16, 1906 | Sharkey A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 16 | Win | 9–6–1 | Sam Langford | TKO | 8 (12) | Dec 25, 1905 | Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US | Langford retired after round 8 |
| 15 | Win | 8–6–1 | Walter Johnson | TKO | 2 (3) | Dec 21, 1905 | Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 14 | Loss | 7–6–1 | Jack Johnson | NWS | 6 | Dec 2, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 13 | Win | 7–5–1 | Jack Johnson | DQ | 2 (6) | Nov 25, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | Jennette was winning the fight until he was fouled |
| 12 | Draw | 6–5–1 | Black Bill | PTS | 6 | Nov 2, 1905 | National S.C., Wilmington, Delaware, US | |
| 11 | Win | 6–5 | George Cole | NWS | 6 | Oct 28, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 10 | Win | 5–5 | Jim Jeffords | NWS | 6 | Oct 26, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 9 | Win | 4–5 | Black Bill | KO | 7 (10) | Oct 11, 1905 | National S.C., Wilmington, New Jersey, US | |
| 8 | Win | 3–5 | Pat O'Rourke | KO | 5 (?) | Oct 7, 1905 | North Bergen, New Jersey, US | |
| 7 | Win | 2–5 | George Cole | NWS | 6 | Aug 28, 1905 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 6 | Loss | 1–5 | George Cole | NWS | 6 | Jul 6, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 5 | Win | 1–4 | Black Bill | NWS | 6 | Jun 8, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 4 | Loss | 0–4 | Jack Johnson | NWS | 3 | May 9, 1905 | Knickerbocker A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 3 | Loss | 0–3 | Black Bill | KO | 2 (6) | Apr 20, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 2 | Loss | 0–2 | Morris Harris | NWS | 6 | Mar 2, 1905 | Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 1 | Loss | 0–1 | Morris Harris | NWS | 6 | Nov 11, 1904 | Manhattan A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Joe Jennette". BoxRec. Archived from the original on February 26, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ a b Historical marker on the corner of Summit Avenue and 27th Street in Union City, New Jersey. Dedicated April 17, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Rosero, Jessica (February 19, 2006). "Native Sons and Daughters: North Hudson Native and 20th Century Boxing Sensation Joe Jeanette". The Hudson Reporter.
- ^ Moyle, Clay. "Sam Langford: Boxing's Greatest Uncrowned Champion" Interview by Bob Carroll, Doghouse Boxing; Mar 19, 2009
- ^ a b c Burns, Ken. "Sparring" Profiles of Jack Johnson's opponents at Unforgivable Blackness
- ^ Cripps, Thomas (May 21, 1993). Slow Fade to Black: The Negro in American Film, 1900-1942. Oxford University Press. pp. 178, 446. ISBN 978-0-19-502130-1 – via Google Books.
- ^ Wiggins, David K. (March 26, 2015). African Americans in Sports. Routledge. p. 176. ISBN 9781317477440 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b c "The Real World's Champion" Archived July 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine JoeJennette.com; 2008; Accessed July 9, 2010
- ^ "Native sons and daughters North Hudson native and 20th century boxing sensation Joe Jeanette". The Hudson Reporter. February 26, 2006. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
'[Jeanette] was one of the four great black boxers of the early 1900s, and he owned a boxing gym on 26th Street and Summit Avenue,' said Kathie Pontus, a private historian. 'Jeanette Street between Summit Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard is named for him.'
- ^ "Joe Jeanette". NJSports.com. 2021. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
- ^ The Union City Reporter April 26, 2009; Page 2
- ^ "Joe Jeanette". New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on June 27, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
External links
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Media related to Joe Jeanette at Wikimedia Commons
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Joe Jeanette
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early Life
Birth and Upbringing
Joseph Jeremiah Jeannette, professionally known as Joe Jeannette, was born on August 26, 1879, in West Hoboken, New Jersey, an area now part of Union City.[1][7] His family background was working-class; his father, Benjamin F. Jeannette, operated as a blacksmith, providing Jeannette with early exposure to manual labor through apprenticeship in the trade.[8][7] Jeannette's upbringing in industrial New Jersey involved physical demands typical of the era's laboring youth, including informal combat experience gained from street brawls, which honed his fighting instincts long before organized boxing.[2] These early encounters contributed to his resilience, though he did not pursue professional athletics until his mid-20s, reflecting a delayed entry influenced by economic necessities over sport.[2][1]Pre-Boxing Occupations and Entry into Fighting
Prior to entering professional boxing, Joe Jeannette worked as an apprentice to his father, a blacksmith, in Summit Avenue, Union City, New Jersey. [1] He subsequently labored as a coal truck driver, a physically demanding role that contributed to his robust build and endurance, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds. [1] [3] These occupations reflected the limited economic opportunities available to young black men in early 20th-century industrial New Jersey, where manual labor predominated.[1] Jeannette's transition to boxing occurred in 1904 at age 25, prompted by a dare to step into the ring during an exhibition bout against local fighter Arthur Dickinson. [3] [2] Although accounts vary on the exact outcome—some reporting a loss but noting his competitive showing—Jeannette demonstrated sufficient natural toughness and athleticism to pursue the sport professionally thereafter. His debut professional fight, dated by some records to February 20, 1904, or September of that year, marked the start of a career leveraging his street-honed fighting instincts from youthful brawls.[1] [2] This late entry was atypical for boxers of the era, underscoring Jeannette's reliance on innate physicality rather than early formal training.[5]Professional Boxing Career
Debut and Initial Development (1900s)
Jeannette entered professional boxing at age 25 in 1904, prompted by a dare to fight local boxer Arthur Dickinson in an exhibition bout in Jersey City, New Jersey, which he lost by decision after relying solely on street-fighting experience.[7] This initial foray highlighted his raw toughness but exposed technical deficiencies, motivating him to pursue the sport seriously despite the setback.[2] In late 1904 and throughout 1905, Jeannette's professional record formalized with bouts against established heavyweights, marking a steep learning curve through frequent matchmaking against elite black contenders. His first documented clash with future world champion Jack Johnson occurred on May 9, 1905, in Philadelphia, resulting in a three-round newspaper decision loss after being dropped three times early.[9] Over his initial two years, he faced Johnson seven times—losing most but gaining valuable experience against superior speed and power—and engaged Sam Langford three times, demonstrating endurance in grueling affairs that built his reputation for absorbing punishment.[10] By the mid-1900s, Jeannette refined his style into a durable, pressure-oriented approach suited to the era's no-holds-barred heavyweight scene, compiling wins over journeymen while honing skills against peers like Sam McVey. These encounters, often under newspaper decisions or fixed rounds due to contemporary rules, propelled him toward contention in the segregated "Colored Heavyweight" ranks, where his ability to go long distances foreshadowed later marathon battles.[3] His rapid progression from novice to respected ironman underscored the competitive crucible of black heavyweight boxing, unmarred by the color barrier denying white opponents.[5]Key Rivalries Among Black Heavyweights
Jeannette's career was marked by repeated bouts against other prominent black heavyweights, a consequence of the rigid color line that barred African-American fighters from contending for the world heavyweight title held by white champions. This structural exclusion compelled top black boxers to compete extensively among themselves, fostering prolonged rivalries characterized by high-volume punching, endurance tests, and mutual respect amid grueling matches often exceeding 15 rounds. Jeannette engaged in such rivalries primarily with Sam Langford, Sam McVey, and to a lesser extent Harry Wills and Battling Jim Johnson, accumulating dozens of fights that showcased the depth of talent in the segregated "colored heavyweight" division.[2] The most extensive rivalry pitted Jeannette against Sam Langford, with the pair clashing 14 times between 1906 and 1918, often in marathon contests that highlighted their contrasting styles—Jeannette's rugged infighting against Langford's versatile combinations. Notable encounters included a 20-round points decision victory for Langford on December 20, 1913, at Luna Park in Paris, where Langford effectively utilized short rights to the jaw and body; an earlier 12-round decision win for Langford on January 10, 1911, in Boston, marked by slashing exchanges; and a 20-round bout on April 13, 1915, featuring Langford's early left hooks to Jeannette's body. Jeannette achieved a rare stoppage over the durable "Boston Terror" via eighth-round technical knockout on an unspecified date at the Unity Cycle Club, marking the first time Langford was halted. One of their meetings, recognized by the French Boxing Federation as for the world heavyweight title after stripping the American champion, underscored the international recognition sought by black fighters denied domestic opportunities.[11][12] Jeannette also maintained a storied series with Sam McVey, fighting five times from 1905 to 1909, resulting in a 1-1-2 record with one no-decision, amid bouts known for their ferocity and the fighters' heavyweight power despite McVey's occasional weight advantages. A pivotal clash occurred circa 1909 in Paris, where the two engaged in a brutal affair drawing widespread attention for its intensity, though racial barriers prevented either from title contention. These encounters exemplified the physical toll of intra-racial competition, with Jeannette's resilience often tested against McVey's aggression.[2][13] Additional rivalries included 10 fights with Battling Jim Johnson, spanning the 1910s, and three meetings with Harry Wills in the early 1920s, reflecting Jeannette's continued activity against rising black contenders as he aged into his 40s. These series, while less documented in outcomes, contributed to Jeannette's reputation for durability, as he knocked out several opponents across his black-heavyweight matchups despite accumulating wear from repetitive high-stakes engagements.Achievements in the Colored Heavyweight Division
Jeannette captured the World Colored Heavyweight Championship by defeating Sam McVey in Paris, France, on April 17, 1909, in a grueling fight scheduled for unlimited rounds that concluded after McVey retired from exhaustion prior to the 49th round, following 48 completed rounds lasting approximately two hours and 24 minutes.[14][9] This victory avenged an earlier 20-round decision loss to McVey on February 20, 1909, and established Jeannette as the division's preeminent figure amid the absence of white contenders due to racial barriers.[14] Historical accounts recognize Jeannette as having won the title on two occasions, reflecting his repeated success against top black heavyweights despite inconsistent formal recognition in an era of informal championships. The 1909 bout exemplified Jeannette's renowned durability, as he absorbed severe punishment—including a reported broken jaw—while outlasting McVey, who weighed around 200 pounds to Jeannette's 185, in one of boxing's longest recorded heavyweight matches.[4][2] This endurance-based triumph underscored his tactical style of clinching and counterpunching, which allowed him to prevail in extended affairs common to the colored division's fight-to-the-finish format. Jeannette's championship reign highlighted his position among elite African-American heavyweights, including repeated bouts with Sam Langford (record: 3 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws, 4 no decisions) and Jack Johnson (1 win by foul, 2 losses, 2 draws, 5 no decisions), demonstrating sustained competitiveness at the highest level of segregated competition.[2] Jeannette's achievements extended to five fights against McVey overall (1-1-2 with one no decision) and ten each against Johnson and Battling Jim Johnson, amassing a documented record of over 100 wins in a career marked by interracial limitations that confined him to colored-division contention.[2] His title pursuits and victories contributed to the division's intensity, fostering a pool of talent that included future world champion Johnson and Hall of Famer Langford, though systemic exclusion prevented broader opportunities.International Exposure and Notable Endurance Matches
Jeannette pursued international opportunities in Europe amid limited domestic prospects for black heavyweights, embarking on brief tours to the United Kingdom and France in the late 1900s and early 1910s. In England, he began his European campaign by defeating five British heavyweights—Gunboat Smith, Pat O'Keeffe, Jack Palmer, Bombardier Billy Wells, and Corsican Lee—via knockout or stoppage in a collective 12 rounds, showcasing his punching power against local contenders.[5] These victories established his dominance abroad, drawing crowds despite racial barriers in American boxing.[5] In France, Jeannette featured in marquee matchups against fellow black heavyweights, capitalizing on more permissive European venues for interracial bouts. He faced Sam Langford at Luna Park in Paris on an unspecified date in 1913, one of their 14 total encounters, highlighting his repeated tests against elite peers overseas.[15] These continental fights, often under Marquis of Queensberry rules without strict round limits, emphasized stamina over sanctioned titles unavailable to him stateside. Jeannette's most renowned endurance test occurred on April 17, 1909, against Sam McVey at Cirque de Paris in a no-decision bout scheduled to a finish. The contest endured 49 rounds—spanning over two and a half hours—with Jeannette absorbing 27 knockdowns from McVey's heavier blows yet rallying to claim victory when McVey retired due to exhaustion and injury.[16][2] This grueling affair, the longest recorded heavyweight match of the era, formed the centerpiece of a 1909 trilogy with McVey totaling 99 rounds across three fights, underscoring Jeannette's unparalleled resilience amid the era's barbaric, unregulated conditions.[5] Such marathons, while physically taxing, bolstered his reputation as a durable warrior, though they yielded no formal championships due to prevailing color restrictions.[2]Barriers to World Title Contention
The Color Line and Structural Racism in Boxing
The color line in professional boxing referred to the informal but rigidly enforced policy by white heavyweight champions and promoters to deny title bouts to black contenders, a practice that originated in the late 19th century and persisted into the mid-20th. This barrier, rooted in prevailing racial hierarchies of the Jim Crow era, effectively segregated the sport along racial lines, limiting black boxers to exhibitions, intra-racial matches, or secondary titles despite demonstrated skill. In the heavyweight division, John L. Sullivan, the bare-knuckle champion from 1882 to 1892, explicitly declared he would not fight black opponents, setting a precedent that subsequent champions like James J. Corbett, Bob Fitzsimmons, and James J. Jeffries followed, citing not only personal prejudice but also fears that a black champion would undermine white supremacy narratives in American society.[17][18] For Joe Jeannette, a premier black heavyweight active from 1907 to 1922, the color line manifested as systematic exclusion from world title contention, forcing him into repetitive bouts against fellow black fighters like Sam McVey and Jack Johnson while white contenders advanced unhindered. Despite Jeannette's victories over top black heavyweights and his 1908 claim to the World Colored Heavyweight Championship—established precisely because white titleholders refused interracial defenses—he was never granted a sanctioned shot at the lineal world crown, even when his record and punching power surpassed that of some white aspirants like Marvin Hart or Tommy Burns. Promoters and athletic commissions, influenced by societal racism and commercial concerns over interracial fight gate receipts, perpetuated this structure; for instance, after Jack Johnson's 1908 title win shattered the line temporarily, backlash intensified, leading to federal scrutiny of Johnson and renewed avoidance of black challengers post-1915.[14][13][19] This structural racism extended beyond individual refusals to institutional mechanisms, including state boxing regulations in places like New York that indirectly upheld segregation until the 1920s, and public sentiment that equated black boxing success with threats to white manhood. Jeannette's case exemplifies causal links between these barriers and career truncation: barred from high-profile white matchups, he endured grueling, low-paying endurance fights—such as 20-round draws with McVey in 1909 and 1910—to maintain visibility, yet these did not elevate him to title eligibility, as white champions like Jess Willard prioritized "safe" opponents. Historians note that while economic factors like crowd appeal played a role, the primary driver was racial animus, evidenced by explicit statements from figures like Jeffries, who in 1910 endorsed a "Great White Hope" to reclaim the title from Johnson, signaling ongoing resistance to black excellence in the ring.[20][21][22]Feud and Encounters with Jack Johnson
Joe Jeanette and Jack Johnson engaged in at least seven documented boxing matches between 1905 and 1906, during Johnson's tenure as the colored heavyweight champion, with outcomes including two losses for Jeanette, one win by foul, two draws, and several no-decision bouts under newspaper rules prevalent at the time.[3] These encounters highlighted their rivalry among top black heavyweights, as Johnson, known for his defensive mastery and taunting style, often frustrated Jeanette's aggressive advances in limited-round exhibitions.[3] One notable fight occurred on March 14, 1906, in Philadelphia, where Johnson reportedly floored Jeanette in the second round, though the bout ended without a decisive verdict due to the era's constraints on fight durations.[23] Following Johnson's victory over Tommy Burns on December 26, 1908, to claim the undisputed world heavyweight title—the first black fighter to do so—relations soured as Johnson adopted a policy of refusing bouts against fellow African-American contenders, including Jeanette, to mitigate racial backlash from white audiences and promoters amid widespread opposition to a black champion.[24] Jeanette repeatedly challenged Johnson for a title shot, issuing public demands through his manager as early as 1909, but received no response, leading to accusations that Johnson was prioritizing financial security and avoiding risks over elevating black peers.[25] In response, Jeanette criticized Johnson publicly, stating, "Jack forgot about his old friends after he became champion and drew the color line himself," a sentiment echoed in African-American communities offended by Johnson's selective matchmaking.[25][24] This feud persisted into the 1910s, with Jeanette continuing to press for a sanctioned fight while Johnson defended his title primarily against white opponents, such as James J. Jeffries in 1910, exacerbating tensions as Jeanette's career stalled without the opportunity for a high-stakes black-on-black clash that might have tested Johnson's supremacy under Marquis of Queensberry rules.[3] No further competitive bouts occurred between them after 1906, though anecdotal accounts describe occasional sparring sessions in later decades, including a 1950s exhibition when both were in their seventies, underscoring a personal acquaintance overshadowed by professional animosity.[24] The impasse reflected broader dynamics in segregated boxing, where Johnson's strategic choices preserved his reign until 1915 but alienated figures like Jeanette, who viewed the denial as a betrayal of shared struggles against the color barrier.[25]Later Career and Retirement
Decline in the 1910s
As Jeannette entered his mid-30s during the 1910s, the cumulative effects of starting his professional career late—at age 25 in 1904—and enduring grueling matches against elite black heavyweights manifested in diminished durability and output.[2] His overall record remained respectable, with continued activity until 1919, but losses mounted against peers and younger contenders, including a decision defeat to Georges Carpentier in a 15-round bout on March 21, 1914, in Paris, where the French light heavyweight's speed exploited Jeannette's slowing reflexes.[5] Jeannette's series against Sam Langford extended into the decade, contributing to a career ledger of 3 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws, and 4 no-decisions against the Boston Tar Baby, underscoring the wear from repeated high-intensity encounters that eroded his once-ironclad stamina.[2] Similarly, bouts with Sam McVey yielded a 1-1-2 record plus one no-decision, with McVey's power testing Jeannette's resilience in extended fights, such as their 49-round marathon in 1909 that foreshadowed later fatigue issues.[2] By mid-decade, emerging black heavyweights like Harry Wills began to outperform him, resulting in one loss and two draws, signaling the rise of a new generation amid Jeannette's advancing age of 35–40.[13] International tours, including European appearances, offered opportunities but highlighted vulnerabilities; Jeannette's defensive style, effective in his prime, proved less adaptive against fresher opponents, leading to fewer stoppage victories and reliance on decisions.[5] These factors, rather than external barriers alone, marked a performance downturn, as empirical fight outcomes reflected physiological limits from over 100 bouts by decade's end.[13]Final Years in the Ring
In the waning years of his career during the late 1910s, Jeannette, approaching 40 years old, persisted in the heavyweight ranks amid a landscape dominated by white champions Jess Willard and later Jack Dempsey, who upheld the color line by avoiding contests with skilled black fighters. His activity tapered, with bouts often limited by state regulations mandating newspaper decisions rather than official verdicts in non-title matches, reflecting the era's patchwork of boxing laws.[26] In 1918, Jeannette issued public challenges to both Willard and Dempsey, proposing fights of eight or ten rounds or to a finish for charitable causes, emphasizing his willingness to compete under favorable terms, yet no promoters or champions accepted, underscoring persistent racial exclusions in title contention even after Jack Johnson's 1915 defeat.[27] Jeannette retired from professional boxing in 1919, concluding a tenure marked by extraordinary durability against top black heavyweights, though records document approximately 150 bouts while he estimated closer to 400, many unrecorded or under newspaper rulings.[2][26] His final ring appearances yielded mixed results against journeymen and veterans, but lacked the high-profile clashes of his prime due to age and systemic barriers.[13]Post-Boxing Contributions and Legacy
Roles as Referee and Trainer
Following his retirement from active competition in the late 1910s, Joe Jeanette transitioned into officiating, becoming one of the earliest African American figures to serve as a boxing referee.[24] In 1923, he achieved a milestone by securing the first license issued to an African American referee and judge by the New York State Athletic Commission, marking a breakthrough in an era when racial barriers persisted in combat sports governance.[6] This role allowed him to contribute to the sport's integrity through impartial judging and enforcement of rules in professional bouts. Jeanette also established himself as a trainer, opening a boxing gym at 27th Street and Summit Avenue in Union City, New Jersey, which he operated from 1924 until 1949.[6] There, he mentored numerous aspiring fighters, imparting techniques honed from his own career as a durable heavyweight contender.[1] Among his pupils was James J. Braddock, who later captured the world heavyweight championship in 1935, crediting early guidance from trainers like Jeanette in his development.[6] [1] In these capacities, Jeanette sustained his involvement in boxing amid evolving professional landscapes, though he eventually repurposed his gym facilities for automotive ventures, reflecting his personal interest in cars.[1] His dual roles underscored a commitment to fostering the next generation while upholding standards in the ring.[24]Historical Recognition and Enduring Impact
Joe Jeanette was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 as part of the old-timers category, honoring his technical proficiency, durability, and status as a premier heavyweight despite systemic racial barriers that barred him from contending for the world championship.[2][28] He was earlier enshrined in the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame on June 15, 1969, acknowledging his roots and contributions to the sport in the state.[6] On April 17, 2009—marking the 100th anniversary of his 49-round knockout of Sam McVey—a historical marker was unveiled at the northeast corner of Summit Avenue and 27th Street in Union City, New Jersey, the site of his former residence and gym; this dedication represented the city's first such commemoration.[6] Jeannette Street, located between Summit Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard in Union City, perpetuates his local legacy.[6] Jeanette's enduring impact stems from his embodiment of pre-integration black heavyweight excellence, evidenced by his marathon bouts—such as the 1909 McVey fight, among the longest in boxing history—and his extensive series against top rivals, including 15 fights with Sam Langford (3-6-2 record, four no-decisions) and multiple encounters with Jack Johnson.[2] Post-retirement, he trained heavyweight champion James J. Braddock at his Union City gym, operated from 1924 to 1949, and in 1923 became the first African American licensed as a referee and judge by New York State, expanding black participation in boxing governance.[6] These elements underscore his role in highlighting the caliber of fighters sidelined by the color line, informing later narratives on racial inequities in combat sports.[2]Professional Boxing Record
Official and Unofficial Summaries
Joe Jeanette's professional boxing record, as documented by the modern database BoxRec, totals 102 bouts from 1904 to 1919, comprising 84 wins (70 by knockout), 9 losses (2 by knockout), and 8 draws, with a knockout percentage of 83.33% among victories.[26] This compilation primarily accounts for bouts with recorded outcomes, including no-decision affairs common in the pre-modern era, where results were often determined by newspaper reporters rather than official rulings.[7] Unofficial summaries and historical aggregations, drawing from contemporary newspaper reports and broader archival research, frequently expand the tally to around 166 fights, with estimates of 106 to 120 wins (68 to 69 by knockout), 20 to 24 losses, 21 draws, and 1 no contest.[19] [1] [9] These higher figures incorporate additional exhibition bouts, undocumented matches, and informal decisions not standardized in databases like BoxRec, reflecting the less regulated nature of early 20th-century heavyweight boxing where many contests against top black contenders occurred overseas or in unsanctioned venues.[2] Discrepancies stem from the era's practices, such as frequent no-decision rules to evade gambling laws, leading to reliance on subjective media verdicts; for instance, Jeanette's multiple encounters with rivals like Sam Langford (14 times) and Jack Johnson (10 times) include several such bouts.[7] Comprehensive reviews suggest the true volume of Jeanette's activity exceeds even 166 bouts, underscoring his endurance as a gatekeeper in the segregated "black heavyweight" division.[19]Analysis of Win-Loss Patterns
Joe Jeanette's professional record, as documented in official bouts, stands at 84 wins, 9 losses, and 8 draws across 102 fights from 1904 to 1919, with 70 knockouts among the victories representing an 83.33% KO rate.[26] Including numerous no-decision bouts common to the era, contemporary estimates place his total at approximately 166 contests, with around 120 wins, 24 losses, 21 draws, and 1 no-contest.[29] This discrepancy arises because many high-profile interracial or exhibition matches were structured as no-decisions to evade legal restrictions, obscuring full win-loss tallies but highlighting Jeanette's volume of elite-level activity.[2] Chronologically, Jeanette exhibited strong early momentum, compiling win streaks in his debut years (1904–1907) against journeymen opponents, with minimal setbacks beyond an initial knockout loss that underscored his subsequent durability.[26] His peak from 1908 to 1915 featured consistent dominance, including 29 wins in 1912 alone (1 loss, 1 draw), often via stoppage against mid-tier heavyweights, reflecting punching power and tactical inside fighting.[26] Losses clustered against premier black contenders during this period, but rarely by knockout—only one additional finish across his career, late in 1918—demonstrating exceptional chin and recovery, as in the 49-round marathon against Sam McVea where he absorbed 27 knockdowns yet prevailed when McVea quit.[30] By the late 1910s, patterns shifted toward decline, with mixed results including a knockout loss to Harry Wills in 1919, signaling accumulated wear from over 700 rounds fought.[26] Against top rivals, Jeanette's record reveals a pattern of competitiveness tempered by frequent defeats or stalemates, attributable to the era's "black heavyweight" pool where rematches were routine due to limited white opposition.[6]| Opponent | Fights | Record (W-L-D-ND) |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Langford | 14 | 3-6-2-3 |
| Jack Johnson | 10 | 1-2-2-5 (1 win by foul) |
| Sam McVea | 5 | 1-1-2-1 |