NO ORDINARY JOES

To celebrate the announcement of the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker, we take a look at 10 other Joes who became world champions and belt-holders

1 JOE LOUIS

As good a technician as there has ever been, Louis reigned as heavyweight champion from 1937-1949, with 25 defences. He won the title against James J Braddock and defended against the likes of Tommy Farr, Max Schmeling, Billy Conn and “Jersey” Joe Walcott.

2 JOE FRAZIER

“Smokin’” Joe became world heavyweight champion in 1968 when knocking out Buster Mathis in 11 rounds before going on to defeat Muhammad Ali in ’71. He would remain champion for five years until running into George Foreman.

3 JOE GANS

Known as the “Old Master”, Gans is considered by some the greatest lightweight of all time, having become the first African-american world champion of the 20th century and reigning at lightweight from 1902-1908.

4 JOE WALCOTT

Though known as “Jersey” Joe, Walcott was born Arnold Raymond Cream. He would, following a tough career, finally win the world heavyweight title in 1951 when knocking out Ezzard Charles inside seven rounds.

5 JOE CALZAGHE

Never beaten in 46 pro fights, Calzaghe made 20 defences of the WBO super-middleweight title, including against Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler, before moving to light-heavy to defeat Bernard Hopkins.

6 JOEY MAXIM

Real name Giuseppe Antonio Berardinelli, this jabhappy fighter from Cleveland knocked out Freddie Mills in 10 rounds to become world light-heavyweight champion in 1950. He would retain against “Sugar” Ray Robinson before eventually losing to Archie Moore.

7 JOEY GIARDELLO

Born Carmine Orlando Tilelli, the Brooklyn fighter reigned as world middleweight champion from 19631965, beating the likes of Dick Tiger, Rubin Carter and “Sugar” Ray Robinson.

8 JOE BROWN

“Old Bones” Joe Brown won the world lightweight title in 1956, besting Wallace “Bud” Smith. He defended 11 times before losing to Carlos Ortiz in ’62.

9 JOE CHOYNSKI

“Chrysanthemum” Joe won the inaugural world lightheavyweight title in 1899, beating Jim Ryan over 20 rounds. He also knocked out Jack Johnson in 1901.

10 JOEY GAMACHE

Infamous for being stopped by Arturo Gatti in a mismatch in 2000, Gamache had long before that won WBA belts at super-featherweight (1991) and lightweight (1992).