Beau Jack

<p> 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.</p><p> 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--$100000--and was named Fighter of the Year in 1944.</p><p> 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.</p>