# Obie Walker

Obie Walker (September 19, 1911 – May 23, 1989), born Obie Dia Walker in Cochran, Georgia, was a professional boxer. Walker was the penultimate World Colored Heavyweight Champion from October 9, 1933, when he out-decisioned title holder George Godfrey in a 10-round fight at the Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to July 20, 1935, when he lost the title on a decision in a 15-round bout to former colored heavyweight champ Larry Gains in Tigers Rugby Stadium, Leicester, England.
A heavyweight contender of the 1930s, he was avoided by many boxers. Sportswriter Ed Danforth praised the "Bearcat" in the Atlanta Georgian in a column published on July 5, 1938:
   "Walker became the toast of Paris. He knocked cold every topnotcher he met on the continent. Max Schmeling shrewdly dodged him, the best of the Englishmen too, sidestepped the squatty brown man who carried lightning bolts in both fists. Competent critics say he could have knocked out Schmeling, Joe Louis and Jim Braddock in one night within the space of 10 rounds."
Though short, Walker was quick on his feet, could take a punch on the chin, and was a strong puncher. Among the top heavyweight contenders he defeated was Two-Ton Tony Galento, who fought Joe Louis for the heavyweight championship. It was Louis's long reign as champ that ended the World Colored Heavyweight Title.
In his career, Walker won 77 fights (53 by K.O.) and lost 16, with 5 draws. He was never K.O.'ed himself.

## Legacy and honors

In 2020 award-winning author Mark Allen Baker published the first comprehensive account of The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876–1937, with McFarland & Company, a leading independent publisher of academic & nonfiction books. This history traces the advent and demise of the Championship, the stories of the talented professional athletes who won it, and the demarcation of the color line both in and out of the ring.
For decades the World Colored Heavyweight Championship was a useful tool to combat racial oppression—the existence of the title a leverage mechanism, or tool, used as a technique to counter a social element, "drawing the color line."

## Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, unless otherwise stated.

### Official record

| 124 fights | 92 wins | 18 losses |
| By knockout | 62 | 0 |
| By decision | 30 | 17 |
| By disqualification | 0 | 1 |
| Draws | 7 | 7 |
| No contests | 3 | 3 |
| Newspaper decisions/draws | 4 | 4 |
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, time | Date | Location | Notes |
| 124 | Loss | 92–18–7 (7) | Elza Thompson | PTS | 10 | Mar 19, 1946 | Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 123 | Loss | 92–17–7 (7) | Elmer Ray | UD | 10 | Jun 24, 1941 | City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S. | |
| 122 | Win | 92–16–7 (7) | Frank Lumpkin | SD | 10 | May 1, 1940 | Memorial Stadium, Columbus, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 121 | Loss | 91–16–7 (7) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Apr 1, 1940 | Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
| 120 | Loss | 91–15–7 (7) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 12 | Mar 7, 1940 | Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 119 | Loss | 91–14–7 (7) | Henry Taylor | UD | 10 | Feb 1, 1940 | Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 118 | Loss | 91–13–7 (7) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Dec 4, 1939 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 117 | Win | 91–12–7 (7) | Jimmy Harvey | KO | 2 (8) | Nov 7, 1939 | Textile Hall, Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 116 | Win | 90–12–7 (7) | Leroy Haynes | UD | 10 | Jun 19, 1939 | Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 115 | Loss | 89–12–7 (7) | Elmer Ray | NWS | 10 | Apr 13, 1939 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 114 | Win | 89–12–7 (6) | Leroy Haynes | PTS | 15 | Mar 16, 1939 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 113 | Win | 88–12–7 (6) | Leroy Haynes | SD | 10 | Mar 2, 1939 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 112 | Loss | 87–12–7 (6) | Elmer Ray | NWS | 10 | Feb 23, 1939 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 111 | Win | 87–12–7 (5) | Tiger Jack Wright | KO | 12 (15), (2:25) | Nov 30, 1938 | City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S. | Billed for the Texas state colored heavyweight title |
| 110 | Win | 86–12–7 (5) | Jack Thompson | KO | 3 (8) | Nov 16, 1938 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 109 | Win | 85–12–7 (5) | Charlie Harvey | KO | 2 (8) | Oct 27, 1938 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 108 | Win | 84–12–7 (5) | Elmer Ray | TKO | 6 (10) | Oct 3, 1938 | Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 107 | Win | 83–12–7 (5) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Sep 15, 1938 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 106 | Win | 82–12–7 (5) | Jack Ward | TKO | 3 (10) | Aug 29, 1938 | Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 105 | Win | 81–12–7 (5) | Oscar Jenkins | KO | 10 (10) | Jul 13, 1938 | Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S. | Jenkins died of injuries sustained from the fight. |
| 104 | Loss | 80–12–7 (5) | Jim Howell | PTS | 10 | Jun 30, 1938 | Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 103 | Win | 80–11–7 (5) | Otto McCall | PTS | 10 | Jun 10, 1938 | Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 102 | Win | 79–11–7 (5) | Edward Winston Jr. | KO | 5 (10) | May 19, 1938 | Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 101 | Loss | 78–11–7 (5) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Apr 27, 1938 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 100 | Win | 78–10–7 (5) | Charley Douglas | TKO | 4 (10) | Apr 6, 1938 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 99 | Win | 77–10–7 (5) | Edward Winston Jr. | TKO | 5 (10) | Mar 30, 1938 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 98 | Draw | 76–10–7 (5) | Edward Winston Jr. | PTS | 10 | Mar 23, 1938 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 97 | Loss | 76–10–6 (5) | Jim Howell | PTS | 10 | Mar 1, 1938 | Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 96 | Loss | 76–9–6 (5) | Jack Trammell | PTS | 10 | Jan 18, 1938 | Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 95 | Win | 76–8–6 (5) | Al Caldwell | KO | 3 (10) | Dec 2, 1937 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 94 | Win | 75–8–6 (5) | Al Hart | KO | 2 (10) | Nov 18, 1937 | Spring Street Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 93 | Win | 74–8–6 (5) | Simpson Tolliver | KO | 4 (10) | Oct 11, 1937 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 92 | Win | 73–8–6 (5) | Otto McCall | RTD | 4 (10) | Sep 16, 1937 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 91 | Win | 72–8–6 (5) | Jack Rose | KO | 1 (10) | Aug 31, 1937 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 90 | Win | 71–8–6 (5) | Jesse Caldwell | KO | 4 (10) | Aug 24, 1937 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 89 | Win | 70–8–6 (5) | Jesse Caldwell | KO | 3 (10) | Jul 26, 1937 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 88 | NC | 69–8–6 (5) | Elmer Ray | NC | 6 (10) | Apr 20, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | Bout called off after Ray refused to continue from an accidental low blow |
| 87 | Win | 69–8–6 (4) | Elmer Ray | TKO | 6 (10) | Mar 25, 1937 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 86 | Draw | 68–8–6 (4) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Mar 18, 1937 | Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 85 | Win | 68–8–5 (4) | Shorty Ahearn | PTS | 10 | Mar 15, 1937 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 84 | Win | 67–8–5 (4) | Jesse Caldwell | TKO | 4 (10) | Mar 2, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 83 | Win | 66–8–5 (4) | Black Eagle | KO | 1 (10) | Feb 23, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 82 | Win | 65–8–5 (4) | Speedy Jackson | KO | 3 (10) | Feb 1, 1937 | Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 81 | Win | 64–8–5 (4) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Jan 26, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 80 | Draw | 63–8–5 (4) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Jan 19, 1937 | Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 79 | Loss | 63–8–4 (4) | Willie Reddish | PTS | 4 | Sep 22, 1936 | Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 78 | Loss | 63–7–4 (4) | Jack London | PTS | 10 | Jun 15, 1936 | Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England | |
| 77 | Win | 63–6–4 (4) | Maurice Strickland | PTS | 10 | Feb 9, 1936 | The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England | |
| 76 | Win | 62–6–4 (4) | Norman Baines | PTS | 12 | Jan 27, 1936 | Colston Hall, Bristol, England | |
| 75 | Win | 61–6–4 (4) | Don McCorkindale | PTS | 10 | Nov 11, 1935 | The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England | |
| 74 | Win | 60–6–4 (4) | Gustave Limousin | KO | 5 (10) | Oct 5, 1935 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 73 | Loss | 59–6–4 (4) | Larry Gains | PTS | 15 | Jul 20, 1935 | Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England | Lost world colored heavyweight title |
| 72 | Win | 59–5–4 (4) | George Cook | PTS | 10 | May 8, 1935 | White City, England | |
| 71 | Win | 58–5–4 (4) | Rodolfo Valenti | TKO | 5 (8) | Mar 26, 1935 | Velodrome d'Hiver, Paris, France | |
| 70 | Win | 57–5–4 (4) | Albert Di Meglio | KO | 8 (10) | Mar 15, 1935 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 69 | Win | 56–5–4 (4) | Arthur Meurant | TKO | 1 (10), (0:45) | Feb 15, 1935 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 68 | Win | 55–5–4 (4) | Otto von Porat | UD | 10 | Nov 17, 1934 | Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland | |
| 67 | Loss | 54–5–4 (4) | Gustave Limousin | PTS | 8 | Oct 29, 1934 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 66 | Win | 54–4–4 (4) | Hans Schönrath | RTD | 5 (8) | Sep 13, 1934 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 65 | Win | 53–4–4 (4) | Emil Scholz | TKO | 1 (8) | Sep 3, 1934 | Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France | |
| 64 | Win | 52–4–4 (4) | Giuseppe Sanga | KO | 1 (8) | Jul 25, 1934 | Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France | |
| 63 | Win | 51–4–4 (4) | Italo Colonello | TKO | 2 (8) | Jul 11, 1934 | Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France | |
| 62 | Win | 50–4–4 (4) | Saverio Grizzo | TKO | 2 (10) | Jun 2, 1934 | Pavillon des Sports, Montreux, Switzerland | |
| 61 | Win | 49–4–4 (4) | Saverio Grizzo | KO | 2 (10) | Apr 7, 1934 | Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland | |
| 60 | Win | 48–4–4 (4) | Maurice Griselle | RTD | 7 (10) | Mar 2, 1934 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 59 | Win | 47–4–4 (4) | Casimir Beszterda | KO | 2 (10) | Feb 19, 1934 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 58 | Win | 46–4–4 (4) | Louis Verbeeren | KO | 1 (10) | Feb 2, 1934 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 57 | Loss | 45–4–4 (4) | Don "Red" Barry | PTS | 10 | Nov 27, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | Not to be confused with Don "Red" Barry |
| 56 | Win | 45–3–4 (4) | George Godfrey | PTS | 10 | Oct 9, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | Won world colored heavyweight title |
| 55 | Win | 44–3–4 (4) | Salvatore Ruggirello | TKO | 3 (6) | Sep 27, 1933 | Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 54 | Win | 43–3–4 (4) | Humberto Arce | PTS | 6 | Sep 4, 1933 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 53 | Win | 42–3–4 (4) | Sailor Jack Vernon | KO | 1 (8) | Aug 22, 1933 | Shellpot Park, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. | |
| 52 | NC | 41–3–4 (4) | Humberto Arce | NC | 9 (10) | Aug 17, 1933 | Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. | Fight stopped for "stalling" |
| 51 | Win | 41–3–4 (3) | Mickey Taylor | TKO | 2 (10) | Jul 20, 1933 | Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 50 | Win | 40–3–4 (3) | Leonard Dixon | TKO | 2 (6) | Jun 29, 1933 | Leiperville Arena, Leiperville, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 49 | Win | 39–3–4 (3) | Tony Galento | PTS | 10 | Apr 17, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 48 | Win | 38–3–4 (3) | Meyer K.O. Christner | TKO | 4 (10) | Mar 13, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 47 | Win | 37–3–4 (3) | Joe Doctor | KO | 2 (8) | Feb 13, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 46 | Win | 36–3–4 (3) | Larry Crabtree | TKO | 3 (6) | Jan 30, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 45 | Win | 35–3–4 (3) | Humberto Arce | PTS | 8 | Dec 12, 1932 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 44 | Win | 34–3–4 (3) | Frankie Simms | TKO | 6 (6) | Nov 4, 1932 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 43 | Win | 33–3–4 (3) | Red Tom | KO | 4 (10) | Aug 22, 1932 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 42 | Win | 32–3–4 (3) | Willie Bush | PTS | 12 | Jul 25, 1932 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 41 | Win | 31–3–4 (3) | Ed "Bearcat" Wright | PTS | 10 | Apr 15, 1932 | Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S. | |
| 40 | Win | 30–3–4 (3) | Tiger Henderson | KO | 5 (10) | Apr 12, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 39 | Draw | 29–3–4 (3) | Ed "Bearcat" Wright | PTS | 10 | Apr 5, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 38 | Win | 29–3–3 (3) | Ed "Bearcat" Wright | PTS | 10 | Mar 22, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 28–3–3 (3) | Willie Bush | KO | 7 (10) | Mar 15, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 36 | Draw | 27–3–3 (3) | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | Mar 2, 1932 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 35 | Win | 27–3–2 (3) | Tiger Henderson | KO | 8 (10) | Feb 26, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 34 | Win | 26–3–2 (3) | Big Boy Burlap | TKO | 6 (10) | Feb 17, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 33 | Win | 25–3–2 (3) | Big Boy Burlap | PTS | 8 | Jan 15, 1932 | Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 32 | Win | 24–3–2 (3) | Eddie Cox | KO | 1 (4), 2:17 | Dec 21, 1931 | New York Coliseum, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 31 | Win | 23–3–2 (3) | Ted Coolidge | TKO | 4 (8) | Nov 20, 1931 | Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 30 | Win | 22–3–2 (3) | K.O. Brown | KO | ? (10) | Sep 14, 1931 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 29 | Win | 21–3–2 (3) | Seldom Heard | KO | 3 (10) | Aug 31, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 28 | NC | 20–3–2 (3) | Willie McGee | NC | 7 (10) | Aug 12, 1931 | Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S. | |
| 27 | Win | 20–3–2 (2) | Roy Clark | PTS | 10 | Jul 27, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 26 | Win | 19–3–2 (2) | George Cheatham | KO | 1 (10) | Jul 20, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 25 | Draw | 18–3–2 (2) | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | Jun 22, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 24 | Win | 18–3–1 (2) | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | May 20, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 23 | Loss | 17–3–1 (2) | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | Apr 30, 1931 | Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 22 | Win | 17–2–1 (2) | Al Walker | PTS | 10 | Apr 24, 1931 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 21 | Win | 16–2–1 (2) | Al Walker | TKO | 7 (10) | Apr 9, 1931 | Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
| 20 | Win | 15–2–1 (2) | Seldom Heard | KO | ? | Mar 26, 1931 | West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | Exact date unknown in March |
| 19 | Draw | 14–2–1 (2) | Seldom Heard | PTS | 10 | Mar 18, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 18 | Win | 14–2 (2) | Al Walker | PTS | 10 | Mar 11, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 17 | Win | 13–2 (2) | Bob Lawson | PTS | 10 | Mar 6, 1931 | Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S. | |
| 16 | Win | 12–2 (2) | Willie McGee | PTS | 10 | Feb 23, 1931 | Punch Bowl, Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
| 15 | Loss | 11–2 (2) | Willie Bush | DQ | 2 (10) | Feb 5, 1931 | Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | Walker DQ'd for hitting Bush after a knockdown |
| 14 | Win | 11–1 (2) | Bob Lawson | PTS | 10 | Jan 28, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 13 | Draw | 10–1 (2) | Bob Lawson | NWS | 10 | Dec 31, 1930 | Troy, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 10–1 (1) | Willie McGee | KO | 7 (10) | Dec 17, 1930 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 9–1 (1) | Bob Lawson | NWS | 10 | Dec 8, 1930 | City Auditorium, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 9–1 | Edward Winston Jr. | KO | 4 (10) | Nov 5, 1930 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 9 | Win | 8–1 | Speedy Freeman | RTD | 3 (6) | Jun 17, 1930 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 7–1 | Charlie King | KO | 6 (6) | May 23, 1930 | 81 Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 7 | Loss | 6–1 | Happy Hunter | PTS | 10 | Feb 3, 1930 | Atlanta Theater, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Speedy Freeman | TKO | 2 (6) | Dec 27, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Battling Bell | KO | 3 (?) | Jul 1, 1929 | Roby's Gymnasium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Sam Jones | TKO | 1 (4) | Jun 7, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Battling Cornell | PTS | 4 | Apr 2, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Battling Cornell | TKO | 5 (6) | Mar 26, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Battling Cornell | PTS | 4 | Feb 15, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |

### Unofficial record

| 124 fights | 93 wins | 20 losses |
| By knockout | 62 | 0 |
| By decision | 31 | 19 |
| By disqualification | 0 | 1 |
| Draws | 8 | 8 |
| No contests | 3 | 3 |
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
| 124 | Loss | 93–20–8 (3) | Elza Thompson | PTS | 10 | Mar 19, 1946 | Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 123 | Loss | 93–19–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | UD | 10 | Jun 24, 1941 | City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S. | |
| 122 | Win | 93–18–8 (3) | Frank Lumpkin | SD | 10 | May 1, 1940 | Memorial Stadium, Columbus, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 121 | Loss | 92–18–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Apr 1, 1940 | Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
| 120 | Loss | 92–17–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 12 | Mar 7, 1940 | Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 119 | Loss | 92–16–8 (3) | Henry Taylor | UD | 10 | Feb 1, 1940 | Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 118 | Loss | 92–15–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Dec 4, 1939 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 117 | Win | 92–14–8 (3) | Jimmy Harvey | KO | 2 (8) | Nov 7, 1939 | Textile Hall, Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 116 | Win | 91–14–8 (3) | Leroy Haynes | UD | 10 | Jun 19, 1939 | Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 115 | Loss | 90–14–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | NWS | 10 | Apr 13, 1939 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 114 | Win | 90–13–8 (3) | Leroy Haynes | PTS | 15 | Mar 16, 1939 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 113 | Win | 89–13–8 (3) | Leroy Haynes | SD | 10 | Mar 2, 1939 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 112 | Loss | 88–13–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | NWS | 10 | Feb 23, 1939 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 111 | Win | 88–12–8 (3) | Tiger Jack Wright | KO | 12 (15), (2:25) | Nov 30, 1938 | City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, U.S. | Billed for the Texas state colored heavyweight title |
| 110 | Win | 87–12–8 (3) | Jack Thompson | KO | 3 (8) | Nov 16, 1938 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 109 | Win | 86–12–8 (3) | Charlie Harvey | KO | 2 (8) | Oct 27, 1938 | City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 108 | Win | 85–12–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | TKO | 6 (10) | Oct 3, 1938 | Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 107 | Win | 84–12–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Sep 15, 1938 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 106 | Win | 83–12–8 (3) | Jack Ward | TKO | 3 (10) | Aug 29, 1938 | Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 105 | Win | 82–12–8 (3) | Oscar Jenkins | KO | 10 (10) | Jul 13, 1938 | Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S. | Jenkins died of injuries sustained from the fight. |
| 104 | Loss | 81–12–8 (3) | Jim Howell | PTS | 10 | Jun 30, 1938 | Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 103 | Win | 81–11–8 (3) | Otto McCall | PTS | 10 | Jun 10, 1938 | Center Brick Warehouse, Darlington, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 102 | Win | 80–11–8 (3) | Edward Winston Jr. | KO | 5 (10) | May 19, 1938 | Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 101 | Loss | 79–11–8 (3) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Apr 27, 1938 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 100 | Win | 79–10–8 (3) | Charley Douglas | TKO | 4 (10) | Apr 6, 1938 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 99 | Win | 78–10–8 (3) | Edward Winston Jr. | TKO | 5 (10) | Mar 30, 1938 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 98 | Draw | 77–10–8 (3) | Edward Winston Jr. | PTS | 10 | Mar 23, 1938 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 97 | Loss | 77–10–7 (3) | Jim Howell | PTS | 10 | Mar 1, 1938 | Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 96 | Loss | 77–9–7 (3) | Jack Trammell | PTS | 10 | Jan 18, 1938 | Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. | |
| 95 | Win | 77–8–7 (3) | Al Caldwell | KO | 3 (10) | Dec 2, 1937 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 94 | Win | 76–8–7 (3) | Al Hart | KO | 2 (10) | Nov 18, 1937 | Spring Street Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 93 | Win | 75–8–7 (3) | Simpson Tolliver | KO | 4 (10) | Oct 11, 1937 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 92 | Win | 74–8–7 (3) | Otto McCall | RTD | 4 (10) | Sep 16, 1937 | Township Auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | |
| 91 | Win | 73–8–7 (3) | Jack Rose | KO | 1 (10) | Aug 31, 1937 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 90 | Win | 72–8–7 (3) | Jesse Caldwell | KO | 4 (10) | Aug 24, 1937 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 89 | Win | 71–8–7 (3) | Jesse Caldwell | KO | 3 (10) | Jul 26, 1937 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 88 | NC | 70–8–7 (3) | Elmer Ray | NC | 6 (10) | Apr 20, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | Bout called off after Ray refused to continue from an accidental low blow |
| 87 | Win | 70–8–7 (2) | Elmer Ray | TKO | 6 (10) | Mar 25, 1937 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 86 | Draw | 69–8–7 (2) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Mar 18, 1937 | Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 85 | Win | 69–8–6 (2) | Shorty Ahearn | PTS | 10 | Mar 15, 1937 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 84 | Win | 68–8–6 (2) | Jesse Caldwell | TKO | 4 (10) | Mar 2, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 83 | Win | 67–8–6 (2) | Black Eagle | KO | 1 (10) | Feb 23, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 82 | Win | 66–8–6 (2) | Speedy Jackson | KO | 3 (10) | Feb 1, 1937 | Johnson Street Arena, Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 81 | Win | 65–8–6 (2) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Jan 26, 1937 | N.W. Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 80 | Draw | 64–8–6 (2) | Elmer Ray | PTS | 10 | Jan 19, 1937 | Second Avenue Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 79 | Loss | 64–8–5 (2) | Willie Reddish | PTS | 4 | Sep 22, 1936 | Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 78 | Loss | 64–7–5 (2) | Jack London | PTS | 10 | Jun 15, 1936 | Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England | |
| 77 | Win | 64–6–5 (2) | Maurice Strickland | PTS | 10 | Feb 9, 1936 | The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England | |
| 76 | Win | 63–6–5 (2) | Norman Baines | PTS | 12 | Jan 27, 1936 | Colston Hall, Bristol, England | |
| 75 | Win | 62–6–5 (2) | Don McCorkindale | PTS | 10 | Nov 11, 1935 | The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, England | |
| 74 | Win | 61–6–5 (2) | Gustave Limousin | KO | 5 (10) | Oct 5, 1935 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 73 | Loss | 60–6–5 (2) | Larry Gains | PTS | 15 | Jul 20, 1935 | Welford Road Stadium, Leicester, England | Lost world colored heavyweight title |
| 72 | Win | 60–5–5 (2) | George Cook | PTS | 10 | May 8, 1935 | White City, England | |
| 71 | Win | 59–5–5 (2) | Rodolfo Valenti | TKO | 5 (8) | Mar 26, 1935 | Velodrome d'Hiver, Paris, France | |
| 70 | Win | 58–5–5 (2) | Albert Di Meglio | KO | 8 (10) | Mar 15, 1935 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 69 | Win | 57–5–5 (2) | Arthur Meurant | TKO | 1 (10), (0:45) | Feb 15, 1935 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 68 | Win | 56–5–5 (2) | Otto von Porat | UD | 10 | Nov 17, 1934 | Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland | |
| 67 | Loss | 55–5–5 (2) | Gustave Limousin | PTS | 8 | Oct 29, 1934 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 66 | Win | 55–4–5 (2) | Hans Schönrath | RTD | 5 (8) | Sep 13, 1934 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 65 | Win | 54–4–5 (2) | Emil Scholz | TKO | 1 (8) | Sep 3, 1934 | Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France | |
| 64 | Win | 53–4–5 (2) | Giuseppe Sanga | KO | 1 (8) | Jul 25, 1934 | Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France | |
| 63 | Win | 52–4–5 (2) | Italo Colonello | TKO | 2 (8) | Jul 11, 1934 | Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France | |
| 62 | Win | 51–4–5 (2) | Saverio Grizzo | TKO | 2 (10) | Jun 2, 1934 | Pavillon des Sports, Montreux, Switzerland | |
| 61 | Win | 50–4–5 (2) | Saverio Grizzo | KO | 2 (10) | Apr 7, 1934 | Palais des Expositions, Geneva, Switzerland | |
| 60 | Win | 49–4–5 (2) | Maurice Griselle | RTD | 7 (10) | Mar 2, 1934 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 59 | Win | 48–4–5 (2) | Casimir Beszterda | KO | 2 (10) | Feb 19, 1934 | Palais des Sports, Paris, France | |
| 58 | Win | 47–4–5 (2) | Louis Verbeeren | KO | 1 (10) | Feb 2, 1934 | Salle Wagram, Paris, France | |
| 57 | Loss | 46–4–5 (2) | Don "Red" Barry | PTS | 10 | Nov 27, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | Not to be confused with Don "Red" Barry |
| 56 | Win | 46–3–5 (2) | George Godfrey | PTS | 10 | Oct 9, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | Won world colored heavyweight title |
| 55 | Win | 45–3–5 (2) | Salvatore Ruggirello | TKO | 3 (6) | Sep 27, 1933 | Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 54 | Win | 44–3–5 (2) | Humberto Arce | PTS | 6 | Sep 4, 1933 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 53 | Win | 43–3–5 (2) | Sailor Jack Vernon | KO | 1 (8) | Aug 22, 1933 | Shellpot Park, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. | |
| 52 | NC | 42–3–5 (2) | Humberto Arce | NC | 9 (10) | Aug 17, 1933 | Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. | Fight stopped for "stalling" |
| 51 | Win | 42–3–5 (1) | Mickey Taylor | TKO | 2 (10) | Jul 20, 1933 | Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 50 | Win | 41–3–5 (1) | Leonard Dixon | TKO | 2 (6) | Jun 29, 1933 | Leiperville Arena, Leiperville, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 49 | Win | 40–3–5 (1) | Tony Galento | PTS | 10 | Apr 17, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 48 | Win | 39–3–5 (1) | Meyer K.O. Christner | TKO | 4 (10) | Mar 13, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 47 | Win | 38–3–5 (1) | Joe Doctor | KO | 2 (8) | Feb 13, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 46 | Win | 37–3–5 (1) | Larry Crabtree | TKO | 3 (6) | Jan 30, 1933 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 45 | Win | 36–3–5 (1) | Humberto Arce | PTS | 8 | Dec 12, 1932 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 44 | Win | 35–3–5 (1) | Frankie Simms | TKO | 6 (6) | Nov 4, 1932 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 43 | Win | 34–3–5 (1) | Red Tom | KO | 4 (10) | Aug 22, 1932 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 42 | Win | 33–3–5 (1) | Willie Bush | PTS | 12 | Jul 25, 1932 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 41 | Win | 32–3–5 (1) | Ed "Bearcat" Wright | PTS | 10 | Apr 15, 1932 | Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S. | |
| 40 | Win | 31–3–5 (1) | Tiger Henderson | KO | 5 (10) | Apr 12, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 39 | Draw | 30–3–5 (1) | Ed "Bearcat" Wright | PTS | 10 | Apr 5, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 38 | Win | 30–3–4 (1) | Ed "Bearcat" Wright | PTS | 10 | Mar 22, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 29–3–4 (1) | Willie Bush | KO | 7 (10) | Mar 15, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 36 | Draw | 28–3–4 (1) | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | Mar 2, 1932 | Lincoln Park Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 35 | Win | 28–3–3 (1) | Tiger Henderson | KO | 8 (10) | Feb 26, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 34 | Win | 27–3–3 (1) | Big Boy Burlap | TKO | 6 (10) | Feb 17, 1932 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 33 | Win | 26–3–3 (1) | Big Boy Burlap | PTS | 8 | Jan 15, 1932 | Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 32 | Win | 25–3–3 (1) | Eddie Cox | KO | 1 (4), 2:17 | Dec 21, 1931 | New York Coliseum, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 31 | Win | 24–3–3 (1) | Ted Coolidge | TKO | 4 (8) | Nov 20, 1931 | Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 30 | Win | 23–3–3 (1) | K.O. Brown | KO | ? (10) | Sep 14, 1931 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 29 | Win | 22–3–3 (1) | Seldom Heard | KO | 3 (10) | Aug 31, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 28 | NC | 21–3–3 (1) | Willie McGee | NC | 7 (10) | Aug 12, 1931 | Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S. | |
| 27 | Win | 21–3–3 | Roy Clark | PTS | 10 | Jul 27, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 26 | Win | 20–3–3 | George Cheatham | KO | 1 (10) | Jul 20, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 25 | Draw | 19–3–3 | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | Jun 22, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 24 | Win | 19–3–2 | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | May 20, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 23 | Loss | 18–3–2 | Willie Bush | PTS | 10 | Apr 30, 1931 | Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
| 22 | Win | 18–2–2 | Al Walker | PTS | 10 | Apr 24, 1931 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 21 | Win | 17–2–2 | Al Walker | TKO | 7 (10) | Apr 9, 1931 | Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
| 20 | Win | 16–2–2 | Seldom Heard | KO | ? | Mar 26, 1931 | West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | Exact date unknown in March |
| 19 | Draw | 15–2–2 | Seldom Heard | PTS | 10 | Mar 18, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 18 | Win | 15–2–1 | Al Walker | PTS | 10 | Mar 11, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 17 | Win | 14–2–1 | Bob Lawson | PTS | 10 | Mar 6, 1931 | Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S. | |
| 16 | Win | 13–2–1 | Willie McGee | PTS | 10 | Feb 23, 1931 | Punch Bowl, Orlando, Florida, U.S. | |
| 15 | Loss | 12–2–1 | Willie Bush | DQ | 2 (10) | Feb 5, 1931 | Dixie Theatre, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. | Walker DQ'd for hitting Bush after a knockdown |
| 14 | Win | 12–1–1 | Bob Lawson | PTS | 10 | Jan 28, 1931 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 13 | Draw | 11–1–1 | Bob Lawson | NWS | 10 | Dec 31, 1930 | Troy, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 11–1 | Willie McGee | KO | 7 (10) | Dec 17, 1930 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 10–1 | Bob Lawson | NWS | 10 | Dec 8, 1930 | City Auditorium, Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. | |
| 10 | Win | 9–1 | Edward Winston Jr. | KO | 4 (10) | Nov 5, 1930 | City Park Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 9 | Win | 8–1 | Speedy Freeman | RTD | 3 (6) | Jun 17, 1930 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 8 | Win | 7–1 | Charlie King | KO | 6 (6) | May 23, 1930 | 81 Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 7 | Loss | 6–1 | Happy Hunter | PTS | 10 | Feb 3, 1930 | Atlanta Theater, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Speedy Freeman | TKO | 2 (6) | Dec 27, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Battling Bell | KO | 3 (?) | Jul 1, 1929 | Roby's Gymnasium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Sam Jones | TKO | 1 (4) | Jun 7, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Battling Cornell | PTS | 4 | Apr 2, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Battling Cornell | TKO | 5 (6) | Mar 26, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Battling Cornell | PTS | 4 | Feb 15, 1929 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |