Riddles part 3

[CutMeMick]

Give it a try...

Emile Griffith by palmerq
A) I come from pride and hope and I've carried that with me throughout my 100+ fights. I'm #1 in the place I come from the person closest to me could never get off the ground and fly to my greatness. I guess you can say my introduction to the ring was by coincidence. I took my shirt off and next thing you know I'm in a ring. I did well as amateur so I turned pro. I lost 2 fights early on but that didn't bother me. I racked up some solid wins beating an indigenous fella, after that you can say I tamed two distant cousins. I then faced the ugliest guy around and left him looking worst.
Hint1: I'm recognized as a 2 division champ but technically I won 3.

Who Am I?

Joe Walcott by IamInuit
B) To explain where I come from you'd have to go back to the 1800's as it's difficult to explain. So to make it general I'll say south america. I was born near a long river. Don't let my height fool you I threw leather around with whomever they put infront of me which is why I was given such a dark nickname. Some of the opponents I faced you can't even find a complete record or full name but that's not to say I didn't face the best. In my first shot at the title a stupid agreement my manager made possibly cost me the win. I tried again for the title and the kid stopped me this time around. As I fought towards another shot I beat a mysterious looking guy as well as a young one. I finally captured a world title winning via 5th rd TKO.
Hint1: I drew twice after that and lost twice. One of the loses was to one of Philadelphias finest.

Who Am I?