James Braddock vs. Joe Louis ~ June 22, 1937 ~ 'The Skinny'

[Bill Paxtom]

Joe Louis

1937 Sparring Partners
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Roy Lazer ~ {Age; 25} ~ 6' 1" ~ 190 lbs. ~ {Paterson, New Jersey}
* Record > 45-7-3 {19 KO's}

Strictly a boxer/mover, and also a good counter-puncher. Brought in to help with
Joe's footwork.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George Williams ~ {Age; 22} ~ 6' 5" ~ 220 lbs. ~ {Chicago, Illinois}
* Record > 5-0-0 {3 KO's}

Called 'The Giant Negro'. A big, young and strapping prospect. Strictly used as a mauler,
to help Joe with stamina and endurance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tiger Hairston ~ {Age; 24} ~ 6' 1" ~ 180 lbs. ~ {Wheeling, West Virginia}
Record > 22-4-2 {12 KO's}

A good boxer/puncher, who had quick hands and slick footwork. He was used to help
Joe in 'Cutting-off-the-Ring', and setting traps.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Salvatore Ruggirello ~ {Age; 31} ~ 6' 1" ~ 200 lbs. ~ {Tunis, Tunisia}
Record > 29-52-0 {23 KO's}

Called, the Italian 'Bocce Ball'. A durable punching-bag. Used to give Joe 'Rounds in the Ring'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George Higgs ~ {Age; 22} ~ 6' 2 1/2"" ~ 170 lbs. ~ {Florida, by way of New York City}
Record > 3-5-1 {2 KO's}

Nothing more than a body, to help with Joe's timing and left-jab. Was tall enough to present
someone like Braddock's height.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George 'Nickels' Nicholson ~ {Age; 24} ~ 6' 1" ~ 192 lbs. ~ {Yonkers, New York}
Record > 6-4-0 {5 KO's}

Another young 'body' to take punishment.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leonard 'Tree' Dixon ~ {Age; 29} ~ 6' 7" ~ 215 lbs. ~ {Philadelphia, Pennsylvania}
Record > 14-14-1 {8 KO's}

A tall fighter, who had long arms. Another fighter to imitate the tall stance of James Braddock,
to help Joe Louis with his left-jab.