Laney Walker in Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker

1921-2000

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

1. Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker Marker

Inscription. Born in Waynesboro, Ga., he moved to Augusta at an early age. Once a shoe shine boy and caddie, he became a boxer extraordinaire, twice winning the New York Boxing Commission's World Light Weight Championship and earning Ring Magazine's Fighter of the Year award. With financial help from legendary golfer Bobby Jones, he turned pro in 1940.

He fought 21 main events at Madison Square Garden, but his most Famous fight pitted him against Bob Montgomery. Dubbed the War Bonds Fight (1944), the Walker-Montgomery fight grossed $36 million, which both fighters, former Army privates, donated to the war effort.

Inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1979 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991, Beau lack ended his career with a pro record of 83 wins (40 of them knockouts), 24 losses. and 5 split decisions.

Erected by The Augusta African American Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Sports • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Georgia - Augusta African-American History Walk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.

Location. 33° 27.959′ N, 81° 58.826′ W. Marker is in Augusta

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, Georgia, in Richmond County. It is in Laney Walker. Marker is on Laney Walker Boulevard east of 13th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Augusta African-American History Walk, in front of A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1324 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frank Garvin Yerby (here, next to this marker); Thelma “Butterfly” McQueen (here, next to this marker); Rev. Jesse Peters Galphin (a few steps from this marker); Atty. Judson Whitlocke Lyons (a few steps from this marker); Carrie J. Mays (a few steps from this marker); Rev. Samuel Butler Wallace (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Channing H. Tobias (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Charles T. Walker (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.

Also see . . .
1. Sidney/Beau Jack Walker (1921-2000). Beau was introduced to the club’s most famous member, golfing champion Bobby Jones. The latter put up $500 and convinced fifty other golfers to put up $50 each to help launch Beau’s boxing career. (Clay Moyle, BlackPast, posted Nov. 3, 2014) (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Beau Jack (Sidney Walker). Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia entry on the boxer, with

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 10, 2023

2. Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker Marker

Featured marker is fifth from the left.

a brief synopsis of his career and a detailed fight record. (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. Beau Jack: The Boxing Life of Sidney Walker, Two-Time Lightweight Champion. Robert A. Mullins' biographical E-book touches on all aspects of Walker's life, including the segregation and racism he endured as a boy; the rise and later fall of his professional boxing career; and his later years post-retirement. (Submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker image. Click for full size.

Undated Publicity Photo (Public Domain)

3. Sidney “Beau Jack” Walker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.