Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 27, 1994 TAG: 9402270122
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: D-13 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Walcott, whose real name was Arnold Cream, died Friday night at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, N.J. He was 80.
Walcott lost six heavyweight title fights, more than any man in history, although he had two memorable bouts with Joe Louis. Many observers thought Walcott won the first.
"He was one of the finest technicians in heavyweight boxing history," said Eddie Futch, who trained Louis, who for many years stood between Walcott and the title.
Walcott was a little more than 37 years, 6 months old when his time came - on July 7, 1951, at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. He knocked out Ezzard Charles with a left hook in the seventh round to become champion.
Walcott also was a referee. His most famous assignment was the fight in Lewiston, Maine, in 1965, when Ali, then Cassius Clay, won for the second time against Sonny Liston. Liston went down in the first round and was counted out by the timekeeper. Walcott, confused, let the fight continue. But Nat Fleischer, founder of Ring Magazine, shouted to Walcott and he stopped the bout.
Walcott also served as chairman of the New Jersey State Boxing Commission, retiring in 1984. Earlier, he had been sheriff of Camden County.
Walcott was born Arnold Raymond Cream in Merchantville, N.J., on Jan. 31, 1914.
Walcott, whose father was from Barbados, took his fighting name from Joe Walcott, the great welterweight champion known as the Barbados Demon.
Walcott is survived by six children, in addition to grandchildren and great grandchildren.
by CNB