Boxing in the 1950s beaten by Pérez), won Japan's first world title, and Hogan Bassey won the first belt for Nigeria. Popular American fighters in the 1950s proved legendary: Sugar Ray Robinson would still win (and lose) world titles, Rocky Marciano became the only heavyweight world champion in history to retire with perfect record. Jersey Joe Walcott the oldest heavyweight champion (until George Foreman regained the title in 1994), Archie Moore broke the all-time knockout record as well as the record for the oldest champion, at 48, for "any" division, Ezzard Charles proved to be a reliable substitute for Joe Louis as heavyweight champ,
Barbados Joe Walcott slight lead over Jackson, as his blows to the head and neck of his opponent were not landing with much force. Walcott had previously fought Jackson twice in the winter of 1902 to a win and a draw. On April 4, 1904 Walcott defended his title against black contender Dixie Kid. He was winning the fight handily when the referee disqualified Walcott for no apparent reason in the final seconds of the 20th round. "Duck Sullivan", the referee, was a last minute replacement, and Walcott protested the choice before the bout began. In the one sided contest, Walcott appeared to