Birth Name: Sidney Walker
Nickname: “The Georgia Peach”
Birthplace: Augusta, Georgia, USA
Weight Class: Lightweight
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Record: 83 – 24 – 5 (40 KOs)
Years Active: 1940 – 1955
Biography
Beau Jack was one of the most popular and exciting fighters of the 1940s — a two-time World Lightweight Champion whose fast-paced, crowd-pleasing style made him a Madison Square Garden favorite. Born Sidney Walker, he worked as a shoeshine boy in Augusta before being discovered by the wealthy Mrs. Herbert Pulitzer, who financed his training and launch into the professional ranks.
Known for his aggression and willingness to brawl, Beau Jack captured his first world title in 1942, lost it to Bob Montgomery, then regained it in 1944 — part of one of the most celebrated trilogies in lightweight history. He fought nearly every top contender of his era and was revered for his energy, humility, and ability to fill arenas.
After retiring, Beau Jack’s life came full circle; he returned to shining shoes in his hometown, becoming a symbol of humility and perseverance. His legacy as a fan favorite and working-class hero remains one of the most heartfelt stories in boxing.
Beau Jack in the Hobby
Beau Jack’s card history is brief but significant, marking his peak popularity during the late 1940s and early 1950s — the transition between the postwar and television boxing eras.
Rookie & Early Issues
1948 – Leaf Boxing (USA): Widely regarded as Beau Jack’s true rookie card. The bright color palette and bold typography make it one of the more eye-catching cards in the Leaf set.
1951 – Topps Ringside (USA): His only major Topps issue, featuring a sharp in-ring photograph and mid-century boxing card design.
1956 – Hemmets Journal (Sweden): Scarce post-retirement European issue recognizing him as a former world champion.
Registry Metadata
Earliest Issue: 1948 Leaf Boxing (USA)
Rookie Year: 1948
First Mainstream U.S. Card: 1948 Leaf Boxing
Key Sets: 1948 Leaf, 1951 Topps Ringside, 1956 Hemmets Journal
Grading Rarity:
– 1948 Leaf: PSA population ≈ 70; PSA 8 examples rarely offered
– 1951 Ringside: PSA population ≈ 100; typically PSA 5–7 range due to centering
Recent Notable Sales:
– 1948 Leaf (PSA 8) — $2,100 (2024)
– 1951 Ringside (PSA 7) — $1,050 (2023)
Legacy
Beau Jack was the people’s champion — a fighter who embodied joy, grit, and entertainment every time he entered the ring. His rivalry with Bob Montgomery defined an era of sold-out Garden crowds and high-action bouts.
For collectors, Beau Jack’s 1948 Leaf rookie is a symbol of resilience and heart — a vivid piece of boxing Americana that honors the shoeshine boy who became a two-time world champion and forever The Georgia Peach.
