Boxing
The List: The 10 Worst Decisions in Boxing History
8. Joe Louis def. Jersey Joe Walcott
December 5, 1947
Madison Square Garden; New York, New York
The heavyweight champion Louis, a 10-1 favorite over the 33-year-old challenger, fought Walcott in front of 18,000 fans in Madison Square Garden and retained his title after 15 rounds. He was knocked down by Jersey Joe twice in the first four rounds and many felt he was beaten convincingly in this fight.
Louis was awarded with a split decision, and was serenaded by boos from the crowd. Walcott would recount years later that Louis apologized to him for the controversial decision. Jersey Joe would also say that Louis had wanted to leave the ring but his handlers insisted on him staying in there.
A rematch was scheduled between the two, and Louis successfully defended his title against Walcott in Yankee Stadium, knocking Walcott out in the late rounds after trailing in the scorecards early.
