Joey Maxim

Giuseppe Antonio Berardinelli, (March 28 1922 – June 2 2001), was an American boxer. He was a one-time Light Heavyweight champion of the world, famed for his outstanding skill he was considered a weak puncher. He took the ring-name Joey Maxim from the Maxim gun, the world's first self-acting machine gun, based on his ability to rapidly throw a large number of left jabs.

Maxim becomes world champion

It is somewhat surprising that Maxim had to wait so long for a world title shot, he was 28 and had already fought 87 times as a professional, considering his undoubted ability. His chance came on January 24 1950 against British boxer Freddie Mills, who was making his first defence, at London's Earl's Court Exhibition Centre. Maxim, very much the underdog against the popular Englishman, won the fight by knockout in the 10th round. After the fight three of Mills's teeth were found embedded in Maxim's left glove, Mills never fought again.

Related Topics:
January 24 - 1950 - British - Freddie Mills - London - Earl's Court Exhibition Centre - Englishman - Knockout

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Maxim's next major fight was on May 30 1951 when he made a bid for Ezzard Charles's world Heavyweight title, unsurprisingly he was unsuccessful, losing on points.

Related Topics:
May 30 - 1951 - Ezzard Charles - Heavyweight

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~