Joey Maxim

Joey Maxim, born Giuseppe Antonio Berardinelli on March 28th, 1922, had an impressive professional boxing career that spanned over 17 years. In his 115 fights, he managed 82 wins, including 21 via knockout, 4 draws and NO no-contests. Maxim also won 4 total title fights with 2 defenses and 2 of those wins coming via KO. Although he did suffer 29 losses in his career as a professional boxer, he achieved a great deal and placed himself in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994.

Maxim's debut into the professional boxing world was successful, winning against Bobby Berry at just 18 years old. His first title fight came after 83 bouts, defeating Gus Lesnevich via unanimous decision to become the light-heavyweight champion of the world. Maxim won one world title at light-heavyweight, and a highlight of his career was defending it against the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson via 14th round RTD. Maxim fought a total of 115 times during his professional career and put on some great performances, some of which we'll look at in more detail.

Some of Maxim's notable victories came against four hall-of-famers including Floyd Patterson, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jimmy Bivins and Jersey Joe Walcott, however, he did suffer some setbacks along the way. Maxim suffered his first loss against Orlando Trotter via a split-decision in just his 8th professional fight. He lost 28 times via decision and suffered one loss via KO. Let's take a closer look at some of Maxim's career highlights as well as some of his losses.

May 23rd, 1949: First World Title

One of Maxim's career highlights happened when he was 27 years old. Maxim won his first world title, defeating Gus Lesnevich via a 15 round unanimous decision. This win made him the NBA light-heavyweight world champion. The victory came after 83 professional fights and several years of hard work, effort and dedication that was invested into Maxim's career as a professional boxer. It was a moment that he and his fans would never forget.

May 30th, 1951: Heavyweight Loss to Ezzard Charles

Maxim's heavyweight loss to Ezzard Charles on May 30th, 1951, was a sad moment for the boxer and his supporters. Although the loss was a setback, it was nothing compared to the successes that he had already achieved in his professional boxing career. Maxim was fighting for the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles against the heavyweight champion of the world at the time. Although he lost via a unanimous decision, it was still a great fight, and he continued to show his greatness and durability.

June 25th, 1952: Victory over Sugar Ray Robinson

Joey Maxim successfully defended his NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles against the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson on June 25th, 1952, in what was a great moment in his career. Maxim won the fight via 14th round RTD, and the win served as a testament to how strong he was as a boxer. Maxim had achieved an extraordinary amount in his career, and this victory only added to his great reputation as a fighter.

Orlando Trotter: The First Loss of Maxim's Career

Maxim's career was not always a fairy tale, and he experienced some losses along the way. In Maxim's 8th professional fight, he lost via a split-decision to Orlando Trotter on February 17th, 1941. Although this was a setback early in his career, Maxim persevered and became one of the greatest light-heavyweight boxers the world has ever seen.

All of Joey Maxim's Losses

Although Joey Maxim's professional boxing career was exceptional, he did suffer 29 losses in his career. His first loss was mentioned above, but it is essential to look at all of his losses to get an overall picture of his career. Maxim lost four title bouts and 25 non-title bouts. He was stopped once and lost 28 times by decision. Despite these losses, Maxim continued to press on, and he was determined to succeed in the boxing ring, which he did ultimately.

Retirement from Professional Boxing

Joey Maxim retired from professional boxing with a record of 82-29-4, which was a great achievement for anyone. His last professional fight was a non-title bout against Ulli Ritter on May 17th, 1958, which he lost via 10 round PTS. Despite this loss, Maxim had accomplished a great deal in his 17-year career, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest light-heavyweight fighters of all time.

Conclusion

From his first professional fight to his last, Joey Maxim was an extraordinary boxer who accomplished a great deal in his career. With 82 wins, 29 losses, and 4 draws, Maxim was a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Although he suffered some setbacks along the way, these only added to his greatness as a boxer. Regardless of whether Maxim won or lost a fight, he always displayed exemplary effort and sportsmanship, which is something that all boxers should aspire to emulate.

In the end, Joey Maxim's career serves as an inspiration to aspiring light-heavyweight boxers everywhere. He was a true professional who always gave his all, and his determination and perseverance earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. Maxim's career will always be remembered as one of the greats in boxing history.

Joey Maxim Fight Record