June 5, 1952 – It is sports television history that occurred on this date! The first national telecast of an athletic event took place when the Jersey Joe Walcott versus Ezzard Charles heavyweight boxing title bout hit the airwaves. The fight went 15 rounds with Walcott retaining his belt by taking the decision over Charles.
Charles was somber after the bout, disappointed he had lost, but his trainer Ray Arcel insinuated that the referee was out to get Ezzard all evening in the close match. Accusations that the ref wiped away gunk placed on a cut over the fighter’s eye and telling him to keep his punches up while not doing the same for the Champ were flowing from Arcel in the dressing room post-fight.
Jersey Joe fought professionally from 1930 through 1953 and held the Heavy Weight title from 1951 to 1952. A late bloomer he set the record for the oldest man to win the title, at the age of 37.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Sports History On This Day: June 3
June 3, 1937 – One of the most prolific power hitters of all time, Josh
Sports History On This Day: June 2
June 2, 1935 – All good things must come to an end, in fact even
Aaron Tallent: A Seasoned Communications Professional Shares Some Football Stories
Aaron Tallent rides shotgun in the DeLorean to take us back to the days
Sports History On This Day: June 1
June 1, 1923 – The New York Giants did something no one had done before
Sports History On This Day: May 31
May 31, 1930 – At the famous St. Andrews Links in Scotland during the British
Concussions & CTE: Suggestions to Improve These Terrible Injuries
One of the biggest topics of conversation in football these days is concussions and
Sports History On This Day: May 30
May 30, 1955 – Sadness gripped the large Indianapolis 500 crowd during the big race.
Sports History On This Day: May 29
May 29, 1971 – Happy birthday to Al Unser Sr.! The driver gave himself a