Jonny Walker

Johnny Walker (1 January 1819, in England – 18 September 1888, in London, England) was a lightweight bare-knuckle boxer. He weighed around 133 pounds, and stood 5' 5 ½" (Some sources report 5' 8").

Early life Walker was born with the name Johnny Badman. He was given his name by the great boxer Peter Crawley who owned a boxing school.

Boxing career We first hear of Walker's pugilistic career when he challenged Jack Hannan for the Lightweight Championship of England. The contest was held on 1 November 1838 in Oxfordshire. Walker was defeated in 31 rounds and 2 hours and 54 minutes. He again challenged Hannan for the title on 2 April 1839 near Newmarket. This time Walker was defeated in 39 rounds and 3 hours and 48 minutes, after his shoulder was dislocated after a heavy throw.

In 1841, Hannan lost his championship to Johnny Broome, who then retired from the ring in 1842. Following his losses to Hannan, Walker defeated W. Jones on 2 June 1841, Fred Mason on 18 January 1842 and Ned Adams on 5 July 1842. The great fighter did have a son, Tommy Walker, who was also a pugilist.