Joe Alexander: A Look Back At A Tough As Nails Heavyweight

By Jim Amato

He had less than twenty professional fights but for anyone who followed the heavyweight division in the 1970’s, they will not forget Joe Alexander. In twelve victories he scored ten knockouts. This guy could bang!

This New Yorker turned pro in 1968. He was short for a heavyweight at 5’9″. In his second bout he suffered a one round KO defeat. Hey I didn’t say he had Jake LaMotta’s chin…In 1969, as a substitute he was halted by the capable Hal Carroll. No shame there. He came back in 1972 and in 1973 Joe outscored rugged veteran Leroy Caldwell. Two months later he shook up the heavyweight division with a shocking one round blitz of Jose Luis Garcia.

In 1974 he was put in as a “tune up” for the highly ranked Jerry Quarry. Joe didn’t read the script. Jerry was as tough as they come and he had a great chin. In the first round though Joe floored Jerry and he was lucky to get up and survive the round. Jerry showed his pluck in round two as he gathered himself to halt Joe. Nevertheless Alexander had made a statement.

Alexander would win three straight by one round knockouts. He followed that with a two round victory. Then he outscored tough journeyman G.G.Maldonado. Joe then went to Las Vegas where he dropped a ten rounder to talented Kevin Issac. Alexander would lose decisions in 1979 and 1981 and retire. His final ledger was 12-7. He may not have been a top contender but he was a dangerous man.