Just heard via the proverbial grapevine that past welter champion Johnny Saxton was down - but not as yet out - residing at nursery home a victim of “Pugilistic Dementia.”  

Born in Jersey fight town of Newark - early attention came when winning NYC Golden Gloves tourney -  then on May 5, 1949 and nearing age 19, the jump start to a sterling professional career of 55-9-2, 21 KO’s. 

Johnny was out of the gate like a Derby winner with 37 consecutive wins before a draw with heralded welter Wallace “Bud” Smith - he would then follow with wins over Charlie Williams and power punching Joe Miceli before suffering his first career setback via split decision to Philly favorite Gil Turner. 

Mind boggling by today standards the stumbling blocks for a then age 23 kid, with opposition carrying surnames Giardello, (Del) Flannagan, Bratton, prior to the big welter title meeting with Cuban star and defending champion Kid Gavilan. 

They meet on Oct. 24, ‘54 at friendly Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Penna - (Carbo country) - Saxton claims the bauble via unanimous decision - Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer labeled the hack in charge referee with Saxton favoritism. 

Regardless, and back in the 1949-50 era “pound per pound” was still reserved only for Louis, Robinson, Pep - and while Saxton was a good one, most fight fans and print media would never have draped him in that level of recognition. 

Still, the names on the Johnny Saxton resumé glow like precious metal  and speak for itself on how special he was - Carmen Basilio a win and two losses in 1956-57; Gil Turner win/loss; Tony DeMarco who took the crown from Saxton via 14 round TKO; Ralph “Tiger” Jones two decision wins - and the list continues with other headliners of the day. 

All that was yesterday, and today is today - “Pugilistic Dementia” or Alzheimer is as irrelevant to me as a split decision in boxing - the sentence is more than unfair - is criminal in that it steals from its victims. We all have loved ones and friends that have traveled that final journey without a clue. 

Yes, the label caretaker is worn by stranger and kin alike to the unknowing victim no longer able to care for themselves. 

God Bless Johnny Saxton - Welterweight Champion of the world.

Editor's Note: We have received information that Mr. Saxton can be visited at the Edward J. Healey Rehab and Nursing Center, which is located at 1200 45th St., Mangonia Park, FL. Their telephone number is (561) 842 – 6111.