Curtis Sheppard

Curtis Sheppard (born c. 1919) is an American former professional boxer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sheppard was a popular fighter during the 1940s, especially when television technology arrived in his homeland during the late years of that decade. His nickname was "The Hatchetman." As was common during his era, no records of his birthdate, or his death date (if he is dead), are kept.

Sheppard never received a world title shot. He was what in boxing is described as a "journeyman." However, his career had many ups and downs, which made him an interesting boxer for fans to watch. The February 2005 issue of Ring magazine, described him as a "gatekeeper," a fighter who stood in the way of other boxers seeking a title shot.

Sheppard began his career as a professional boxer on September 24, 1938, knocking out Larry White in the first round at Madison Square Garden. His first defeat was on November 1 of that year, against Danny Peal, by decision. Sheppard would win four fights in a row, including one against Herbie Katz, who had an immediate rematch, with Sheppard's winning streak stopped at four, when Katz beat him by decision.

In his next fight, November 18, 1939, Sheppard met the future world Heavyweight champion Jersey Joe Walcott. Sheppard lost that fight by an eight-round decision.

After another win and a loss, he met Tony Musto, another fighter of the era who is remembered for fighting many name boxers. Musto beat Sheppard by a ten-round decision, on July 1, 1940.

Sheppard won three and had one no contest in his next four bouts, including a win over Lee Q. Murray. His no-contest bout was against Elza Thompson, on April 17 of 1941, in Pittsburgh. But then he lost again, by decision to Willie Reddish, eleven days after his fight with Thompson.

In June of that year, he beat Q. Murray; then, on August 2, he lost by decision to future Hall of Famer Jimmy Bivins. Sheppard won five of his next seven fights, until on July 27, 1942, he lost to future world Light Heavyweight champion Joey Maxim, by a ten-round decision. He won two of his next four fights. The two fights he did not win during that span included another no-contest, this time against Hubert Hood, in six rounds.

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