World Champion Boxer
Born in Tuttle, Okla 1913
Few athletes from small towns ever reached the heights achieved by Rollie Thurman “Junior” Munsell Jr., a Chickasaw boxer whose talent carried him from local boxing rings to national recognition.
Junior was born May 30, 1913, in Tuttle, Oklahoma, to Rolla Thurman “Rollie T” Munsell and Sina Walden Munsell (Chickasaw), daughter of Hosea and Susie Waldon.
He was the grandson of Hosea Waldon (Chickasaw), (son of Thomas Waldon), and Susie Alexander Waldon (Chickasaw), daughter of Ephram and Jennie Alexander, whose families are deeply rooted in the Waldon Township and Town of Tuttle. (2, 6)
Being from Tuttle Junior became a source of local pride. Residents often traveled to Oklahoma City to watch him compete, following the progress of one of their hometown athletes as he rose through the boxing ranks. (6)
Junior attended Chilocco Indian School in Chilocco, Oklahoma, where he excelled in both football and boxing. For four years he was a key member of the Chilocco boxing team, helping the school win multiple Missouri Valley AAU Championships between 1932 and 1935. During those years, he earned individual championships at 160 pounds in 1932 and 1933, 175 pounds in 1934, and as Heavyweight Champion in 1935. (2,3)
In 1934 “Junior” entered the Oklahoma Boxing Tournament. Competing in the light-heavyweight division, he reached the finals after drawing only three opponents in the original pairings. He was scheduled to face Lill Boyer of Oklahoma City, but Boyer failed to appear. Instead, Junior met Gordon Smythe of the Tulsa Drum Corps in the championship bout. After giving Smythe a tough battle in the opening round, Munsell scored a knockout in the second round to capture the state title. (6)
As an amateur boxer, Junior compiled an impressive record of 63 wins, 13 losses, and 34 knockouts, earning a reputation as one of Oklahoma’s finest amateur fighters. (2)
In 1936, Munsell turned professional and began a career that would span more than 100 bouts across the United States. Fighting in the heavyweight division until 1942, he faced some of the era’s leading contenders. (2)
Among his notable opponents was Babe Hunt (Alvin Earl Hunt), who was born in Childress, Texas, in 1908. Hunt’s professional career stretched from 1926 to 1942, during which he fought 133 bouts, winning 89 and recording 10 draws. (5)
Junior also faced Max Baer (Maximilian Adelbert Baer Sr.), born February 11, 1909, in Omaha, Nebraska. Baer competed professionally from 1929 to 1941 and was famous for his aggressive style, colorful personality, and devastating punching power. Often regarded as possessing one of the hardest right hands in heavyweight boxing history, Baer finished his career with 71 victories in 84 bouts, including 53 knockouts. He was also known for using the cross-armed defensive guard later adopted by heavyweight champions such as George Foreman. (5)
The pinnacle of Junior’s boxing career came on October 4, 1938, when he won the Indian Heavyweight Boxing Championship of the World Belt. The championship was recognized by the National Boxing Association and awarded by Ring Magazine. The belt was personally presented to Munsell by Nat Fleisher, founder and editor of Ring Magazine. (2)
During World War II, Junior served in the United States Marine Corps from February 3, 1943, to December 1943 as a Private First Class in Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines. While serving, he used his boxing experience as a boxing instructor for fellow Marines. (4, 2)
Following the war, Munsell remained active in both boxing and community life. His achievements were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Athletic Hall of Fame on August 7, 1976. (2)
Today, Rollie Thurman “Junior” Munsell Jr. is remembered as an accomplished athlete. His success in the ring, his service to his country, and his representation of Chickasaw heritage earned him a respected place in both Oklahoma sports history and Native American athletic history.
References
1. Rootsweb – Rollie T “Junior” MUNSELL\Annabelle COLLIER (MRIN:2454)
2. American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame – aiahof.com – American Indian Hall of Fame
3. BoxRec – Junior Munsell – BoxRec
4. 1-24thmarines.com – Rollie T. Munsell – 1-24thmarines.com
5. Max Baer (boxer) – Wikipedia
6. Tuttle Times articles from the 1930s, available through Newspapers.com