1997 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: BOXING / COACHING
Wife: Rose
Daughters: Laurie, Lula, Tracy
Sons: Chris, Patrick, Joe Jr., Ronnie, Tim
Joe was born in Indianola, Mississippi, and came to Flint in 1951. He attended Central High School. One of Joe’s goals is to help rebuild the popularity of boxing in the City of Flint, Michigan. He was one of 24 coaches on the original board of the U.S.A./ABF when the organization became the governing body for amateur boxing in 1981.
Joe retired in 1988 from Chevrolet V-8 Engine Plant. He now spends most of his time training young boxers at the Joe Byrd Boxing Academy, where he serves as president of the board.
FLINT GOLDEN GLOVES:
1958 Novice Light Heavyweight Champion
1960 Light Heavyweight Champion
1961 Open Middleweight Champion
COACHING
1982 Head Coach of P.A.L. Boxing Club
1989 Head Coach of World Championships
1989-90 Became Chairman of National Coaches Committee
1989-91 Head Coach of the World Cup Head Coach for Five World Challenge Events
1990 Named Head Coach of the Goodwill Games Team USA/ABF Coach of the Year
1992 Head Coach of Olympian Games Olympic Selection Committee United States Coach of Year
