Joe Salas

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameJoseph "Joe"•Salas
Used nameJoe•Salas
Born23 December 1903 in Los Angeles, California (USA)
Died11 June 1987 in Carlsbad, California (USA)
AffiliationsLAAC, Los Angeles (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Joe Salas won the National AAU title in 1924, which also served as the Olympic trials. Also chosen to represent the U.S. as a featherweight was Salas’ good friend, and Los Angeles AC clubmate, Jackie Fields. At the Paris Olympics both Fields and Salas won their preliminary matches easily and met in the finals. It was a very close fight, but Fields was given the decision in three rounds. After the verdict was given the two fighters embraced in the ring while two American flags were raised. Back in the United States public interest demanded another fight between the two friends. Again Fields defeated Salas in their last amateur fight. They turned professional and debuted against one another in late 1924 – with Fields again winning, this time a 10-round decision. Joe Salas continued to fight professionally for several years but he never lived up to his initial promise.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1924 Summer Olympics Boxing USA Joe Salas
Featherweight, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver