Obituary of Joseph Bernard Archer

Joseph 'Joey' Archer, 87, of Rensselaer, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25, 2025. Known in the boxing community as "Irish" Joey Archer, he was born in The Bronx, NY to Daniel and Anna Archer on February 10, 1938. Joey began his boxing career as an amateur at the age of 17 and competed in the finals of the prestigious Golden Gloves in 1955 thus rising quickly to become one of the greatest middleweight fighters of his time. With a record of 45 wins, 8 knock outs and 4 losses, he was notorious for his quick hands, accurate punches, excellent balance, and strategic thinking. Most recognized for the crushing defeat of "Sugar" Ray Robinson that forced Robinson into retirement, his other celebrated victories included Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Dick Tiger, Holly Mims, and Jose Gonzalez. Always a fan favorite amongst the Irish community in NYC, he consistently drew crowds at Madison Square Garden. Joey fought in the middleweight championship twice against Emile Griffith. His first middleweight championship on July 13, 1966, was a most memorable one, ending with extreme controversy with the referee ruling a draw and eventually the judges giving the win to Griffith. January 23, 1967, Archer returned and lost. He retired after losing his last 3 fights and was inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005. His other professions outside of boxing were being an actor on the TV series "Route 66" amongst other acting roles and owning various bars in NYC. Joseph is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Joan Eileen Archer, his brother James "Jimmy", and sister Patricia (deceased). He had the love of many nieces and nephews, Raymond, Stephen, Renee, Lee, and their many children.