Ike Williams vs. Willie Joyce (1st meeting)

Ike Williams 134 lbs lost to Willie Joyce 136 lbs by SD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1944-11-13
• Location: Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Referee: Charley Daggert 4-6
• Judge: Harry Lasky 5-4
• Judge: Lou Tress 3-5

This fight was won by Joyce according to the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin (Jack Kincaid). The Philadelphia Inquirer tabbed Williams the winner.

"Willie Joyce, 136, Gary, Ind., was up to his old trick last night of thumping the favorite as he outpunched and out-maneuvered Ike Williams, 134 3/4, Trenton, N.J., to gain a 10-round split decision at the Arena. Joyce, a 3 to 1 underdog in the betting, used a left jab in ending Williams' 15-bout winning streak and spoiling a promised title shot at NBA lightweight champion Juan Zurita." -United Press

• Despite beating and then losing once again to Joyce in the ensuing months, it was Williams, not Joyce that received the shot at Juan Zurita in April of '45.
• Attendance - 8,926
• Gate - $25,756.84