The story of Augusta-born boxer Bennie Briscoe could be that of Philadelphia s Rocky, if the beloved movie tough guy had never won the big fight.
Born in 1943, Briscoe left Georgia at 16 with few fond memories, except that he once caddied for President Dwight D. Eisenhower at Augusta National Golf Club and was tipped $100.
He went to Philadelphia, found work with the streets department (initially killing rats) and kept at his day job for the next 40 years.
His night job became boxing, and the man they called Bad Bennie was very good.
In a career from 1966 to 1982, he won 66 times with 53 knockouts, lost 25 times and had five draws.