The year 1919 marked a period of recovery for Southampton following the Great War, fostering a strong sense of local pride . Boxing had become a popular sport, and Southampton's own Joe Beckett was a national hero. 

On the evening of December 4, 1919, a crowd of 10,000 people gathered outside the Daily Echo office in Above Bar, Southampton, anxiously awaiting news of Beckett's fight against France's Georges Carpentier for the European heavyweight championship. 

In an era before widespread home wireless sets, the Daily Echo served as a vital link to the unfolding event in London. 

The mood was one of confidence, with Beckett seen as the favourite against his opponent, described by some as "the weedy Frenchman". 

Even the trams stopped as the crowd watched slides of the boxers on a screen before the fight began.

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Born in Wickham in 1892, Joe Beckett's boxing career began in fairground booths, an unconventional training ground that honed his fighting instincts. 

He gained a reputation for toughness, with one booth owner offering £5 to anyone who could last three rounds against him. 

By January 1919, Beckett had won the British Heavyweight Championship, setting the stage for his European title challenge.

His impressive record leading up to the fight reflected his journey to the national stage.

Georges Carpentier, in contrast, was already an international boxing star by 1919. 

Known as "The Orchid Man," he was a four-weight European champion . His titles included French welterweight (1911), European middleweight (1912), European light heavyweight (1913), and European heavyweight (1913) . 

His record before facing Beckett showcased his experience and knockout power.  

However, Southampton was confident in Beckett's victory, with betting odds heavily in his favour. But London sporting writers presented a more divided view, with some favoring Carpentier's skill.  

A large crowd gathered at Holborn Stadium in London, while in Southampton, 10,000 people waited outside the Daily Echo office for updates. 

The newspaper's screen broadcast the fight's progress, highlighting its importance in disseminating news at the time.

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Carpentier won the coin toss. 

Just 74 seconds after the bell, the news flashed on the Daily Echo screen: "Beckett down to a rapid right and is counted out!" 

Other reports indicated the fight ended even quicker, with a swift right-hand punch from Carpentier .  

The Southampton crowd was stunned and sorrowful at the news of Beckett's defeat. They gradually dispersed, while in London, Carpentier's supporters celebrated his victory. 

Beckett had reportedly announced his retirement before the fight. 

The event was widely covered in newspapers like the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail as well as The Daily Echo.  

After the loss to Carpentier, Beckett continued boxing until 1923. 

He defeated Bombardier Billy Wells in February 1919 to win the British Heavyweight Championship . 

He regained the title in June 1919 and held it until his retirement. 

In 1922, he won the British Empire Heavyweight Title against George Cook.

Carpentier retained his European Heavyweight title and became a celebrated figure. He won the World Light-Heavyweight Championship in 1920 . 

His most famous fight was against Jack Dempsey for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1921, the first million-dollar gate fight. 

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Carpentier lost in the fourth round. 

He fought Beckett again in 1923, winning by first-round knockout. 

Carpentier retired in 1927 with a record of 89 wins, 15 losses, and 6 draws . 

After retiring, Beckett married, had five children, and became a familiar figure in Southampton. 

He retired to his home in Winchester Road, before moving to 22 Shanklin Road.

He invested his earnings and enjoyed horse racing and golf. 

However, he became involved with the British Union of Fascists in the late 1930s and he and his wife were interned as a security measure. After nine months they were released as being no longer a security risk.

He passed away in 1965.

Although Beckett won 31 of 39 title fights, his two crushing defeats to Carpentier earned him the moniker "The Horizontal Heavyweight."

The 1919 fight between Beckett and Carpentier was a significant event for Southampton and the boxing world. While Beckett's defeat was a disappointment, the fight highlighted the town’s togetherness and The Daily Echo's coverage underscored the importance of newspapers in that era.