If you followed heavyweight boxing in the 1990s like I did, you knew NDN All-Star #24 Joe Hipp (Blackfeet) was the kind of fighter you couldn’t ignore. He wasn’t the most talked-about name, and he didn’t have the hype machine behind him, but he had something far more important—grit, power, and an ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the toughest fighters of his era. Over the course of a career that spanned nearly two decades, Hipp left his mark on the sport, proving time and again that he was as tough as they come.
The Making of a Fighter
Joe Hipp’s journey to the ring started far from the glitz and glamour of boxing’s biggest stages. Born in Browning, Montana, and a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation, Hipp’s path wasn’t paved with easy opportunities. He didn’t come from a famous boxing lineage, and he didn’t have the early backing that many of his peers did. What he did have was an undeniable will to fight and the kind of work ethic that made him dangerous from the start.
Hipp turned pro in 1987, grinding his way through the regional boxing scene and making a name for himself as a relentless competitor. He wasn’t flashy, but he didn’t need to be. He was a fighter in the purest sense, taking on all comers and proving himself the hard way—through action, not words.
Climbing the Ranks
From the late 1980s into the early 1990s, Hipp built an impressive record, facing some of the toughest fighters of his generation. He didn’t always get the easy fights, and he didn’t always get the benefit of the doubt from boxing promoters, but he let his fists do the talking.
One of his most memorable early fights came in 1992 against NDN All-Star #39 Tommy Morrison (Ponca/Otoe), a rising star in the heavyweight division. The fight was a brutal back-and-forth war, the kind that fans still talk about. Hipp took Morrison to his limit, battering him with relentless pressure. He had Morrison hurt multiple times, and for a moment, it looked like he might pull off the upset. But Morrison, known for his knockout power, managed to rally and stop Hipp in the ninth round. It was a loss, but it was the kind that earned Hipp respect. He had given Morrison everything he could handle, proving he could stand with the best in the division. (You can see more about this fight here..)
The Heavyweight Contender
By the mid-90s, Hipp had fought his way into legitimate title contention. He was never handed easy fights, and he had the scars to show for it. He fought through injuries, setbacks, and the politics of the boxing world to earn his shot at the WBA heavyweight title in 1995 against Bruce Seldon. This became the first time a Native American fighter challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship. Though he came up short, suffering a TKO loss due to severe facial injuries, his performance once again showcased the heart and determination that defined his career. (You can see this historic bout here…)
But his career didn’t end there. Unlike many fighters who fade away after a title shot loss, Hipp kept grinding. He knew he still had fights left in him, and he proved it in 1999 when he captured the WBF heavyweight title. It might not have been one of the sport’s major world championships, but it was a testament to his longevity and refusal to give up on his goals.
A Fighter’s Fighter
Joe Hipp wasn’t the kind of heavyweight who relied on highlight-reel knockouts or flashy soundbites to make his name. He was a throwback—a fighter who showed up, put in the work, and never backed down from a challenge. Over the course of his career, he faced a long list of dangerous opponents, always willing to take on tough fights where others might have looked for easier paths.
His ability to absorb punishment and keep coming forward made him a fan favorite. He didn’t have the chiseled physique of some of his opponents, but once the bell rang, none of that mattered. He was relentless, durable, and always willing to leave everything in the ring. His record, filled with wars against top-tier heavyweights, speaks for itself.
The Legacy of Joe Hipp
When you talk about great Native American athletes, Joe Hipp’s name belongs in the discussion. He wasn’t just a skilled boxer—he was a pioneer. As the first Native American to fight for a world heavyweight title, he opened doors for others and showed that a fighter from a reservation could make it to the top of the sport. (You can see his complete professional boxing record here…)
After hanging up his gloves, Hipp remained involved in boxing, mentoring young fighters and giving back to his community. He understood the struggles of those trying to make it in a sport that isn’t always fair, and he made it a point to help guide the next generation.
Hipp’s career wasn’t built on hype or shortcuts. It was built on toughness, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in himself. He wasn’t just a contender—he was a warrior, a fighter who proved that heart and determination could take you to the highest levels of the sport.
NDN All-Star #24 Joe Hipp may not have held the biggest titles, but he earned something just as valuable: respect. And in the fight game, that’s everything.
Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present. He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.
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