 His stories are recognized as a Who's Who of athletes, from Olympians to World Boxing Champions, including Wilfred Benitez, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Termite Watkins, Dave "Ziggy" Zyglewicz, many of whom trace their rise to fame over the decades through Joe's stories.McLaughlin began his career at the "Lubbock Avalanche-Journal" in the 1950s.This was followed by stints at the "Abilene Reporter-News" and the "Fort Worth Star Telegram".