[2] While based in Philadelphia, he twice fought future world light-heavyweight champ Battling Levinsky in 1912, scoring no decisions in both fights.
Palmer declared himself the World Colored Welterweight Champion in 1912 after fighting Young Tommy Coleman to a no-decision in a six-round bout in New York City on 26 September 1912.
In his next fight, on 1 May 1915, Palmer won the World Colored Middleweight Championship by K.O.ing Willie Langford in the 14th round of a scheduled 20-round bout in New Orleans.
Palmer successfully defended his Colored Middleweight Title twice against Young Kid McCoy, once in 1915 and once in 1916, winning both fights by knock out.
Another comeback attempt in 1928, in which he fought USA Arizona State light-heavyweight title holder Owen Phelps in Comiskey Park, ended in a loss.