Ezzard Charles

Born: 1921
Died: 1975
Bouts: 122
Won: 96
Lost: 25
Drew: 1
KOs: 59
Induction: 1990

Ezzard Charles was a great boxer who fought many great competitors such as Teddy Yarosz, Charley Burley, Joey Maxim, and defeated Jersey Joe Walcott. He also defeated a aged Joe Louis by a decision.  Even though he was a tough competitor he lacked a knockout punch which made his reign as title holder brief. 

Ezzard began his career after serving in the army in 44 and 45.  He began as a light heavyweight after WWII.  After beating Jersey Joe Walcott for the title he then lost it after a short title reign to Walcott after a 15 round decision.  Charles tried to regain the title in two different matches but failed to win.

Charles later retired in 1956 but then tried to return again in 58 but lost 4out 6 fights over a two year period.  So after that he retired again for good this time.  Later in life he because ill with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and died 9 years later in 1975.  Out of the 122 bouts he fought he won 96, 58 b y knockout and he lost 25, 7 by knockout and 1 draw.

References

Georgia Informer. (2004) Many great Georgia born athletes are not in the Hall of Fame.  Retrieved from www.georgiainformer.com.

No author.  No year.  Enshrinees.  Retrieved from www.ibhof.com. 

Hickok, Ralph.  (2002).  Sports BIO.  Retrieved from www.Hickoksports.com.