Fight by Fight: Ezzard Charles

[HomicideHenry]

Without question the greatest Light Heavyweight of all-time despite never holding the title. He was an outstanding amateur before turning pro winning championship's at welterweight and middleweight. Prior to fighting Heavyweight ('47 against Elmer Ray) he had a record of 47 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw; avenging the majority of those losses.

From the Elmer Ray fight ('47) onwards until losing the Heavyweight title in '51 he went 24-2-0. His loss to Ray he'd avenge in 1948. Following his championship, he went 24-19 finally retiring in 1959.

Among the great wins in his illustrious career were Charley Burley (twice), Archie Moore (trice), Jimmy Bivins (trice), Joey Maxim (five), Gus Lesnevich, Jersey Joe Walcott (trice), Joe Louis, and Lloyd Marshall (twice).

Unfortunately this great legendary man wound up like so many people in the business, forced to stay longer than they should. He'd become one of the most visible faces in the fight against Lou Gherig's Disease as he became the spokesman for the cause in the late 60s and early 70s.

[HomicideHenry]

Walcott vs Charles IV



Ezzard Charles vs Walcott III



Ezzard Charles vs Joey Maxim
1951



Ezzard Charles vs Lee Oma
1951



Ezzard Charles vs Joe Walcott II



Ezzard Charles vs Joe Louis
1950



Ezzard Charles vs Pat Valentino
1949



Ezzard Charles vs Gus Lesnevich
1949



Ezzard Charles vs Walcott I
1949

Unfortunately cannot find film of Charles's fight with Freddie Beshore

[HomicideHenry]

Ezzard Charles vs Bernie Reynolds



Ezzard Charles vs Lloyd Marshall (2)



Ezzard Charles vs Harold Johnson



Charles vs Wallace



Charles vs Satterfield



Charles vs Bivins



Charles vs Norkus



Charles vs Layne (1)



Charles vs Holman (2)

[HomicideHenry]

One of the greatest fights of all time. Fifteen whole rounds--- seldom ever was the referee needed to separate the two men. The work rate between the two of is absolutely phenomenal. Marciano would say Charles was his most difficult opponent.



The rematch lived up to the hype as Charles was one round away from being the first man to ever regain the title--- but Marciano rallies back and kayos Charles. Marciano's nose was split down the middle from an elbow.