Ezzard Charles Army years.

[RingGreats.com]

i've been doing some research on Cincinnati Cobra lately. I started out with his amateur career, then his pre-war middleweight bouts what led me to his Army years.

Cincinnati Enquirer Feb. 14. 1946 - There's no "playboy" in Ezzard Charles as he works out at Yokum A.C. 13th and Vine St. for his ring comeback. Having been at the grind for six weeks and lost 20 pounds Ezz summed it up: " There's no sense in trying to fight unless you're in shape to put it out, and hardened to take it. I had eight fights in the Army and won 'em all. But they were spread out over 29 months. I couldn't stay in training constantly. I weighed 190 when I got out."

So that leaves 6 missing fights from his Army years currently listed on his record here.

Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph Mar 18, 1946 mentions: "Charles who twice defeated Charley Burley and also holds victories over Joey Maxim, Jose Basora and Booker Beckwith, won the Army light-heavyweight title by stopping Bobby Berry of Cleveland. "
Looking at "Irish" Bobby Berry record (ID# 171280) who did fight in Algiers tournament, currently lists his semi final bout but is missing the final against Ezzard Charles.
The correct date and name of the tournament I found from Marcel Cerdan's (ID# 009033) record who won the Welterweight divison. The Finals took place on Feb 19, 1944 at Stade Communal de Saint Eugène, Algiers and were called "1st Series Inter-Allied Championships, Pro division", where Charles won the Light-Heavyweight title.

Also the correct name of the Rome tournament on Ezzard's record should be Second Inter-Allied Championhips, Pro division, Light-Heavyweight

Another correction should be made on Marcel Cerdan's record of his Second Inter-Allied Championships in Rome. It currently lists his opponent as Floyd Gibson(ID# 389676 ) who was actually Lloyd Gibson(ID# 012450) Ezzard Charles stable mate and training partner from Cincinnati. My guess Floyd Gibson and Lloyd Gibson are the same person.

I also found two articles in italian newspapers mentioning Ezz in those tournaments. maybe someone fluent in italiano can help to translate.

http://dlib.coninet.it/bookreader.php?& ... 2/mode/1up
http://dlib.coninet.it/bookreader.php?&c=1&f=8690&p=2

thx.
the fight never ends.
marty.

[RingGreats.com]

sorry i guess my post should be moved to Record Queries & Updates.

[RingGreats.com]

Here's one more of his missing army fights:

Jan 27, 1945 in Bari, Italy
5th Army vs Team Zona Adriatica

Ezzard Charles beats Stanley Golcz by points in three rounds.

full results: http://dlib.coninet.it/bookreader.php?& ... 2/mode/1up

[goose 5]

What was the date of Charles' army induction ?

[RingGreats.com]

What was the date of Charles' army induction ?

According to William Dettloff in "Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life" , Ezz enlisted in the Army on May 14, 1943 and was shipped off to Fort Clark, Texas for basic training. He was assigned to Second Cavalry.

But according to Cincinnati Enquirer May 29, 1943 Ezz was inducted at Fort Thomas, Ky. and was assigned to the Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Okla.

[goose 5]

If your dates are correct, you've debunked the idea that Charles' military service played a role in his defeats to Jimmy Bivins and Lloyd Marshall.

[RingGreats.com]

When he was inducted into the Army in May he was in training camp for his next fight in Pittsburgh and also had another one lined up in LA in June. i haven't been able to find out the opponent's names thou. Would love to know.

Words from the man himself about Bivins fight (Jan.15 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

"I fought him wrong. I think I had an edge for the first couple of rounds
and I should have jabbed and strayed away from Jimmy from then on.
Instead, I went in there to slug it out the same as I always do and - well you
know what happened. Remember, Jimmy had 10 pounds in weight on me
and besides that he's a whale of a fighter.
Fight him again? Certainly. As soon as the match can be made. I think I can
lick him next time. But it wouldn't be easy."