BoxRec

Eddie Machen: He Met The Best
Jim Amato
He was one of the best heavyweights of his era and possibly one of the best heavyweights to have never claimed the title. He fought the best of the late 1950's and 60's with a high degree of success. Eddie Machen was born on July 15, 1932 in Redding, California and he entered the punch for pay ranks in 1955. Eddie won all eleven of his bouts during his maiden year, including a knockout over highly regarded Howard King.

In 1956, Eddie added eight more victories and established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. He twice defeated Julio Mederos and also won two bouts against the dangerous Nino Valdes. Eddie closed 1956 with a points victory over tough Johnny Summerlin. Machen opened 1957 with a pair of wins over the clever former light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim of Cleveland. He also defeated Bob Baker and closed the year with a kayo over Tommy "Hurricane" Jackson. Eddie was now a leading contender for Floyd Patterson's heavyweight title.

It was in 1958 that the fortunes of Eddie Machen's career began to take a turn. He opened the year by battling to a draw with the slick Zora Folley. Then came the bout that shocked the boxing world.


http://www.boxingtribune.com/index.php? ... cle&id=935

http://www.BoxingTribune.com

Another good read from boxingtribune.com. Keep up the good work guys

did he meet somebody recently that would make this topic relevant in Current Scene?

Eddie Machen was a very good fighter.

Just one question: If Sonny Liston lost 3 points in the Machen fight how come the scoring is: 119-112, 118-114, 118-116?

Woller

....ezzard charles told me he considered machen the most promising of the new fighters when eddie was at the earliest stages of his career.

On his way up, Eddie Machen looked to be the real deal of his era. His resume, up tilll 1958 was superb. So what happened? After Johansson stopped him, he became a safety first fighter. He lacked that second gear needed in a tough fight to push past his opponets. Folley was much the same. Look what happened when they fought. Yawn!! He wouldn't allow himself to put it all on the line. This is the biggest thing that separated Machen & Folley from Floyd. Floyd was faster than both & a better hitter, but he was willing to lose, in order to win.