Ezzard Charles vs. Rex Layne (2nd meeting)
Ezzard Charles 190 lbs lost to Rex Layne 195 lbs by PTS in round 10 of 10
- Date: 1952-08-08
- Location: Ogden Stadium, Ogden, Utah, USA
- Referee: Jack Dempsey
In a blatantly obvious hometown decision, Referee Jack Dempsey scored 2 rounds for Layne, 1 round for Charles with 7 rounds even. Most objective observers felt Charles had won. During the fight Layne butted Charles repeatedly without caution from the referee.
Legendary cornerman and trainer Ray Arcel said,"Instead of adding dignity to the fight game, Dempsey has added disgrace."
"While there still may reamin lingering doubts in the minds of some fight fans as to the superiority of Rex Layne over Ezzard Charles, the International Boxing Club made its stand clear Saturday by offering Layne a title shot at the winner of the Rocky Marciano-Jersey Joe Walcott fight. Even as the fans continued their arguments over referee Jack Dempsey's verdict Friday, which gave the underdog Layne a surprise decision over Charles, the IBC stepped forward with its blessing for Layne." -Salt Lake Tribune
Unofficial scorecards
- Ring Magazine - 5-5 Draw
- Salt Lake Tribune - 6-3-1 Charles
- Rocky Mountain News - 5-3-2 Charles
- Attendance - (over) 17,000
- Gate - $129,058.10
- Purses - Charles - a guarantee with an option of 35% of the gate, Layne - a flat 35% of the gate.
Post fight comments
- "We haven't talked about a rematch with Charles as yet. Naturally, a fighter will fight anyone if enough money is at stake. But right now we are looking forward to the championship, and we can't see any percentage in fighting Charles again." -Marv Jensen, Layne's manager.
- "I called it as I saw it. Charles wasn't fighting; Layne was. It was a close fight, that's why I called seven of the rounds even." -Jack Dempsey, the referee and sole arbiter.
- "That Dempsey was nothing but a thief." -Jake Mintz, co-manager of Charles.
- "Dempsey is a wrestling referee; he should stick to wrestling." -Ray Arcel, Charles' trainer.