Fight:17139

Ezzard Charles 173 lbs beat Oakland Billy Smith 175 lbs by KO at 1:38 in round 5 of 12

• Date: 1947-02-17
• Location: Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
• Referee: Tony Warndorf
• Judge: Joe Craven
• Judge: Milt Conver
• Judge: Elmer Purcell

After a slow first round, Smith landed a short left as Charles was moving away that put him on the canvas. Charles did not appear hurt, and rose before the referee could begin a count. Smith had the better of the 3rd round, as Charles appeared to be fighting carefully. Charles had a strong 4th round, as he wobbled Smith with a right hand, but continued to proceed cautiously against his opponent. In the 5th round, Charles would score the kayo with a sudden right hand to the chin. Smith hit the floor hard, and tried to rise at eight, but he could only manage to get his elbows off the floor, before being counted out.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

• Charles's purse: $6,000
• Smith's purse: $5,500