Willis Earls
Name: Willis Earls
Hometown: Austin, Texas, USA
Pro Boxer: Record
Career Overview
Willis Earls was a hard-punching club-fighter, who after a highly unsuccessful 9-year ring career, finally found himself, and streaked to an impressive winning streak and a top 10 world ranking.
Earls turned pro in 1960 and until July 29, 1969, he compiled a dismal record of 4-10-1. However, a close look at opponents, showed that the inexperienced Earls was overmatched. He was defeated by the likes of Sonny Liston, Jerry Quarry, and Dave Zyglewicz.
One thing Earls was noted for was his punching power. He reportedly had Liston on the canvas before being knocked out in 2 rounds.[citation needed]
On December 1, 1969, Earls trimmed down to Light heavyweight and launched a comeback. In eight short months, Earls went undefeated in 9 straight fights, which included upset knockouts over Joe Burns and Paul Patin. Earls even held world-rated 175 pounder Eddie Jones to a draw. Earls earned a number 10 world ranking and fought the number 1 rated Jimmy Dupree for the right to challenge world champion Bob Foster. Earls' bubble was burst and he was knocked out in the 1st round. His career took a nose dive after the loss, and he ended his career with consecutive knockout losses to Eddie Jones, Terry Daniels, Elmo (Tex) Henderson, and Brian Kelly.