Ezzard Charles is often omitted when talking about the "Great" ones however consider: Many, including this writer consider Charles to be the greatest Light-Heavyweight ever, and a top Heavyweight. Charles, was born in Georgia, raised in Cincinnati, and after an outstanding amateur career he turned pro in 1940. Charles defeated Archie Moore 3 times, Charley Burley twice, Joey Maxim 5 times, Jersey Joe Walcott twice, and Joe Louis once, during his career.

Early in Charles' career he fought against the world's top middleweight and light heavyweights. He beat top boxers like Teddy Yarosz, Charley Burley and Joey Maxim and drew with Ken Overlin.

.In 1948 Charles KO'd Sam Baroudi in the 10th, Baroudi never recovered, and died several days later, this had a profound affect on Charles' style. He was often criticized later for being too cautious.

While fighting his biggest career rival Jersey Joe Walcott, Charles decisioned Walcott to win the vacant NBA Heavyweight title in 1949, then after three title defense, Charles garnered the World Heavyweight title by decisioning legendary Heavyweight Joe Louis. Charles again decisioned Walcott to retain his title in 1951.

Late in 1951 Walcott KO'd Charles in the 7th in Pittsburgh. Charles lost one more time to Jersey Joe in another title attempt in 1952.

In the twilight of Charles career he gave a young Rocky Marciano hell twice, both were savage affairs.. The first time Marciano kept his title by winning a close decision and, that same year KO'd Charles in the eighth round of a fight that was nearly stopped because Marciano's nose was split open.

Other notables on Charles record are, Anton Christofordis, Jimmy Bivins, Gus Lesnevich, Harold Johnson, Bob Satterfiel, and Nino Valdes.


After the Marciano bouts in 1954, Charles career spiraled downward until his final bout in 1959. In retirement Charles handled his money recklessly, tried wrestling and died in 1975 virtually penniless.



Photos Courtesy of Antiquities of the Prize Ring