Charles Ezzard
USABiography of Ezzard Charles
Ezzard Charles was an American professional boxer and world heavyweight champion. Born in Georgia, he had a difficult and challenging childhood. His parents separated when he was nine years old, and his grandmother took him to Cincinnati, Ohio. As a skinny and strange boy, Charles avoided other kids and spent his time boxing a sandbag hanging from a tree branch in his backyard. He viewed boxing as a smart and complex sport, rather than a brutal fight.
Charles started his career as an amateur boxer in the lightweight and middleweight divisions. His precise and sharp punches caught the attention of experts, earning him the nickname "Cobra from Cincinnati." After winning the amateur tournament "Golden Gloves," Charles turned professional.
Initially, Charles' style was not well received by the American public, who considered it dull. He focused on technique and rationality, without any flashiness or extravagant moves. However, his mastery of the sport impressed boxing connoisseurs. Despite the lack of public appeal, Charles proved his worth by defeating renowned fighters such as Archie Moore, Charlie Burley, and Joe Baksi.
In 1948, tragedy struck Charles when he inflicted a fatal blow to Sam Baroudi in a fight in Chicago. The incident deeply affected Charles, and he contemplated leaving boxing. However, he received solace from a local pastor, who helped him find his way back to the ring. Charles made a promise to donate all his earnings from future fights to the Baroudi family.
In 1950, Charles faced Joe Walcott, a former opponent, and emerged victorious in a fifteen-round decision. He went on to win title fights against notable boxers such as Nino Valdes, Larry Olm, and Jersey Joe Walcott. However, his reign as champion came to an end in 1951 when he lost to Walcott in a rematch.
Undeterred by the defeat, Charles continued to fight and challenged reigning heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano in 1954. Despite being considered an underdog, Charles put up a tough fight, surprising both experts and spectators. Although he ultimately lost to Marciano, Charles gained the admiration and love of the audience for his resilient spirit.
After the fight with Marciano, Charles had a few less significant matches before retiring from boxing in 1959. He went on to pursue a small business and maintained the fortune he earned from his boxing career. In 1975, Charles passed away in a Chicago hospital due to extensive sclerosis, leaving behind a widow and three children.
