He had a 42-0 record, with two Golden Glove Titles before embarking on a pro career that was interrupted by his service in World War II from 1944 and 1945 where he learned to speak Spanish and Italian. All of it was made possible with the $275,000 raised by Cincinnati parks, donors, and residents in the West End . A long time Cincinnatian, he was also an entrepreneur, a musician, a multilinguist, and a good-will ambassador to the West End community, where he lived at the height of his boxing career. Ezzard Charles was born on the 7th of July, 1921. People born under this sign are honest, observant and hardworking. Three years service in the Army during World War II interrupted his climb to the heavyweight crown, which he finally attained on June 22, 1949, winning a decision from Walcott for the vacant National Boxing Association title. He had simply come along at time when a bloodhungry public couldn't appreciate him.. With Louis being so popular, many fans and boxing writers were not happy with the outcome. Philadelphia Tribune (March 4, 1994). Sadly, his tenure in the latter position was marred by charges that he had taken bribes. So, at 9 years old Ezzard moved to Cincinnati, One day a boxer came by in a nice car and wearing a nice suit. 6318 Ezzard Charles Ln, Houston, TX 77091 is for sale. I'd win a fightand the very next day, I'd be back in the gym.. Often Ezz would meet with school-age children and have fun with them exercising or going on group trips to the theater. He was also very mild mannered with a gentle air . In attempts to regain the world championship, he lost to Walcott in 1952 and twice to Rocky Marciano in 1954. He was stricken in 1966 with arnyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a muscledebilitating disease, and had been confined to a wheelchair. Ezz had lots of people in his corner: Do something kind for a friend or someone in your family. The name Ezzard was among the 1,000 most popular U.S. baby names right around the time and only around the time Ezzard Charles was champ: 1953: 37 baby boys named Ezzard 1952: 54 baby boys named Ezzard [ranked 975th] Charles attempted to right his financial fortunes through careers as a professional wrestler, a greeter at a nightclub and then as a coordinator of boxing clubs in Chicago's Commission on Youth. If Charles had won this fight, he would have become the first man in history to regain the heavyweight championship. The Cincinnati Cobra Badges transport you to stories where youll learn about Ezzs talents, accomplishments, and his lasting legacy in the Queen City. Ronnie McCluskey. Transplanted to Cincinnati from his native Georgia at age 9, Charles started boxing early, going professional in 1940 and graduating from Cincinnati's Woodward High School two years later. In fact, he wanted to leave the ring, but his handlers held him back.". Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Referee Ruby Goldstein scored the bout 8-5-2 in rounds for the champion. The political finagling to arrange title shots in those days is similarly well sketched, and if you think Don King was reptilian, reading the sections which cover the immediate aftermath of Joe Louis championship reign is truly eye-opening. The two faced off on June 22, 1949. Even after a big win, Ezz would go back to training as soon as he could. Nevertheless, a number of fans and boxing writers felt that Charles deserved the decision. Spectators were incredulous, applauding wildly for the plucky Walcott. 2020 Heroes Project: The Decade of Heroes. https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/walcott-jersey-joe, Amerman, Don "Walcott, Jersey Joe This charming Franklin Custom Builders p. His two stirring battles with Marciano are regarded as ring classics. Explore all four Badges to learn more about what makes Ezz so legendary. Ezzard Charles School is a Educational Organization headquartered in Chicago, IL. Later that year he experienced something of a setback, losing to Joey Maxim and Elmer Ray in back-to-back bouts. http://www.cyberenet.net/~kelta/jerseyjoe.html (October 25, 2002). His legacy of goodwill still thrives throughout the West End and Cincinnati to this day. Groundbreaking Set For Ezzard Charles Statue In West End . This was the street of his residence during the height of his career.[10]. Half of the voters had him in the top 15. He looked more like a member of Duke Ellington's jazz band. To boxing fans, he was known as The Cincinnati Cobra, a well known fighter because he would become the cities only Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Ezz spoke English and Italian. East Side Boxing. The Cobra frequently trained in Cincinnati Parks and other community spaces. During the course of his time on the commission, charges surfaced that Walcott had accepted bribes from undercover agents. Ezzard delivers a baby. Charles died on May 28, 1975. Just after his second defeat by Marciano, Walcott announced his retirement from boxing. 1897-1978 Art Rust's Illustrated History of the Black Athlete. Two thirds of voters had him inside the top 20. His record is quite impressive. Square that I was, I believed every word. Not long thereafter, he stopped in one day at Battling Mac's Gym in Camden, New Jersey, where he soon became a regular, sparring with some of the fighters who called the gym home. The Champ: County to honor legendary boxer Charles today Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. American boxer We encourage you to research and examine these . New Pittsburgh Gazette (March 2, 1994). In one of his last public appearances, Walcott traveled across the Delaware River to Philadelphia in 1992 to attend the first outdoor professional boxing show since the 1950s. Ezzard Charles Profiles | Facebook Make up a song about something you like. Semifinals 147-Pound class: Defeated Ray McDonald Times-Star A.C. by decision. Notable Sports Figures. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/charles-ezzard, Salzman, Linda "Charles, Ezzard Please check back soon for updates. I tried to make a way for our young people." So he is thought of as from Cincinnati. Born in Lawrenceville, named after the doctor that birthed him, Ezzard Charless family had the bravery to leave Jim Crowe Georgia to pursue better opportunity. I have a bracelet given to a boy, last name Charles when he was born in Cincinnati. In 1976, Cincinnati honored Charles by changing the name of Lincoln Park Drive to Ezzard Charles Drive. Anyone can read what you share. Walcott began to lose hope. During Ezzs rise, he was forced to fight in a heavier weight class and was frequently out-weighed by up to 30 pounds. Salzman, Linda "Charles, Ezzard Baroudi died of the injuries he sustained in this bout. Click the image below to listen to Ezz-thetics. Not because he saw a successful boxer, but think of the impact of seeing a successful black man, with more than the white people in south ever owned riding around like a king. Ezzard Charles was born on July 7, 1921. As an amateur boxer in the featherweight divisions, he had a perfect 42-0 record, and started his pro career defeating the future Hall of Famer Archie Moore . "Time Tunnel: Jersey Joe Walcott; The Long, Long Journey." support his family. Ezzard Charles (July 7, 1921 May 28, 1975), American - Prabook Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History. Thank you. During the midnineteensixties, he became increasingly afflicted by lateral sclerosis, a disease that crippled his oncepowerful legs and then impaired his ability to speak. Ezzard Charles - BoxRec To that end, Ezz was determined to be the best for his family, for himself, and for his boxing profession. He retired with a record of 93-25-1 (52 KOs). From 1940 to 1959 Charles fought 122 bouts, winning 96, of which 58 were by knockout. "[12], In 2007, ESPN online ranks Ezzard Charles as the 27th greatest boxer of all time, ahead of such notable fighters as Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes and Jake LaMotta. Buy. Ezz was an avid reader, often passing his down time with books about philosophy. Shower and massage. [7] Charles also starred in one motion picture: Mau Mau Drums, an independent (and unreleased) jungle-adventure film shot in and around Cincinnati in 1960 by filmmaker Earl Schwieterman. Ezzard Charles (Ezz) devoted his life to his faith and family, always giving back to the West End community that helped to shape him into a man. Walcott won a match in Sweden against Ollie Tandberg and once again hinted at retirement. Fight footage on Charles is scarcer than wed like, but Dettloff capably charts his rise through the ranks from the moment he turns pro in 1940, earning a modest purse of $5, and helps us visualise the ferocious action under the lights. His ring career took a positive turn after the unschooled Walcott began to work with trainer Jack Blackburn, who helped to teach him more about the art of boxing. 845 Ezzard Charles Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45203 is a 1 bed, 1 bath home. In 1938, he won the Diamond Belt Middleweight Championship. Ezzard Charles Popularity #81837 Born in Lawrenceville, GA Boxer Born in Georgia Cancer Boxer Research genealogy for Charles Ezzard of Brampton, Hampshire, England, as well as other members of the Ezzard family, on Ancestry. Charles was sixfeet tall and usually weighed in the 180's. Charles also winds up boxing for the Army in inter-allied tournaments throughout Europe, enjoying predictable success. Often to the dismay of boxing fans looking for a lights-out finish, the Cobra would consistently chip away at his opponents and go for a win on points rather than a knockout. When preparing for a boxing match, Ezz focused on speed and stamina. Chinese Zodiac: Ezzard Charles was born in the Year of the Rabbit. http://www.ibhof.com/walcott.htm (October 25, 2002). [3] Charles graduated from Woodward High School in Cincinnati where he was already becoming a well-known fighter. When Ezz was young she gave him permission to join a gym and pursue boxing, keeping him busy after school. Surviving are his widow, Gladys, and three children, Ezzard 2d, Deborah and Leith. Three years later, on June 17, 1954, he lost a grueling fifteen-round decision to Rocky Marciano, and in a rematch later that year Marciano knocked him out in the eighth round. Greatness is often overlooked in its own time. Square that I was, I believed every word. He would try his punches on the homemade boxing bag. Dettloff gives us snapshots of the boxing landscape in the 30s, 40s and 50s, an era when crooks and gamblers had their fingers in the game Gamblers, hustlers, drunks, whores, killers; they all felt at home in the fight business because they were among their own and because nobody was there to stop them.. Ezzard Charles, in full Ezzard Mack Charles, (born July 7, 1921, Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S.died May 28, 1975, Chicago, Illinois), American world heavyweight boxing champion from September 27, 1950, when he outpointed Joe Louis in 15 rounds in New York City, to July 18, 1951, when he was knocked out by Jersey Joe Walcott in 7 rounds in Detroit: Gale Group, 1998. Get an inside beat on a day in the life of the Cincinnati Cobra, and how the importance of family drove him to greatness. JUMP TO: Ezzard Charless biography, facts, family, personal life, zodiac, videos and related celebs. Despite being a natural light-heavy he won the heavyweight title and made 9 successful title defenses. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. But on July 18, 1951, Walcott made boxing history when he knocked out Charles in the seventh round to become the oldest boxer ever to win the world heavyweight title. Charles retired from boxing in 1956, with two brief, unsuccessful comeback attempts in 1958 and 1959. He died on May 27, 1975 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. A year after his debut, still just a teenager, Charles fights Ken Overlin, a veteran ranked by The Ring as the worlds second best middleweight. He died in 1973. After winning his first away fight in Pittsburgh against Charley Burley, the reporters asked him to stay for some questions, but Ezz declined, I cant, Ive got my high school graduation tomorrow.. You can give back to Cincinnati by picking up any litter you see in the Parks or on your block. Five-time middleweight champion of the world, Sugar Ray Robinson is remembered as the greatest boxer ever, Ezpeleta y Galdeano Dicastillo y del Prado, Jos Manuel de (17421823), https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/walcott-jersey-joe, https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/charles-ezzard, Born in Merchantville, New Jersey, on January 31, Quits school to help support family after father dies, Works in Camden, New Jersey, shipyard, fighting rarely, Embarks on comeback trail under guidance of promoter Felix Bocchicchio, Dies in Camden, New Jersey, on February 25, Won first professional fight, knocking out Cowboy Wallace on September 9, Won fights against top 10 contenders Joe Baski, Lee Murray, Curtis Sheppard, Won fights against Jimmy Bivins and Lee Oma but lost to Joey Maxim and Elmer Ray, Won heavyweight title against Ezzard Charles, July 18, Edward J. Neil Trophy for Fighter of the Year, Successfully defends title against Charles on June 5, Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame. In 1948 an unfortunate thing happened, Charles knocked out Sam Baroudi in round 10 and he died shortly after the fight. Duquesne Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. Brancaccio Theater, Esquilino, Rome, Italy. After retiring to his hometown, Cincinnati, he announced two years later that he was penniless. Ezzard won several amateur championships, including two Golden Gloves crownswelterweight (1938) and middleweight (1939)before turning professional in 1940. Known as the Cincinnati Cobra, Ezzard Charles was a professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion from 1949 - 1951. [1] Charles defeated numerous Hall of Fame fighters in three different weight classes. Charles possessed a masterful jab and was a superb combination puncher. Donnell Blaylock Obituary (2023) - Muskegon Heights, MI - Grand Rapids Although acknowledgedand often grudingly praisedas one of the finest boxers ever to hold the heavyweight. Marvelous Marvin Hagler was a hard-hitting lefty who could switch his stance and also box right-handed. Shortly after winning his rematch with Walcott, Louis announced his retirement from the ring. But if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change a thing., See the article in its original context from. Welcome to Ezzard Charles at Laurel Parka bronze sculpture brought to life with a self-guided tour that tells the story of Cincinnati legend and West End hero, Ezzard Charles. [4] Known as "The Cincinnati Cobra", Charles fought many notable opponents in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, eventually winning the World Championship in the latter. He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1990. He won the national AAU Middleweight Championship in 1939. Davis, Samuel. To succeed in life, Ezzard Charles (Ezz) always said that youve got to have a plan. Fortunately for Walcott, Bocchicchio was not so easily dissuaded. He was best known for being a Boxer. Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History, Walcott, Jersey Joe A dresser to the nines, he had impeccable style and was a talented tailor. For Ezzard Charles--one of boxing's most skilled practitioners, with a record of 93-25-1 (52 KO)--recognition took decades. This is what people never understood about fighters, even the very young ones: that a quiet young kid with nice manners who ran from fights in the street could, in the right circumstance, swallow all his fear and shame and stand up for himself like he mattered.. He had speed, agility, fast hands and excellent footwork. The Cobra held the heavyweight title for 1949-1951. Historian Bob Mee looks back on the glorious career the legendary Ezzard Charles who was born on July 7, 1921 . Charles was knocked down early in the fight but was able to come back and win it by decision. Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. Encyclopedia.com gives you the ability to cite reference entries and articles according to common styles from the Modern Language Association (MLA), The Chicago Manual of Style, and the American Psychological Association (APA). As a condition for accepting the job, Blackburn wangled an invitation for Walcott to accompany him and join the gamblers' Chicago stable of fighters, but Walcott came down with typhoid and was unable to make the trip. Cincinnati. His ascending career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army, but after Joe Louis announced his retirement as undefeated world heavyweight champion in 1949, a title match was set up between Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott. Id win a fightand the very next day, Id be back in the gym.. Opportunity. Ezzard Charles, 53, Dies; Held Heavyweight Title, https://www.nytimes.com/1975/05/29/archives/ezzard-charles-53-dies-held-heavyweight-title-glamour-eluded-him.html. Ezzard Charles's birth sign is Cancer. When I first decided to get into boxing, I'd listen to all of the older guys in the game, he remarked recently. The strengths of this sign are being loyal, emotional, sympathetic, tenacious, persuasive, while weaknesses can be moody, pessimistic, suspicious, manipulative and insecure. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Like many famous people and celebrities, Ezzard Charles kept his personal life private. Reviewed by Bobby Franklin. Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History. Quarterfinals 147-Pound class: Defeated Charles Wilson by decision. Shortly after his knock-out of Moore in their third and final meeting, tragedy struck. Walcott continued to live in the Camden area after leaving boxing. He played bass cello and considered jazz a passion, helping to shape the Cincinnati music scene. Because of this, Ezz excelled at boxing while also graduating Woodward High Schoola rare feat for a professional boxer. Walcott lost a 15-round decision to Charles and promptly announced his retirement. Although his purses totaled $2million while he was winning 96 of 122 bouts from 1940 to 1959, Charles had the misfortune to gain the title upon the 1949 retirement of Joe Louis, one of boxing's most popular champions. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. Once more details are available, we will update this section. Who was Ezzard Charles, the Cincinnati Cobra? - The Enquirer To do so, he would have to topple the new champ, Rocky Marciano, who had KOd all of his challengers. A metropolis where hundreds of young warriors train and battle each day in its many gyms, it is where Archie Moore, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Bernard Hopkins all found greatness. Omissions? Ezzard Charles was born in the Year of the Rooster. Ezzard Charles died at the age of 53 years. William Dettloff, biographer and author, Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life, go Vibrant, creator of the largest network of urban walking routes in the country, Brian Powers, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, Cincinnati ParksFoundation With a perfect, Moore, Archie Family Life He had three children. Charles was very close with Rocky Marciano and a neighbor and friend of Muhammad Ali when they both lived on 85th Street in Chicago. Charles started his career as a featherweight in the amateurs, where he had a record of 420. - 27 May 1975) ( his death) ( 3 children) Ezzard Charles Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. His finest skills of ringmanship enabled him to go 15 hard rounds at Yankee Stadium in June, but the Brockton Bomber won the decision in what he called one of his toughest fights. View 29 photos of this 3 bed, 2 bath, 1711 sqft. Doctor W.P. Ezzard Charles in Ezzard Charles Park - Cincinnati Parks Foundation Ezzard Charles is part of G.I. Rocky Marciano in particular called Charles the bravest man he ever fought. Sign Up. It is to Dettloffs credit that Charles upbringing is framed in the proper historical context: The year Charles was born, there were sixty-three documented lynchings of blacks in the United States. info@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org In 1952, Walcott fought a series of exhibition bouts with Jackie Burke before squaring off against Charles once again on June 5. The quick knockout was never his objective. In 2022, a statue honoring Ezzard Charles was unveiled in Laurel Park Cincinnati, OH. People named Ezzard Charles. Charles Ezzard 1859-1938 - Ancestry To personalize his new name, he added "Jersey," to signify the state of his birth. However, boxing failed to provide a dependable source of income. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. Known for his slick defense and precision, he is often considered the greatest light heavyweight boxer of all time. In 1949, he won against Jersey Joe Walcott for the heavyweight belt. Dettloff captures the tragedy of an audience booing and catcalling one of the sports greatest practitioners as he slips through the ropes, his perceived inability, or unwillingness, to register conclusive knockouts a constant mark against his name. Outpatient Treatment (Medication-Assisted Treatment, Outpatient Counseling, Intensive Outpatient Counseling, Monarch Family Services) Spaulding Recovery & Family Care Building 834 Ezzard Charles Drive Cincinnati, OH 45214. Ft. 5829 Francis Oak Pl, Houston, TX 77091. From 1940 to 1959 he fought in 122 bouts, winning 96 of them. Years later, Walcott recalled: "After the fight, Joe put his arm around me and whispered in my ear, 'I'm sorry.' Charles dominated the first four rounds but in typical Rocky fashion, Marciano eventually got going and dominated most of the rest of the brutal battle. Thanks to the authors unfailing commitment to detail, the reader is left in no doubt about just how special this kid was in his prime. Of Elmer Ray, the author writes: He was born into a family of six girls and three boys to a potato-and-cabbage farmer near Hastings, Florida.