I'm over 30 and just plain tired of it all.". Like the heavyweight title belt that Ezzard Charles (Ezz) proudly wore, the Cincinnati Cobra Badges represent various virtues and facets of our beloved hero. He also loses, to slick and crafty Kid Tunero, and to Jimmy Bivins and Lloyd Marshall, the latter two defeats later avenged. Find Ezzard Charles School test scores, student-teacher ratio, parent reviews and teacher stats. Walcott wasn't through. Everything that Charles had been before the Bivins fight he was again: fast, powerful, hungry and indefatigable Moore, as good as he was, and as cagey and strong as he was, never stood a chance.. He continued to box when he could but was forced increasingly to work at low-paying jobs outside the ring to support his family. When I first decided to get into boxing, I'd listen to all of the older guys in the game, he remarked recently. All of it was made possible with the $275,000 raised by Cincinnati parks, donors, and residents in the West End . Dinner and cards with his crew to pass time, listen to jazz records. The statue sits in Ezzard Charles Park, surrounded by 100 newly-planted trees. http://www.gamemasteronline.com/Archive/SweetScience/JerseyJoeWalcott.shtml (October 26, 2002). http://www.cyberenet.net/~kelta/jerseyjoe.html (October 25, 2002). What are you most proud about accomplishing? American boxer Walcott lost a 15-round decision to Charles and promptly announced his retirement. 6318 Ezzard Charles Ln, Houston, TX 77091 | MLS #37286952 | Zillow By Agent By Owner New Construction Coming Soon Coming Soon listings are homes that will soon be on the market. Ezzard Charles knew that joy well, and thanks to this satisfying biography we now know a good deal more about the man and the all-time great fighter that he was. Recently sold: 6622 Ezzard Charles Lane, TX 77091 0.11 Acres Lot 1,544 SQFT 3 Beds 2 Full Baths Single-Family View more details His visits to Lawrenceville, were brief after the move north to Cincinnati and then to Chicago after that, but he did feel confident enough to visit Lawrenceville again briefly in 1949, as both a war vetern and the champ, most likely to visit family. Manager Bocchicchio had other ideas for Walcott, who was now 35. Donnell was an avid music collector. Notable Sports Figures. In the predominantly Black neighborhood of the West End, a hub of successful businesses and budding community, Ezz had a solid foundation to make his way up in the world. Successful defenses against Walcott, Lee Oma and Joey Maxim followed. Often Ezz would meet with school-age children and have fun with them exercising or going on group trips to the theater. Cincinnati. Discover what happened on this day. 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 Pittsburgh. Just over three months later, however, Rocky Marciano knocked out Walcott in the 13th round to take the heavyweight title. In the. Ezzards education details are not available at this time. He was the only heavyweight champion, other than a young Sonny Liston, who I think would have really troubled me at my best. He went on to win the Boxing Heavyweight Title and carried it from 1949 to 1951. The Cincinnati Cobra defended his title four times until falling to Walcott in a championship rematch. People just didnt want to see Louis lose. In 1987 he was named the ninth greatest heavyweight of all time by The Ring. Shortly after winning his rematch with Walcott, Louis announced his retirement from the ring. Even after a big win, Ezz would go back to training as soon as he could. 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. Nearly 25% of voters had Charles in the top 10. A fund raiser was held to assist Charles and many of his former opponents spoke on his behalf. American boxer It was as if he had lost. Ezzard Charles was not someone you would look at and think of as vicious fighting machine. https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/walcott-jersey-joe, Amerman, Don "Walcott, Jersey Joe From poor beginnings in the Jim Crow South to the top of the boxing world and beyond, Ezz . Charles lost his heavyweight title on July 18, 1951, when he was knocked out by Joe Walcott in the seventh round of their third fight. So, at 9 years old Ezzard moved to Cincinnati, One day a boxer came by in a nice car and wearing a nice suit. Ezz played the bass cello, even sitting in with some great musicians of the day. Ezzard Mack Charles was born July 7, 1921 in Georgia, but his family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio while he was still young. In 1966 he was stricken with a muscle-debilitating disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and was confined to a wheelchair. To do so, he would have to topple the new champ, Rocky Marciano, who had KOd all of his challengers. Family (1) Spouse Gladys Gartrell (1949 - 27 May 1975) (his death) (3 children) Trivia (14) Defeated Joe Louis on September 27, 1950 to become the undisputed heavyweight . Almanac of Famous People, 6th edition. 1921-1989 Just a simple, square sort of fellow, who believed in playing the game by the rules, Charles said in selfdescription some years ago. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Encyclopedia.com. His grandmother and great-grandmother guided him through his childhood, keeping his eyes on finishing school, working hard, being a kind man, and attending church on Sundays. This was the street of his residence during the height of his career.[10]. We encourage you to research and examine these records to . Charles was knocked down early in the fight but was able to come back and win it by decision. http://www.ibhof.com/walcott.htm (October 25, 2002). To honor Ezzs legacy, CPF leveraged the statue project into a vibrant revitalization of the entire Laurel Park as a gift to Ezzs family and to the residents of the West End. 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 . He won his next five matches before losing, on November 16, 1933, in a rematch with Henry Taylor in Philadelphia. [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. When I was a little boy wed take the bus to the shopping plaza at 35th (Chicago) and Id always run to the back of the bus. However, boxing failed to provide a dependable source of income. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. The family didnt own a Bible in which to record the birth dates of each of their kids, which was the custom in those parts, so they kept a record by making notches on the trunk of an oak tree that sat on their property. In 1950 Walcott won his first four matches of the year, only to lose to Rex Layne on November 24. It also earned them acclaim as the toughest men of their eras. Then came a call from Blackburn, telling him that Joe Louis, training for a fight with Max Schmeling , was looking for sparring partners. In the second fight, Marciano knocked out the former champ in eight rounds, securing his seat atop the heavyweight division. Ezz was an avid reader, often passing his down time with books about philosophy. His wife is Gladys (? . Charles was sixfeet tall and usually weighed in the 180's. SOLD JUN 15, 2022. People who are born with Moon as the ruling planet are sensitive, nurturing, and usually have fluctuating moods. I finally figured it out. Although acknowledgedand often grudingly praisedas one of the finest boxers ever to hold the heavyweight. Charles eventually moved up in weight class and became the heavyweight champion from 1949 until 1951. Charles possessed a masterful jab and was a superb combination puncher. 2021 Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Ezzard Charles going for the win against Bob Satterfield, Follow in Ezzs footsteps with wayfinding. Explore all four Badges to learn more about what makes Ezz so legendary. Long after most boxers would have abandoned all hope, Walcott battled on. However, the date of retrieval is often important. The Cobra held the heavyweight title for 1949-1951. 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.. ." . It stands tall beside the Ezzard Charles monument, the only permanent, visible evidence the boxer ever lived in . 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. (February 23, 2023). When expenses for therapy became more than he could handle, Charles was honored at a benefit in Chicago on Nov. 13, 1968. 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 He coasted through the final four rounds and lost the chance to become the first man to regain the heavyweight championship. [9] He was buried at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. "Jersey Joe Walcott Is Remembered." I finally figured it out. In fact, Charles felt so indebted to the Elkus family that even after he was making a lot of noise a pro, hed go back to the store when they were busy over the holidays and get behind the counter., Following successive defeats to Bivins and Marshall in early 43, Uncle Sam comes calling and Dettloff gives us the details regarding Ezzards enlistment and basic training in Texas, and how he refuses to use his meager celebrity as a top-rated prizefighter to get special treatment while in the military.. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. We encourage you to research and examine these . Walcott successfully defended his title, winning a fifteen-round decision over Charles. Ezzard Mack Charles (July 7, 1921 - May 28, 1975), known as the Cincinnati Cobra, was an American professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion. Ezzard delivers a baby. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. After he married and started a family, Walcott was forced more and more to take jobs outside the ring to make ends meet. He gave up for good when a fighter named Alvin Green defeated him on Sept. 1, 1959. ft. house located at 6618 Ezzard Charles Ln, Houston, TX 77091 sold on Sep 21, 2020 after being listed at $191,000. Just after his second defeat by Marciano, Walcott announced his retirement from boxing. In 1951, Charles fought Walcott a third time and lost the title by knockout in the seventh round. SOLD JUN 13, 2022. The former boxer spent his last days in a nursing home. - 27 May 1975) ( his death) ( 3 children) Ezzard Charles Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Despite being a natural light-heavy he won the heavyweight title and made 9 successful title defenses. He was popular for being a Boxer. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. New York: Scribner, 1994. Dictionary of American Biography: Supplement 9: 1971-1975. All the same, his buddies push him into sparring with the great Joe Louis, who is touring bases in the area and conducting boxing exhibitions. The research which has clearly gone into this work is enjoyably evident, as when Dettloff informs us that young Ezzards zen for the sporting life was ignited after he encountered the great Kid Chocolate, in town to face Cleveland-based journeyman Johnny Farr: We learn about Ezzards idolizing of Joe Louis, and his amateur success in Ohio under the tutelage of diminutive Welshman and World War I veteran Bert Williams, who nurtures his aggressive, fast-handed, fearless style, and plenty more besides. GreatSchools is the leading nonprofit providing high-quality information that supports parents pursuing a great education for their child, schools striving for excellence, and communities . He followed this up in 1939 by winning the Chicago Golden Gloves tournament of champions. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. Please check back soon for updates. 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. After that, everyones age was more or less a guess.. Ronnie McCluskey. Chuckling at his problems, he added: It's more than a rainy day, it's a flood.. Charles fought a young contender named Sam Baroudi, knocking him out in Round 10. 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. The baby from honeysuckle circle, in downtown Lawrenceville was named after the Doctor who delivered him. A hardscrabble life awaits: his father William departs when he is just five, not to be seen again for two decades, and after this the future heavyweight king is raised mostly by his wizened grand- and great-grandmothers in Cincinnati's tough West End, in "a rundown, three-room frame house supported by bricks at the corners." Charles was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, in 1966. The 1920s represented an era of change and growth. 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. 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. "No Champion Out of Ring." Ezzard Charles . Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. From that point on Ezzard wanted to be a Boxer. 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. Ezzard won several amateur championships, including two Golden Gloves crownswelterweight (1938) and middleweight (1939)before turning professional in 1940. Four times during that period, he squared off against one of the ten top-ranked fightersAl Ettore in 1936, Tiger Jack Fox in 1937 and 1938, and Abe Simon in 1940in his weight class, only to lose every match. This charming Franklin Custom Builders p. . Throughout his ring career, Charles was criticized for lacking the killer instinct, that highly salable knockout drive that created boxoffice bonanzas for Jack Dempsey, Louis and the late Rocky Marciano. 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. 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. Born in Georgia, he was a musician and loved jazz, bringing records home from his travels abroad. But the Queen City celebrated their first-ever heavyweight champion with fanfare and a parade. He decided to borrow the name of his father's favorite boxer from the islands, Joe Walcott, a former welterweight champion who was also known as the "Barbados Demon." "Jersey Joe Walcott." Going pro, Ezz defeated numerous Hall of Fame fighters in three different weight classes, retiring with a record of 95 wins, 25 losses, and 1 draw. In 2006, Ezzard Charles was named the 11th greatest fighter of all time by the IBRO (International Boxing Research Organisation).[11]. From 1940 to 1959 Charles fought 122 bouts, winning 96, of which 58 were by knockout. If it turned out that way, and even if he gave Charles a thorough going-over, it wouldnt ruin him because Overlin couldnt break an egg. Dettloff makes sure were aware that in many cases Charles had to overcome significant size disadvantages to have his hand raised. The following year, he outpointed his idol and former World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis to become the recognized Lineal Champion. See Photos. In 1948 an unfortunate thing happened, Charles knocked out Sam Baroudi in round 10 and he died shortly after the fight. He won over boxers like Jimmy Bivins, Teddy Randolph, Joe Kahut, Archie Moore and Lloyd Marshal in the light heavyweight divisions. In 1938, he won the Diamond Belt Middleweight Championship. So he is thought of as from Cincinnati. And if Charles managed to pull out a win? His grandmother raised him to be an honest, good-hearted man. Later that year he experienced something of a setback, losing to Joey Maxim and Elmer Ray in back-to-back bouts. It all adds up to a fascinating boxing biography, one of the most exhaustively researched Ive come across. Ezzard Charles is part of G.I. Where was the opportunity? Zodiac Sign: Ezzard Charles was a Cancer. He was an avid reader and learned to speak Italian while serving during World War II. A rematch in Philadelphia the following year saw Charles take an impressive lead on points, but squander it (and the decision) through conservative tactics. Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ezzard-Charles, Cincinnati Historical Society Library - Biography of Ezzard Charles. When he was only thirteen years old, his father, an immigrant from Barbados, died. Learn about the artistic expression and culture that made Ezzard Charles (Ezz) a Renaissance man. He bought food and coal for Walcott's family, got the boxer's license renewed, and finally persuaded Walcott to give it a try. Skip Ancestry . [1] After a brilliant amateur boxing career, Charles turned pro in 1940 and went on to win twenty consecutive fights in the first eighteen months of the decade. Born in Georgia in 1921, Ezzard Charles came to Cincinnati at the age of nine to live with his grandmother and great-grandmother in the West End. 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. Walcott died at the age of 80 on February 25, 1994, in Camden, N.J. We collect and match historical records that Ancestry users have contributed to their family trees to create each person's profile. Charles won all of his first 17 fights before being defeated by veteran Ken Overlin. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. Despite this victory, Charles did not receive the recognition many felt he deserved. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. 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 The following year, on June 25, Louis and Walcott met once again, although this time Louis was clearly the dominant force, knocking out Walcott in the 11th round. Newsday (February 27, 1994): 18. Historian Bob Mee looks back on the glorious career the legendary Ezzard Charles who was born on July 7, 1921 . Charles was very close with Rocky Marciano and a neighbor and friend of Muhammad Ali when they both lived on 85th Street in Chicago. It was reportedly the only time Ezzard touched the canvas during his entire amateur career. But Walcott bounced back in 1947, beating Maxim in January, Ray in April, and Maxim again in June. His two stirring battles with Marciano are regarded as ring classics. Ezzard made the most of it, becoming the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and an inspiration to Gwinnett County. Ezz spoke English and Italian. Ezzard Charles was born on July 7, 1921 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Victories over future Hall of Famers Teddy Yarosz and the much avoided Charley Burley had started to solidify Charles as a top contender in the middleweight division. Ezzard Mack Charles (Ezz) was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia on July 7, 1921. It wasnt Ezzards fault. Ezzard Mack Charles (Ezz) was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia on July 7, 1921. The decade was one of learning and exploration. Charles is the only man ever to last the full 15-round distance against Marciano. Full-body sculpture of Ezzard Charles revealed to family | WKRC WINTON PLACE, Ohio (WKRC) - Ezzard Charles' son and namesake saw the full-body sculpture of his father for the first time. East Side Boxing. After retiring to his hometown, Cincinnati, he announced two years later that he was penniless. He fought only five matches from 1940 through 1944, one of which was his loss to Simon. Charles died on May 28, 1975, at the age of fifty-three. Perhaps it is this experience which convinces Ezzard to resume his boxing career after service concludes, service which includes a stint with a truck battalion in Oran, North Africa, and sees Charles promoted to corporal before being busted back to private. 45203. . He told me in the South they make you sit in the back of the bus. Salzman, Linda "Charles, Ezzard American boxer Dettloff, a former senior writer at The Ring and now editor-in-chief of the e-magazine Ringside Seat, writes with clarity and authority about the greatCincinnati Cobra, beginning with his early years in Lawrenceville, Georgia. www.mcfarlandpub.com. Ezz had a breakfast of dry cereal, prunes, and lamb chops.Orange juice or tea, no coffee. Quarterfinals 147-Pound class: Defeated Charles Wilson by decision. Jim Crowe laws not only threatened the lives of the black community, but ALL opportunities. "Ex-Heavyweight Champ's Calling Card Was Perseverance: Walcott Dead at 80." Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. During the midnineteensixties, he became increasingly afflicted by lateral sclerosis, a disease that crippled his oncepowerful legs and then impaired his ability to speak. Charles died on May 28, 1975. When Ezz was young she gave him permission to join a gym and pursue boxing, keeping him busy after school. Buy. The initials "G.I." 6318 Ezzard Charles Ln, Houston, TX 77091 is for sale. Walcott began to lose hope. You can give back to Cincinnati by picking up any litter you see in the Parks or on your block. Music really spoke to his soul. 13 on The Ring magazine's list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years. Ezz won most of his 42 amateur boxing matches. Incidentally, these opponents Ray, Bivins, Burley et al are not glossed over but given a proper backstory, Dettloff making them come alive on the page and increasing our appreciation for Charles achievement in vanquishing them. He later had a brief stint as a boxing referee, officiating at the second match between Cassius Clay (before changing his name to Muhammad Ali ) and Sonny Liston . or. Born in Lawrenceville, named after the doctor that birthed him, Ezzard Charles's family had the bravery to leave Jim Crowe Georgia to pursue better opportunity. When he was a child, his family moved to Cincinnati, where he became interested in boxing. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). He temporarily left boxing in 1943 to enlist in the U.S. Army. Rust, Art, Jr., and Edna Rust. The History of the Sweet Science. He was also very mild mannered with a gentle air . Ezzard Charles Popularity #81837 Born in Lawrenceville, GA Boxer Born in Georgia Cancer Boxer Nevertheless, boxing fans, as well as Louis, were all convinced Walcott had cinched the fight. Judge Artie Aidala scored the fight 9-5-1 while judge Harold Barnes' tally was 8-6-1. He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1990. Who are the richest people in the world? In fact, he wanted to leave the ring, but his handlers held him back.". Notable Sports Figures. Against top rate opposition like Archie Moore, Charley Burley, Lloyd Marshall, Jimmy Bivins, and Joey Maxim he was an impressive 16-2 combined. . "Jersey Joe Walcott: The Improbable Champion." Name three heroes in your life. Ezzard Charles's birth sign is Cancer. He was . Log In. 830 Ezzard Charles Drive Cincinnati, OH 45214 513.381.6672. He was stricken in 1966 with arnyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a muscledebilitating disease, and had been confined to a wheelchair. Although heavyweight was mostly a happy hunting ground for the preternaturally gifted Charles, he was an unpopular figure among fans who remained loyal to the great Joe Louis. "Time Tunnel: Jersey Joe Walcott; The Long, Long Journey." His record is quite impressive. Opportunity. Shortly after retiring from the ring, he took a job as a parole officer for juvenile offenders. He won the national AAU Middleweight Championship in 1939. International Boxing Hall of Fame. From 1940 to 1959 he fought in 122 bouts, winning 96 of them. From poor beginnings in the Jim Crow South to the top of the boxing world and beyond, Ezz overcame adversity throughout his life leaving a legacy of honor, dignity, respect, and generosity that still thrives to this day. Perhaps sensing that he was comfortably ahead on points, Walcott took it easy on Louis in the final rounds of the fight. He retired with a record of 93-25-1 (52 KOs). I did my best. Ezzard Charles grew stronger and sharper after the world war and continued with his winning spree. 23 Feb. 2023 . A hardscrabble life awaits: his father William departs when he is just five, not to be seen again for two decades, and after this the future heavyweight king is raised mostly by his wizened grand- and great-grandmothers in Cincinnatis tough West End, in a rundown, three-room frame house supported by bricks at the corners.. He was born July 7, 1921, in Lawrenceville, Ga. After his family moved to Cincinnati when he was a child, he became interested in boxing. Charles retired from boxing in the late 1950s. Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. My mother delivered the boy perhaps in the 1950s or 1960s. Ezzard Charles Birth Name: Ezzard Charles Occupation: Boxer Place Of Birth: Lawrenceville Date Of Birth: July 7, 1921 Date Of Death: May 27, 1975 Cause Of Death: N/A Ethnicity: Black Nationality: American Ezzard Charles was born on the 7th of July, 1921. To succeed in life, Ezzard Charles (Ezz) always said that youve got to have a plan.