Best fights of Ezzard Charles
Over 19 years as a professional, Ezzard Charles compiled a 95-25-1 (52) record, including 14 title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Ezzard Charles defeats Charley Burley
On May 25, 1942 Ezzard Charles faced Charley Burley. Charles was 20 years old with a record of 22-2-1, and Burley was 24 with a record of 51-5-1. Charles was coming off a loss, while Burley was on a 20-fight winning streak. Charles won via unanimous decision.
2. Ezzard Charles defeats Charley Burley in their 2nd fight
On June 29, 1942 Ezzard Charles faced Charley Burley. It was their second meeting. Charles was 20 years old with a record of 23-2-1, and Burley was 24 with a record of 52-6-1. Both Charles and Burley were coming off a win. Charles won via unanimous decision.
3. Ezzard Charles defeats Joe Louis
On September 27, 1950 Ezzard Charles defended his NBA heavyweight title against Joe Louis. Charles was 29 years old with a record of 66-5-1, and Louis was 36 with a record of 58-1. Charles was on a 19-fight winning streak and Louis was on a 34-fight winning streak. Charles won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
4. Ezzard Charles defeats Joey Maxim in their 4th fight
On May 30, 1951 Ezzard Charles defended his NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles against Joey Maxim. It was their fourth meeting. Charles was 29 years old with a record of 70-5-1, and Maxim was 29 with a record of 75-16-4. Charles was on a 23-fight winning streak and Maxim was on a 12-fight winning streak. Charles won via unanimous decision. Defended the titles.
5. Ezzard Charles defeats Joey Maxim in their 5th fight
On December 12, 1951 Ezzard Charles faced Joey Maxim in a light heavyweight bout. It was their fifth meeting. Charles was 30 years old with a record of 72-6-1, and Maxim was 29 with a record of 76-17-4. Both Charles and Maxim were coming off a win. Charles won via unanimous decision.
6. Ezzard Charles KOs Archie Moore in their 3rd fight
On January 13, 1948 Ezzard Charles faced Archie Moore in a light heavyweight bout. It was their third meeting. Charles was 26 years old with a record of 53-5-1, and Moore was 34 with a record of 89-13-7. Charles was on a 6-fight winning streak and Moore was on a 5-fight winning streak. Charles stopped Archie Moore via KO in the 8th round.
7. Ezzard Charles loses to Harold Johnson via split decision
On September 8, 1953 Ezzard Charles faced Harold Johnson. Charles was 32 years old with a record of 83-9-1, and Johnson was 25 with a record of 41-5. Charles was coming off a loss, while Johnson was on a 6-fight winning streak. Charles lost via split decision. Went the distance with Johnson.
8. Ezzard Charles loses to Rocky Marciano via unanimous decision
On June 17, 1954 Ezzard Charles fought Rocky Marciano for the NBA, NYSAC, The Ring, and lineal heavyweight titles. Charles was 32 years old with a record of 85-10-1, and Marciano was 30 with a record of 45-0. Charles was on a 2-fight winning streak and Marciano was on an undefeated 45-fight winning streak. Charles lost via unanimous decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Marciano.
9. Ezzard Charles defeats Joey Maxim in their 3rd fight
On February 28, 1949 Ezzard Charles faced Joey Maxim in a heavyweight bout. It was their third meeting. Charles was 27 years old with a record of 61-5-1, and Maxim was 26 with a record of 63-15-4. Charles was on a 14-fight winning streak and Maxim was on a 2-fight winning streak. Charles won via majority decision.
10. Ezzard Charles KOs Lee Oma
On January 12, 1951 Ezzard Charles defended his NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles against Lee Oma. Charles was 29 years old with a record of 68-5-1, and Oma was 0 with a record of 0-0. Charles was on a 21-fight winning streak. Charles stopped Lee Oma via TKO in the 10th round. Defended the titles.