In a career spanning 19 years and five months, Ezzard Charles fought 121 times with 95 wins, 25 losses, and 1 draw. By his last professional fight on September 1, 1959, Charles' boxing record stood at 95-25-1 (52 KO wins, 7 KO losses).
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Ezzard Charles (Cincinnati Cobra) was an American professional boxer. He was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S. on July 7, 1921. Charles made his professional boxing debut at the age of 18, on March 12, 1940. He was a heavyweight world champion. He died on May 28, 1975 at the age of 53 years. Charles is a Hall of Famer.
Total Fights | 121 |
---|---|
Wins | 95 |
Losses | 25 |
Draws | 1 |
No-Contests | 0 |
KO Wins | 52 |
---|---|
Total Title Wins | 3 |
Title Defenses | 8 |
Title-Fight KO Wins | 5 |
Losses via KO | 7 |
# | Date | Age | Opponent | Result | Via |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
121 | Sep 1, 1959 | 38 | Alvin Green | Loss | UD |
120 | Jul 30, 1959 | 38 | George Logan | Loss | KO8 |
119 | Jul 3, 1959 | 37 | Dave Ashley | Win | TKO9 |
118 | Oct 27, 1958 | 37 | Donnie Fleeman | Loss | KO6 |
117 | Aug 28, 1958 | 37 | Alfredo Zuany | Loss | UD |
116 | Aug 28, 1958 | 37 | Johnny Harper | Win | UD |
115 | Oct 2, 1956 | 35 | Dick Richardson | Loss | DQ |
114 | Aug 31, 1956 | 35 | Harry Matthews | Loss | UD |
113 | Jul 13, 1956 | 35 | Pat McMurtry | Loss | UD |
112 | Jun 19, 1956 | 34 | Bob Albright | Win | RTD6 |
111 | May 21, 1956 | 34 | Wayne Bethea | Loss | UD |
110 | Apr 21, 1956 | 34 | Don Jasper | Win | TKO9 |
109 | Dec 29, 1955 | 34 | Young Jack Johnson | Loss | TKO6 |
108 | Dec 22, 1955 | 34 | Bob Albright | Win | SD |
107 | Dec 6, 1955 | 34 | Toxie Hall | Win | UD |
106 | Nov 14, 1955 | 34 | Toxie Hall | Loss | SD |
105 | Aug 31, 1955 | 34 | Tommy Jackson | Loss | UD |
104 | Aug 3, 1955 | 34 | Tommy Jackson | Loss | UD |
103 | Jul 13, 1955 | 34 | Paul Andrews | Win | SD |
102 | Jun 8, 1955 | 33 | John Holman | Win | UD |
101 | Apr 27, 1955 | 33 | John Holman | Loss | TKO9 |
100 | Apr 11, 1955 | 33 | Vern Escoe | Win | KO3 |
99 | Feb 18, 1955 | 33 | Charley Norkus | Win | UD |
98 | Sep 17, 1954 | 33 | Rocky Marciano | Loss * | KO8 |
97 | Jun 17, 1954 | 32 | Rocky Marciano | Loss * | UD |
96 | Jan 13, 1954 | 32 | Bob Satterfield | Win | KO2 |
95 | Dec 16, 1953 | 32 | Coley Wallace | Win | KO10 |
94 | Sep 8, 1953 | 32 | Harold Johnson | Loss | SD |
93 | Aug 11, 1953 | 32 | Niño Valdés | Loss | UD |
92 | May 26, 1953 | 31 | Larry Watson | Win | KO5 |
91 | May 12, 1953 | 31 | Billy Gilliam | Win | UD |
90 | Apr 1, 1953 | 31 | Rex Layne | Win | UD |
89 | Feb 4, 1953 | 31 | Tommy Harrison | Win | TKO9 |
88 | Jan 14, 1953 | 31 | Wes Bascom | Win | TKO9 |
87 | Dec 15, 1952 | 31 | Frank Buford | Win | TKO7 |
86 | Nov 26, 1952 | 31 | Jimmy Bivins | Win | UD |
85 | Oct 24, 1952 | 31 | Cesar Brion | Win | UD |
84 | Oct 8, 1952 | 31 | Bernie Reynolds | Win | KO2 |
83 | Aug 8, 1952 | 31 | Rex Layne | Loss | PTS |
82 | Jun 5, 1952 | 30 | Jersey Joe Walcott | Loss * | UD |
81 | Dec 12, 1951 | 30 | Joe Kahut | Win | KO8 |
80 | Dec 12, 1951 | 30 | Joey Maxim | Win | UD |
79 | Oct 10, 1951 | 30 | Rex Layne | Win | TKO11 |
78 | Jul 18, 1951 | 30 | Jersey Joe Walcott | Loss * | KO7 |
77 | May 30, 1951 | 29 | Joey Maxim | Win * | UD |
76 | Mar 7, 1951 | 29 | Jersey Joe Walcott | Win * | UD |
75 | Jan 12, 1951 | 29 | Lee Oma | Win * | TKO10 |
74 | Dec 5, 1950 | 29 | Nick Barone | Win * | KO11 |
73 | Sep 27, 1950 | 29 | Joe Louis | Win * | UD |
72 | Aug 15, 1950 | 29 | Freddie Beshore | Win * | TKO14 |
71 | Oct 14, 1949 | 28 | Pat Valentino | Win * | KO8 |
70 | Aug 10, 1949 | 28 | Gus Lesnevich | Win * | RTD7 |
69 | Jun 22, 1949 | 27 | Jersey Joe Walcott | Win * | UD |
68 | Feb 28, 1949 | 27 | Joey Maxim | Win | MD |
67 | Feb 7, 1949 | 27 | Johnny Haynes | Win | KO8 |
66 | Dec 10, 1948 | 27 | Joe Baksi | Win | TKO11 |
65 | Nov 15, 1948 | 27 | Walter Hafer | Win | KO7 |
64 | Sep 13, 1948 | 27 | Jimmy Bivins | Win | UD |
63 | May 20, 1948 | 26 | Erv Sarlin | Win | UD |
62 | May 7, 1948 | 26 | Elmer Ray | Win | KO9 |
61 | Feb 20, 1948 | 26 | Sam Baroudi | Win | KO10 |
60 | Jan 13, 1948 | 26 | Archie Moore | Win | KO8 |
59 | Dec 2, 1947 | 26 | Fitzie Fitzpatrick | Win | KO4 |
58 | Nov 3, 1947 | 26 | Teddy Randolph | Win | UD |
57 | Oct 27, 1947 | 26 | Clarence Jones | Win | KO1 |
56 | Oct 16, 1947 | 26 | Al Smith | Win | TKO4 |
55 | Sep 29, 1947 | 26 | Lloyd Marshall | Win | KO2 |
54 | Sep 16, 1947 | 26 | Joe Matisi | Win | UD |
53 | Jul 25, 1947 | 26 | Elmer Ray | Loss | SD |
52 | Jul 14, 1947 | 26 | Fitzie Fitzpatrick | Win | KO5 |
51 | May 5, 1947 | 25 | Archie Moore | Win | MD |
50 | Apr 14, 1947 | 25 | Erv Sarlin | Win | UD |
49 | Mar 10, 1947 | 25 | Jimmy Bivins | Win | KO4 |
48 | Feb 17, 1947 | 25 | Oakland Billy Smith | Win | KO5 |
47 | Nov 12, 1946 | 25 | Jimmy Bivins | Win | UD |
46 | Sep 23, 1946 | 25 | Oakland Billy Smith | Win | UD |
45 | Jul 29, 1946 | 25 | Lloyd Marshall | Win | KO6 |
44 | Jun 13, 1946 | 24 | Shelton Bell | Win | KO5 |
43 | May 20, 1946 | 24 | Archie Moore | Win | UD |
42 | May 13, 1946 | 24 | Tommy Hubert | Win | KO4 |
41 | Apr 15, 1946 | 24 | George Parks | Win | TKO6 |
40 | Apr 1, 1946 | 24 | Billy Duncan | Win | KO4 |
39 | Mar 25, 1946 | 24 | Tommy Hubert | Win | UD |
38 | Feb 18, 1946 | 24 | Al Sheridan | Win | KO2 |
37 | Dec 16, 1944 | 23 | Al Barlow | Win | PTS |
36 | Dec 13, 1944 | 23 | Stanley Goicz | Win | PTS |
35 | Mar 31, 1943 | 21 | Lloyd Marshall | Loss | TKO8 |
34 | Jan 7, 1943 | 21 | Jimmy Bivins | Loss | UD |
33 | Dec 1, 1942 | 21 | Joey Maxim | Win | UD |
32 | Oct 27, 1942 | 21 | Joey Maxim | Win | UD |
31 | Sep 15, 1942 | 21 | Mose Brown | Win | KO6 |
30 | Aug 17, 1942 | 21 | Jose Basora | Win | KO5 |
29 | Jul 27, 1942 | 21 | Booker Beckwith | Win | KO9 |
28 | Jul 14, 1942 | 21 | Steve Mamakos | Win | KO1 |
27 | Jun 29, 1942 | 20 | Charley Burley | Win | PTS |
26 | May 25, 1942 | 20 | Charley Burley | Win | UD |
25 | May 13, 1942 | 20 | Kid Tunero | Loss | UD |
24 | Apr 8, 1942 | 20 | Billy Pryor | Win | PTS |
23 | Mar 2, 1942 | 20 | Ken Overlin | Draw | MD |
22 | Jan 12, 1942 | 20 | Anton Christoforidis | Win | TKO3 |
21 | Nov 17, 1941 | 20 | Teddy Yarosz | Win | UD |
20 | Oct 13, 1941 | 20 | Pat Mangini | Win | KO1 |
19 | Jul 21, 1941 | 20 | Al Gilbert | Win | TKO5 |
18 | Jun 9, 1941 | 19 | Ken Overlin | Loss | UD |
17 | May 12, 1941 | 19 | Rudy Kozole | Win | PTS |
16 | Mar 31, 1941 | 19 | Joe Sutka | Win | PTS |
15 | Mar 10, 1941 | 19 | Floyd Howard | Win | KO7 |
14 | Feb 24, 1941 | 19 | Slaka Cavrich | Win | KO2 |
13 | Feb 10, 1941 | 19 | Billy Bengal | Win | UD |
12 | Dec 2, 1940 | 19 | Charley Jerome | Win | KO3 |
11 | Oct 1, 1940 | 19 | Marty Simmons | Win | PTS |
10 | Sep 23, 1940 | 19 | Billy Hood | Win | KO2 |
9 | Aug 5, 1940 | 19 | John Reeves | Win | PTS |
8 | Jun 29, 1940 | 18 | Carl Turner | Win | PTS |
7 | Jun 17, 1940 | 18 | Young Kid Ash | Win | KO3 |
6 | Jun 13, 1940 | 18 | Frankie Williams | Win | TKO5 |
5 | Jun 3, 1940 | 18 | Charley Banks | Win | KO1 |
4 | May 20, 1940 | 18 | Charley Banks | Win | PTS |
3 | Apr 3, 1940 | 18 | Remo Fernandez | Win | PTS |
2 | Mar 27, 1940 | 18 | John Reeves | Win | PTS |
1 | Mar 12, 1940 | 18 | Melody Johnson | Win | KO4 |
* World-title fight
Charles was a heavyweight world champion. He held one world title at heavyweight, which was a lineal championship win.
Weight Division | World Titles Held |
---|---|
Heavyweight | The Ring |
Ezzard Charles was 183 cm tall (6' 0.05") with a reach of 185 cm (6' 0.83"). He used to fight out of the orthodox stance and presented an ape-index of 2 cm (0.79").
Charles had a 43% KO rate. Of his total 52 KO wins, 20 were in the early rounds, 19 in the mid rounds, and 13 in the later rounds. He had four first-round KO wins.
Ezzard Charles' professional boxing career spanned more than 19 years — from 1940 to 1959.
Charles made his professional boxing debut against Melody Johnson at the age of 18 on March 12, 1940, defeating Johnson via 4th round KO. He went on to win 16 more consecutive fights after the debut, which included 7 wins via stoppage.
Charles had his first world title fight at the age of 27 on June 22, 1949 after 68 professional fights, against Jersey Joe Walcott for the heavyweight NBA (vacant) title. He defeated Walcott via 15 round unanimous decision to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
He was a one-time unified heavyweight world champion, and won one world title at heavyweight. For all the details about Charles' world title wins and defenses refer to "Ezzard Charles World Titles".
Some of Charles' best fights and notable victories include wins over eight Hall-of-Famers (Jimmy Bivins, Joey Maxim, Jersey Joe Walcott, Joe Louis, Archie Moore, Lloyd Marshall, Charley Burley, and Teddy Yarosz), .
Charles had a total of 25 losses in his professional boxing career.
His last professional fight was a non-title bout against Alvin Green at 38 years of age, on September 1, 1959. Charles lost the fight via 10 round unanimous decision.
Charles fought a total of 121 times during his professional career, which includes 13 world-title fights at the heavyweight division. He was among the very best of his generation and was known for his great performances in his fights. These nine fights are the highlight of his career.
May 25, 1942: Ezzard Charles puts on the first remarkable performance of his career, defeating Charley Burley via 10th round unanimous decision.
May 20, 1946: Ezzard Charles beats Archie Moore via 10th round unanimous decision.
January 13, 1948: Ezzard Charles beats Archie Moore via 8th round KO.
June 22, 1949: Charles wins his first world title by defeating Jersey Joe Walcott via 15 round unanimous decision. He is now the NBA heavyweight world champion.
September 27, 1950: Charles becomes a unified heavyweight world champion by beating Joe Louis via 15 round unanimous decision. He now holds the NBA, NYSAC , and The Ring heavyweight world-champion belts.
March 7, 1951: Charles successfully defends the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles against Jersey Joe Walcott, winning the fight via 15 round unanimous decision.
May 30, 1951: Charles successfully defends the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles against Joey Maxim, winning the fight via 15 round unanimous decision.
December 12, 1951: Ezzard Charles beats Joey Maxim via 12th round unanimous decision.
June 17, 1954: Ezzard Charles loses to Rocky Marciano via 15 round unanimous decision. He was fighting for the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles.
The following is a fight-by-fight progression of Charles' boxing career; all the way from his debut, to winning world-titles, to his last fight against Alvin Green, and all the other wins and losses of his career.
On September 1, 1959, a 38-year old Ezzard Charles (95-24-1, 52 KO) fought Alvin Green in his 121st professional fight. He lost to Green via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On July 30, 1959, a 38-year old Ezzard Charles (95-23-1, 52 KO) fought George Logan in his 120th professional fight. He lost to Logan via 8th round KO.
On July 3, 1959, a 37-year old Ezzard Charles (94-23-1, 51 KO) fought Dave Ashley in his 119th professional fight. He defeated Ashley via 9th round TKO, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On October 27, 1958, a 37-year old Ezzard Charles (94-22-1, 51 KO) fought Donnie Fleeman in his 118th professional fight. He lost to Fleeman via 6th round KO. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On August 28, 1958, a 37-year old Ezzard Charles (94-21-1, 51 KO) fought Alfredo Zuany in his 117th professional fight. He lost to Zuany via 10th round unanimous decision.
On August 28, 1958, a 37-year old Ezzard Charles (93-21-1, 51 KO) fought Johnny Harper in his 116th professional fight. He defeated Harper via 10th round unanimous decision, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On October 2, 1956, a 35-year old Ezzard Charles (93-20-1, 51 KO) fought Dick Richardson in his 115th professional fight. He lost to Richardson via 2nd round DQ. He is now on a three-fight losing streak.
On August 31, 1956, a 35-year old Ezzard Charles (93-19-1, 51 KO) fought Harry Matthews in his 114th professional fight. He lost to Matthews via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On July 13, 1956, a 35-year old Ezzard Charles (93-18-1, 51 KO) fought Pat McMurtry in his 113rd professional fight. He lost to McMurtry via 10th round unanimous decision.
On June 19, 1956, in their 2nd fight, a a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (92-18-1, 50 KO) fought Bob Albright in his 112nd professional fight. He defeated Albright via 6th round RTD, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On May 21, 1956, a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (92-17-1, 50 KO) fought Wayne Bethea in his 111st professional fight. He lost to Bethea via 10th round unanimous decision.
On April 21, 1956, a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (91-17-1, 49 KO) fought Don Jasper in his 110th professional fight. He defeated Jasper via 9th round TKO, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On December 29, 1955, a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (91-16-1, 49 KO) fought Young Jack Johnson in his 109th professional fight. He lost to Johnson via 6th round TKO.
On December 22, 1955, a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (90-16-1, 49 KO) fought Bob Albright in his 108th professional fight. He defeated Albright via 10th round split-decision. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On December 6, 1955, in their 2nd fight, a a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (89-16-1, 49 KO) fought Toxie Hall in his 107th professional fight. He defeated Hall via 10th round unanimous decision, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On November 14, 1955, a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (89-15-1, 49 KO) fought Toxie Hall in his 106th professional fight. He lost to Hall via 10th round split-decision. He is now on a three-fight losing streak.
On August 31, 1955, in their 2nd fight, a a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (89-14-1, 49 KO) fought Tommy Jackson in his 105th professional fight. He lost to Jackson via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On August 3, 1955, a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (89-13-1, 49 KO) fought Tommy Jackson in his 104th professional fight. He lost to Jackson via 10th round unanimous decision.
On July 13, 1955, a 34-year old Ezzard Charles (88-13-1, 49 KO) fought Paul Andrews in his 103rd professional fight. He defeated Andrews via 10th round split-decision. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On June 8, 1955, in their 2nd fight, a a 33-year old Ezzard Charles (87-13-1, 49 KO) fought John Holman in his 102nd professional fight. He defeated Holman via 10th round unanimous decision, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On April 27, 1955, a 33-year old Ezzard Charles (87-12-1, 49 KO) fought John Holman in his 101st professional fight. He lost to Holman via 9th round TKO.
On April 11, 1955, a 33-year old Ezzard Charles (86-12-1, 48 KO) fought Vern Escoe in his 100th professional fight. He defeated Escoe via 3rd round KO. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On February 18, 1955, a 33-year old Ezzard Charles (85-12-1, 48 KO) fought Charley Norkus in his 99th professional fight. He defeated Norkus via 10th round unanimous decision, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On September 17, 1954, in their 2nd fight, which was an immediate rematch, a 33-year old Ezzard Charles (85-11-1, 48 KO) faced an undefeated Rocky Marciano again, who was now 31 years old with a record of 46-0. Charles was challenging Marciano's NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. Charles had lost to Marciano in their last fight. Charles was the taller of the two by 4 cms and also had a 12 cm reach advantage.
Charles lost to Marciano via 8th round KO. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On June 17, 1954, a 32-year old Ezzard Charles (85-10-1, 48 KO) faced an undefeated fellow American boxer Rocky Marciano for the first time, who was 30 years old with a record of 45-0. Charles was challenging Marciano's NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. Marciano was on a 45-fight win streak with 40 KO wins. Charles was the taller of the two by 4 cms and also had a 12 cm reach advantage.
Charles lost to Marciano via 15 round unanimous decision. His two-fight win streak is halted with this loss.
On January 13, 1954, a 32-year old Ezzard Charles (84-10-1, 47 KO) fought Bob Satterfield in his 96th professional fight. He defeated Satterfield via 2nd round KO. He is now on a two-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On December 16, 1953, a 32-year old Ezzard Charles (83-10-1, 46 KO) fought Coley Wallace in his 95th professional fight. He defeated Wallace via 10th round KO, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On September 8, 1953, a 32-year old Ezzard Charles (83-9-1, 46 KO) fought fellow American boxer Harold Johnson, who was 25 years old with a record of 41-5. Johnson was on a six-fight win streak with 19 KO wins. Charles was the taller of the two by 5 cms but Johnson had a 3 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Johnson had five losses, one of which was via stoppage.
Charles lost to Johnson via 10 round split-decision. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On August 11, 1953, a 32-year old Ezzard Charles (83-8-1, 46 KO) fought Niño Valdés in his 93rd professional fight. He lost to Valdés via 10th round unanimous decision.
On May 26, 1953, a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (82-8-1, 45 KO) fought Larry Watson in his 92nd professional fight. He defeated Watson via 5th round KO. He is now on a nine-fight winning streak.
On May 12, 1953, a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (81-8-1, 45 KO) fought Billy Gilliam in his 91st professional fight. He defeated Gilliam via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a eight-fight winning streak.
On April 1, 1953, in their 3rd fight, a a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (80-8-1, 45 KO) fought Rex Layne in his 90th professional fight. He defeated Layne via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak.
On February 4, 1953, a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (79-8-1, 44 KO) fought Tommy Harrison in his 89th professional fight. He defeated Harrison via 9th round TKO. He is now on a six-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On January 14, 1953, a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (78-8-1, 43 KO) fought Wes Bascom in his 88th professional fight. He defeated Bascom via 9th round TKO. He is now on a five-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On December 15, 1952, a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (77-8-1, 42 KO) fought Frank Buford in his 87th professional fight. He defeated Buford via 7th round TKO. He is now on a four-fight winning streak.
On November 26, 1952, in their 5th fight, a a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (76-8-1, 42 KO) fought Jimmy Bivins in his 86th professional fight. He defeated Bivins via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a three-fight winning streak.
On October 24, 1952, a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (75-8-1, 42 KO) fought Cesar Brion in his 85th professional fight. He defeated Brion via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On October 8, 1952, a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (74-8-1, 41 KO) fought Bernie Reynolds in his 84th professional fight. He defeated Reynolds via 2nd round KO, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On August 8, 1952, in their 2nd fight, a a 31-year old Ezzard Charles (74-7-1, 41 KO) fought Rex Layne in his 83rd professional fight. He lost to Layne via 10th round PTS. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On June 5, 1952, in their 4th fight, a 30-year old Ezzard Charles (74-6-1, 41 KO) faced Jersey Joe Walcott again, who was now 38 years old with a record of 50-16-2. Charles was challenging Walcott's NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. Charles had lost to Walcott in their last fight. Both the boxers were of the same height but Walcott had a 3 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Walcott had 16 losses, four of which were via stoppage.
Charles lost to Walcott via 15 round unanimous decision. His three-fight win streak is halted with this loss.
On December 12, 1951, a 30-year old Ezzard Charles (73-6-1, 40 KO) fought Joe Kahut in his 81st professional fight. He defeated Kahut via 8th round KO. He is now on a three-fight winning streak.
On December 12, 1951, in their 5th fight, a a 30-year old Ezzard Charles (72-6-1, 40 KO) fought Joey Maxim again, who was now 29 years old with a record of 76-17-4. Maxim was on a one-fight win streak with 20 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 2 cms but Charles had a 1 cm reach advantage over Maxim. Coming into this fight, Maxim had 17 losses, one of which was via stoppage.
Charles defeated Maxim via 12 round unanimous decision. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On October 10, 1951, a 30-year old Ezzard Charles (71-6-1, 39 KO) fought Rex Layne in his 79th professional fight. He defeated Layne via 11th round TKO, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On July 18, 1951, in their 3rd fight, a 30-year old Ezzard Charles (71-5-1, 39 KO) faced Jersey Joe Walcott again, who was now 37 years old with a record of 49-16-2 in a heavyweight title-defense fight. Walcott had lost to Charles in their last fight. Both the boxers were of the same height but Walcott had a 3 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Walcott had 16 losses, four of which were via stoppage.
Charles lost to Walcott via 7th round KO and lost the NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. His 24-fight win streak comes to an end with this loss.
On May 30, 1951, in their 4th fight, a 29-year old Ezzard Charles (70-5-1, 39 KO) faced Joey Maxim again, who was now 29 years old with a record of 75-16-4 in a heavyweight title-defense fight. Maxim was on a 12-fight win streak with 20 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 2 cms but Charles had a 1 cm reach advantage over Maxim. Coming into this fight, Maxim had 16 losses, one of which was via stoppage.
Charles defeated Maxim via 15 round unanimous decision to retain the NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. He is now on a 24-fight winning streak.
On March 7, 1951, in their 2nd fight, a 29-year old Ezzard Charles (69-5-1, 39 KO) faced Jersey Joe Walcott again, who was now 37 years old with a record of 49-15-2 in a heavyweight title-defense fight. Walcott was on a one-fight losing streak. Both the boxers were of the same height but Walcott had a 3 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Walcott had 15 losses, four of which were via stoppage.
Charles defeated Walcott via 15 round unanimous decision to retain the NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. He is now on a 23-fight winning streak.
On January 12, 1951, a 29-year old Ezzard Charles (68-5-1, 38 KO) faced Lee Oma in a heavyweight title-defense fight. He defeated Oma via 10th round TKO to retain the NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. He is now on a 22-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On December 5, 1950, a 29-year old Ezzard Charles (67-5-1, 37 KO) faced Nick Barone in a heavyweight title-defense fight. He defeated Barone via 11th round KO to retain the NBA, NYSAC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. He is now on a 21-fight winning streak.
On September 27, 1950, a 29-year old Ezzard Charles (66-5-1, 37 KO) faced fellow American boxer Joe Louis, who was 36 years old with a record of 58-1 for Louis' NYSAC (vacant) and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. Louis was on a 34-fight win streak with 49 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 5 cms and also had a 8 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Louis had a single loss, which was via stoppage.
Charles defeated Louis via 15 round unanimous decision to win the vacant NYSAC and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles and retain the NBA heavyweight title. He is now on a 20-fight winning streak.
On August 15, 1950, a 29-year old Ezzard Charles (65-5-1, 36 KO) faced Freddie Beshore. He defeated Beshore via 14th round TKO to retain the NBA heavyweight title. He is now on a 19-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On October 14, 1949, a 28-year old Ezzard Charles (64-5-1, 35 KO) faced Pat Valentino. He defeated Valentino via 8th round KO to retain the NBA heavyweight title. He is now on a 18-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On August 10, 1949, a 28-year old Ezzard Charles (63-5-1, 34 KO) faced Gus Lesnevich. He defeated Lesnevich via 7th round RTD to retain the NBA heavyweight title. He is now on a 17-fight winning streak.
On June 22, 1949, in his 69th professional fight, a 27-year old Ezzard Charles (62-5-1, 34 KO) had his first world title fight against fellow American boxer Jersey Joe Walcott for Walcott's NBA (vacant) heavyweight belt. Walcott was 35 years old with a record of 44-13-2. Walcott was on a two-fight losing streak. Both the boxers were of the same height but Walcott had a 3 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Walcott had 13 losses, four of which were via stoppage.
Charles defeated Walcott via 15 round unanimous decision to win the vacant NBA heavyweight title. He is now on a 16-fight winning streak.
On February 28, 1949, in their 3rd fight, a a 27-year old Ezzard Charles (61-5-1, 34 KO) fought Joey Maxim again, who was now 26 years old with a record of 63-15-4. Maxim was on a two-fight win streak with 12 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 2 cms but Charles had a 1 cm reach advantage over Maxim. Coming into this fight, Maxim had 15 losses, one of which was via stoppage.
Charles defeated Maxim via 15 round majority decision. He is now on a 15-fight winning streak.
On February 7, 1949, a 27-year old Ezzard Charles (60-5-1, 33 KO) fought Johnny Haynes in his 67th professional fight. He defeated Haynes via 8th round KO. He is now on a 14-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On December 10, 1948, a 27-year old Ezzard Charles (59-5-1, 32 KO) fought Joe Baksi in his 66th professional fight. He defeated Baksi via 11th round TKO. He is now on a 13-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On November 15, 1948, a 27-year old Ezzard Charles (58-5-1, 31 KO) fought Walter Hafer in his 65th professional fight. He defeated Hafer via 7th round KO. He is now on a 12-fight winning streak.
On September 13, 1948, in their 4th fight, a a 27-year old Ezzard Charles (57-5-1, 31 KO) fought Jimmy Bivins in his 64th professional fight. He defeated Bivins via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 11-fight winning streak.
On May 20, 1948, in their 2nd fight, a a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (56-5-1, 31 KO) fought Erv Sarlin in his 63rd professional fight. He defeated Sarlin via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 10-fight winning streak.
On May 7, 1948, in their 2nd fight, a a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (55-5-1, 30 KO) fought Elmer Ray in his 62nd professional fight. He defeated Ray via 9th round KO. He is now on a nine-fight winning streak, with four back-to-back KO wins.
On February 20, 1948, a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (54-5-1, 29 KO) fought Sam Baroudi in his 61st professional fight. He defeated Baroudi via 10th round KO. He is now on a eight-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On January 13, 1948, in their 3rd fight, a a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (53-5-1, 28 KO) fought Archie Moore again, who was now 34 years old with a record of 89-13-7. Moore was on a five-fight win streak with 67 KO wins. Charles was the taller of the two by 3 cms but Moore had a 6 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Moore had 13 losses, two of which were via stoppage.
Charles defeated Moore via 8th round KO. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On December 2, 1947, in their 2nd fight, a a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (52-5-1, 27 KO) fought Fitzie Fitzpatrick in his 59th professional fight. He defeated Fitzpatrick via 4th round KO. He is now on a six-fight winning streak.
On November 3, 1947, a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (51-5-1, 27 KO) fought Teddy Randolph in his 58th professional fight. He defeated Randolph via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a five-fight winning streak.
On October 27, 1947, a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (50-5-1, 26 KO) fought Clarence Jones in his 57th professional fight. He defeated Jones via 1st round KO. He is now on a four-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On October 16, 1947, a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (49-5-1, 25 KO) fought Al Smith in his 56th professional fight. He defeated Smith via 4th round TKO. He is now on a three-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On September 29, 1947, in their 3rd fight, a a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (48-5-1, 24 KO) fought Lloyd Marshall in his 55th professional fight. He defeated Marshall via 2nd round KO. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On September 16, 1947, a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (47-5-1, 24 KO) fought Joe Matisi in his 54th professional fight. He defeated Matisi via 10th round unanimous decision, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On July 25, 1947, a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (47-4-1, 24 KO) fought Elmer Ray in his 53rd professional fight. He lost to Ray via 10th round split-decision.
On July 14, 1947, a 26-year old Ezzard Charles (46-4-1, 23 KO) fought Fitzie Fitzpatrick in his 52nd professional fight. He defeated Fitzpatrick via 5th round KO. He is now on a 17-fight winning streak.
On May 5, 1947, in their 2nd fight, a a 25-year old Ezzard Charles (45-4-1, 23 KO) fought Archie Moore again, who was now 33 years old with a record of 84-12-7. Moore was on a two-fight win streak with 65 KO wins. Charles was the taller of the two by 3 cms but Moore had a 6 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Moore had 12 losses, two of which were via stoppage.
Charles defeated Moore via 10 round majority decision. He is now on a 16-fight winning streak.
On April 14, 1947, a 25-year old Ezzard Charles (44-4-1, 23 KO) fought Erv Sarlin in his 50th professional fight. He defeated Sarlin via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 15-fight winning streak.
On March 10, 1947, in their 3rd fight, a a 25-year old Ezzard Charles (43-4-1, 22 KO) fought Jimmy Bivins in his 49th professional fight. He defeated Bivins via 4th round KO. He is now on a 14-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On February 17, 1947, in their 2nd fight, a a 25-year old Ezzard Charles (42-4-1, 21 KO) fought Oakland Billy Smith in his 48th professional fight. He defeated Smith via 5th round KO. He is now on a 13-fight winning streak.
On November 12, 1946, in their 2nd fight, a a 25-year old Ezzard Charles (41-4-1, 21 KO) fought Jimmy Bivins in his 47th professional fight. He defeated Bivins via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 12-fight winning streak.
On September 23, 1946, a 25-year old Ezzard Charles (40-4-1, 21 KO) fought Oakland Billy Smith in his 46th professional fight. He defeated Smith via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 11-fight winning streak.
On July 29, 1946, in their 2nd fight, a a 25-year old Ezzard Charles (39-4-1, 20 KO) fought Lloyd Marshall in his 45th professional fight. He defeated Marshall via 6th round KO. He is now on a 10-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On June 13, 1946, a 24-year old Ezzard Charles (38-4-1, 19 KO) fought Shelton Bell in his 44th professional fight. He defeated Bell via 5th round KO. He is now on a nine-fight winning streak.
On May 20, 1946, a 24-year old Ezzard Charles (37-4-1, 19 KO) fought fellow American boxer Archie Moore for the first time, who was 32 years old with a record of 80-11-5. Moore was on a six-fight win streak with 62 KO wins. Charles was the taller of the two by 3 cms but Moore had a 6 cm reach advantage over Charles. Coming into this fight, Moore had 11 losses, two of which were via stoppage.
Charles defeated Moore via 10 round unanimous decision. He is now on a eight-fight winning streak.
On May 13, 1946, in their 2nd fight, a a 24-year old Ezzard Charles (36-4-1, 18 KO) fought Tommy Hubert in his 42nd professional fight. He defeated Hubert via 4th round KO. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On April 15, 1946, a 24-year old Ezzard Charles (35-4-1, 17 KO) fought George Parks in his 41st professional fight. He defeated Parks via 6th round TKO. He is now on a six-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On April 1, 1946, a 24-year old Ezzard Charles (34-4-1, 16 KO) fought Billy Duncan in his 40th professional fight. He defeated Duncan via 4th round KO. He is now on a five-fight winning streak.
On March 25, 1946, a 24-year old Ezzard Charles (33-4-1, 16 KO) fought Tommy Hubert in his 39th professional fight. He defeated Hubert via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a four-fight winning streak.
On February 18, 1946, a 24-year old Ezzard Charles (32-4-1, 15 KO) fought Al Sheridan in his 38th professional fight. He defeated Sheridan via 2nd round KO. He is now on a three-fight winning streak.
On December 16, 1944, a 23-year old Ezzard Charles (31-4-1, 15 KO) fought Al Barlow in his 37th professional fight. He defeated Barlow via 3rd round PTS. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On December 13, 1944, a 23-year old Ezzard Charles (30-4-1, 15 KO) fought Stanley Goicz in his 36th professional fight. He defeated Goicz via 3rd round PTS, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On March 31, 1943, a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (30-3-1, 15 KO) fought Lloyd Marshall in his 35th professional fight. He lost to Marshall via 8th round TKO. He is now on a two-fight losing streak.
On January 7, 1943, a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (30-2-1, 15 KO) fought Jimmy Bivins in his 34th professional fight. He lost to Bivins via 10th round unanimous decision.
On December 1, 1942, in their 2nd fight, a a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (29-2-1, 15 KO) fought Joey Maxim again, who was now 20 years old with a record of 20-6. Maxim had lost to Charles in their last fight, and was the taller of the two by 2 cms but Charles had a 1 cm reach advantage over Maxim. Coming into this fight, Maxim had six losses, but had never been stopped.
Charles defeated Maxim via 10 round unanimous decision. He is now on a eight-fight winning streak.
On October 27, 1942, a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (28-2-1, 15 KO) fought fellow American boxer Joey Maxim for the first time, who was 20 years old with a record of 20-5. Maxim was on a four-fight win streak with 5 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 2 cms but Charles had a 1 cm reach advantage over Maxim. Coming into this fight, Maxim had five losses, but had never been stopped.
Charles defeated Maxim via 10 round unanimous decision. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak.
On September 15, 1942, a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (27-2-1, 14 KO) fought Mose Brown in his 31st professional fight. He defeated Brown via 6th round KO. He is now on a six-fight winning streak, with four back-to-back KO wins.
On August 17, 1942, a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (26-2-1, 13 KO) fought Jose Basora in his 30th professional fight. He defeated Basora via 5th round KO. He is now on a five-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On July 27, 1942, a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (25-2-1, 12 KO) fought Booker Beckwith in his 29th professional fight. He defeated Beckwith via 9th round KO. He is now on a four-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On July 14, 1942, a 21-year old Ezzard Charles (24-2-1, 11 KO) fought Steve Mamakos in his 28th professional fight. He defeated Mamakos via 1st round KO. He is now on a three-fight winning streak.
On June 29, 1942, in their 2nd fight, a a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (23-2-1, 11 KO) fought Charley Burley again, who was now 24 years old with a record of 52-6-1. Burley was on a one-fight win streak with 31 KO wins. Charles was the taller of the two by 8 cms and also had a 10 cm reach advantage. Coming into this fight, Burley had six losses, but had never been stopped.
Charles defeated Burley via 10 round PTS. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On May 25, 1942, a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (22-2-1, 11 KO) fought fellow American boxer Charley Burley for the first time, who was 24 years old with a record of 51-5-1. Burley was on a 20-fight win streak with 31 KO wins. Charles was the taller of the two by 8 cms and also had a 10 cm reach advantage. Coming into this fight, Burley had five losses, but had never been stopped.
Charles defeated Burley via 10 round unanimous decision, making a successful comeback from his last loss.
On May 13, 1942, a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (22-1-1, 11 KO) fought Kid Tunero in his 25th professional fight. He lost to Tunero via 10th round unanimous decision.
On April 8, 1942, a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (21-1-1, 11 KO) fought Billy Pryor in his 24th professional fight. He defeated Pryor via 10th round PTS.
On March 2, 1942, in their 2nd fight, a a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (21-1, 11 KO) fought Ken Overlin in his 23rd professional fight. He had a draw with Overlin via 10th round majority decision.
On January 12, 1942, a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (20-1, 10 KO) fought Anton Christoforidis in his 22nd professional fight. He defeated Christoforidis via 3rd round TKO. He is now on a four-fight winning streak.
On November 17, 1941, a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (19-1, 10 KO) fought Teddy Yarosz in his 21st professional fight. He defeated Yarosz via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a three-fight winning streak.
On October 13, 1941, a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (18-1, 9 KO) fought Pat Mangini in his 20th professional fight. He defeated Mangini via 1st round KO. He is now on a two-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On July 21, 1941, a 20-year old Ezzard Charles (17-1, 8 KO) fought Al Gilbert in his 19th professional fight. He defeated Gilbert via 5th round TKO, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
On June 9, 1941, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (17-0, 8 KO) fought Ken Overlin in his 18th professional fight. He lost to Overlin via 10th round unanimous decision.
On May 12, 1941, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (16-0, 8 KO) fought Rudy Kozole in his 17th professional fight. He defeated Kozole via 10th round PTS. He is now on a 17-fight winning streak.
On March 31, 1941, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (15-0, 8 KO) fought Joe Sutka in his 16th professional fight. He defeated Sutka via 10th round PTS. He is now on a 16-fight winning streak.
On March 10, 1941, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (14-0, 7 KO) fought Floyd Howard in his 15th professional fight. He defeated Howard via 7th round KO. He is now on a 15-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On February 24, 1941, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (13-0, 6 KO) fought Slaka Cavrich in his 14th professional fight. He defeated Cavrich via 2nd round KO. He is now on a 14-fight winning streak.
On February 10, 1941, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (12-0, 6 KO) fought Billy Bengal in his 13th professional fight. He defeated Bengal via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 13-fight winning streak.
On December 2, 1940, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (11-0, 5 KO) fought Charley Jerome in his 12th professional fight. He defeated Jerome via 3rd round KO. He is now on a 12-fight winning streak.
On October 1, 1940, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (10-0, 5 KO) fought Marty Simmons in his 11th professional fight. He defeated Simmons via 10th round PTS. He is now on a 11-fight winning streak.
On September 23, 1940, a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (9-0, 4 KO) fought Billy Hood in his 10th professional fight. He defeated Hood via 2nd round KO. He is now on a 10-fight winning streak.
On August 5, 1940, in their 2nd fight, a a 19-year old Ezzard Charles (8-0, 4 KO) fought John Reeves in his 9th professional fight. He defeated Reeves via 4th round PTS. He is now on a nine-fight winning streak.
On June 29, 1940, an 18-year old Ezzard Charles (7-0, 4 KO) fought Carl Turner in his 8th professional fight. He defeated Turner via 6th round PTS. He is now on a eight-fight winning streak.
On June 17, 1940, an 18-year old Ezzard Charles (6-0, 3 KO) fought Young Kid Ash in his 7th professional fight. He defeated Ash via 3rd round KO. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
On June 13, 1940, an 18-year old Ezzard Charles (5-0, 2 KO) fought Frankie Williams in his 6th professional fight. He defeated Williams via 5th round TKO. He is now on a six-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
On June 3, 1940, in their 2nd fight, a an 18-year old Ezzard Charles (4-0, 1 KO) fought Charley Banks in his 5th professional fight. He defeated Banks via 1st round KO. He is now on a five-fight winning streak.
On May 20, 1940, an 18-year old Ezzard Charles (3-0, 1 KO) fought Charley Banks in his 4th professional fight. He defeated Banks via 6th round PTS. He is now on a four-fight winning streak.
On April 3, 1940, an 18-year old Ezzard Charles (2-0, 1 KO) fought Remo Fernandez in his 3rd professional fight. He defeated Fernandez via 6th round PTS. He is now on a three-fight winning streak.
On March 27, 1940, an 18-year old Ezzard Charles (1-0, 1 KO) fought John Reeves in his 2nd professional fight. He defeated Reeves via 6th round PTS. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
On March 12, 1940, an 18-year old Ezzard Charles successfully debuted against Melody Johnson. He defeated Johnson via 4th round KO.
Charles knocked out 52 of his 121 opponents. By his last fight, his KO ratio was at 43%. Of his total 95 wins, 52 of them were via KO (54.7%).