In 2022, a statue honoring Ezzard Charles was unveiled in Laurel Park Cincinnati, OH. Find your friends on Facebook. New Pittsburgh Gazette (March 2, 1994). Ezzard Charles, A Gentle Terror - Boxing Over Broadway Known in years past as "Sin City" and "Babylon on the St. Lawrence", it saw more than its share of ring legends over the decades. He was stricken in 1966 with arnyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a muscledebilitating disease, and had been confined to a wheelchair. Like many boxers, financial problems forced Charles to continue fighting, losing 13 of his final 23 fights. This generation experienced much of their youth during the Great Depression and rapid technological innovation such as the radio and the telephone. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Through all the ups and downs in their life together, Gladys maintained the family finances while she and Ezz always put their children first. I have a bracelet given to a boy, last name Charles when he was born in Cincinnati. . In the early 1980s, Walcott was appointed chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission. 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. "Obituary: Jersey Joe Walcott." Corrections? Music was a deep passion for Ezz, especially jazz, which was wildly popular at the time. Because of this, Ezz excelled at boxing while also graduating Woodward High Schoola rare feat for a professional boxer. Walcott made his professional boxing debut in 1930 at the age of sixteen, knocking out Cowboy Wallace in the first round of a match in Vineland, New Jersey. The Cincinnati Cobra Badges transport you to stories where youll learn about Ezzs talents, accomplishments, and his lasting legacy in the Queen City. 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. His son, Ezzard Charles II on his visit to Gwinnett for the induction at CoolRay Field was quoted as saying of his fathers childhood, That time in our nation was tough on African-Americans. Associated With He was close friend of Rocky Marciano as well as a one-time neighbor of Muhammad Ali. Mee, Bob. He held the title from 1949 to 1951, successfully defending it in 1950 against Joe Louis. Ezzard Charles was born in 1920s. Ezzard Charles Permanently Honored in Cincinnati Namesake Park Discharged in January 1946, the career of The Cincinnati Cobra then motors on in high gear and reading about his bouts with the legendary Archie Moore in particular is a great pleasure. Ezz Fest brings people together for an annual celebration in Laurel Park. Ezzard delivers a baby. or. The Moon represents one's nurturing and emotional instinct. Ezzard Charles School located in Chicago, Illinois - IL. Ezzard Charles won the National Boxing Association heavyweight crown in a fifteen-round decision over Jersey Joe Walcott on June 22, 1949. Go ringside for a look at Ezzard Charles (Ezz) legendary boxing career and what it takes to be one of the greatest fighters ever. Ezzard Charles. Not that those two accomplishments, are even a speck of this heavyweight champs, list of accomplishments. He was born Ezzard Mack Charles on July 7, 1921, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Research genealogy for Ezzard Charles of New Orleans, Orleans, Louisiana, USA, as well as other members of the Charles family, on Ancestry. Charles died on May 28, 1975. By the time he was sixteen, he had taught himself the rudiments of boxing so well that he won fortytwo amateur fights in a rowincluding two Golden Gloves and the AAU National Championship in 1939before turning professional in 1940. Referee Ruby Goldstein agreed, observing, "Walcott punched his ears off." He was . And if Charles managed to pull out a win? Just after his second defeat by Marciano, Walcott announced his retirement from boxing. Like anyone who identifies as something of a boxing diehard, Im familiar with the name Ezzard Charles. Surviving are his widow, Gladys, and three children, Ezzard 2d, Deborah and Leith. Ezzard Charles | American boxer | Britannica Ronnie McCluskey. But the Queen City celebrated their first-ever heavyweight champion with fanfare and a parade. Doctor W.P. A chilling 1973 commercial showed Charles in his wheelchair horribly disabled by ALS. Published by McFarland, 232 pages $35.00. Buford High School Students Testify at the Capital, Gwinnett State of theCountyHosts 800+ Attendees, Meredith Bailey Promoted to Creative Director of Gwinnett Chamber. 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. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. 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 lack of communication/feedback with parents and zero follow up & follow through from administrative staff is truly mind blowing. Known as the Cincinnati Cobra, Ezz worked his opponents with a combination of lightning-fast technique and quick, powerful punches. People just didnt want to see Louis lose. My mother delivered the boy perhaps in the 1950s or 1960s. You could often find Ezz at Cincinnatis Cotton Club, which at the time was one of the few integrated jazz clubs in the US. 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. Charles was so devastated he almost gave up fighting. He had simply come along at time when a bloodhungry public couldn't appreciate him.. Learn More Auction Foreclosures These properties are currently listed for sale. In fact, Ezz was part owner of the Cotton Club and saw many legendary acts come through including Duke Ellington, Scatman Crothers, Pearl Bailey, and Sarah Vaughn. Charles was sixfeet tall and usually weighed in the 180's. Ezzard Charles; A Boxing Life. In 1966 he was stricken with a muscle-debilitating disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and was confined to a wheelchair. The deafening applause was proof that in the minds of the spectators anyway Walcott had succeeded. They met twice. 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. single-family home with a list price of $350000. During the midnineteensixties, he became increasingly afflicted by lateral sclerosis, a disease that crippled his oncepowerful legs and then impaired his ability to speak. 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. "[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. 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. 6622 Ezzard Charles Lane, TX 77091 - HAR.com Possibility. 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.. We learn that Ezzard Charles was a timid kid, the prey of school bullies, God-fearing, yet a locally celebrated scrapper, participating in rudimentary backyard boxing matches from the age of eight. Ezzard Charles 1954-1998 - Ancestry Fight crowds, writes Dettloff, liked blood and guts and gory displays of violence. Louis had given them crushing knockouts and awesome displays of raw power; Charles was a pugilist of a different stripe. ." 6318 Ezzard Charles Ln, Houston, TX 77091 is for sale. Doctor W.P. In 2002, Charles was ranked No. Known for his slick defense and precision, he is often considered the greatest light heavyweight boxer of all time. 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. 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. In fact, he wanted to leave the ring, but his handlers held him back.". 830 Ezzard Charles Drive Cincinnati, OH 45214 513.381.6672. Two thirds of voters had him inside the top 20. 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. Jefferies, Eddie. Follow in Ezzs footsteps with wayfinding signage and Cincinnati Cobra Badges located near points of interest. Obituary. 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. Thanks to a collaboration between the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and go Vibrant, weve mapped out three Cincinnati Cobra Routes starting in Laurel Park the largest Cincinnati Park in the West End! Ezzard Charles Popularity #81837 Born in Lawrenceville, GA Boxer Born in Georgia Cancer Boxer Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). "Jersey Joe Walcott: The Improbable Champion." On July 18, 1951, he became, at the age of thirty-seven, the oldest boxer ever to become the heavyweight champ, knocking out Ezzard Charles in the seventh round to finally take the title he had so long pursued. Research genealogy for Charles Ezzard of Brampton, Hampshire, England, as well as other members of the Ezzard family, on Ancestry. A dresser to the nines, he had impeccable style and was a talented tailor. "Time Tunnel: Jersey Joe Walcott; The Long, Long Journey." 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.. Jim Crowe laws not only threatened the lives of the black community, but ALL opportunities. Detroit: Gale Group, 1998. http://www.gamemasteronline.com/Archive/SweetScience/JerseyJoeWalcott.shtml (October 26, 2002). He had speed, agility, fast hands and excellent footwork. "Jersey Joe Walcott: 1914-1994." ." He always wanted to sit in the front. Like many famous people and celebrities, Ezzard Charles kept his personal life private. He started boxing in his teen years, winning 42 amateur fights and the Amateur Athletic Union national middleweight title before he graduated from Woodward High School in 1942.. Charles continued boxing until he was called to serve . Before winning the heavyweight championship, he had won the National Boxing Association title by defeating Walcott on June 22, 1949. 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. To personalize his new name, he added "Jersey," to signify the state of his birth. Walcott eagerly headed for the Louis training camp, but on his very first day on the job, he dropped Louis with a left hook, abruptly ending his stint as sparring partner. Please check back soon for updates. $359,900 Last Sold Price. He depended on his boxing skills and ability to score points rather than delivering one powerful knockout punch and thus was criticized by some for lacking a harsh fighting instinct. Anything was now available to Ezzard, anything was possible. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. A year later,. A fund raiser was held to assist Charles and many of his former opponents spoke on his behalf. Although acknowledgedand often grudingly praisedas one of the finest boxers ever to hold the heavyweight title, Ezzard Mack Charles somehow was never able to capture in addition the glamour and unrestrained idolatry that often accompany boxing's most coveted goal. He had simply come along at a time when a bloodhungry public couldnt appreciate him. Ezzard Charles grew stronger and sharper after the world war and continued with his winning spree. Nearly 25% of voters had Charles in the top 10. 2.5 Baths. Follow Ezz and see if you can find all the Badges on the Cincinnati Cobra Routes. Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History, Walcott, Jersey Joe Charles was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, in 1966. Duquesne Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. Brancaccio Theater, Esquilino, Rome, Italy. Jersey Joe returned to boxing with a vengeance, winning eight of his nine bouts in 1945, three of them against top ten fighters Joe Baski, Lee Murray, and Curtis Sheppard. Full-body sculpture of Ezzard Charles revealed to family But Ezz kept fighting with his eye on being the first boxer of his time to regain the heavyweight title. Born in Georgia, he was a musician and loved jazz, bringing records home from his travels abroad. 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] 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.. Who are the richest people in the world? While you get to know Ezz, try your hand at a Cincinnati Cobra Challenge, twelve tasks that connect Ezzs journey to your life. In 1987 he was named the ninth greatest heavyweight of all time by The Ring. But Ezzard Charles is so damn good that, despite being avoided to an almost comical degree by light heavyweight champ Gus Lesnevich, he winds up making waves as a heavyweight, capturing the world title left vacant after Joe Louis retired by taking a 15 round decision overJersey Joe Walcott in 1949, repaying Lesnevich in his maiden defence, and then going on to defeat his old idol, Louis. Ezzard Mack Charles (July 7, 1921 May 28, 1975), known as the Cincinnati Cobra, was an American professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion. Charles is the only man ever to last the full 15-round distance against Marciano. MLS# 67543607. He was best known for being a Boxer. To succeed in life, Ezzard Charles (Ezz) always said that youve got to have a plan. I tried to make a way for our young people." 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. $615,000 Last Sold Price. The History of the Sweet Science. After that, everyones age was more or less a guess.. When expenses for therapy became more than he could handle, Charles was honored at a benefit in Chicago on Nov. 13, 1968. The listing agent for these homes has added a Coming Soon note to alert buyers in advance. He also loses, to slick and crafty Kid Tunero, and to Jimmy Bivins and Lloyd Marshall, the latter two defeats later avenged. To that end, Ezz was determined to be the best for his family, for himself, and for his boxing profession. They seldom rely on other people in daily life, which can make them impatient when dealing with others. [1] Ezzard Charles - Bio, Personal Life, Family & Cause Of Death - CelebsAges 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. Charles also winds up boxing for the Army in inter-allied tournaments throughout Europe, enjoying predictable success. However, the date of retrieval is often important. Walcott wasn't through. "Jersey Joe Walcott Is Remembered." Ezz was an avid reader, often passing his down time with books about philosophy. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Ezz was proud of being Cincinnatis first heavyweight champ. Who Is Ezzard Charles's Wife? 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." Successful defenses against Walcott, Lee Oma and Joey Maxim followed. ." 1923-1969 In 2006, Ezzard Charles was named the 11th greatest fighter of all time by the IBRO (International Boxing Research Organisation).[11]. Ezzard Charles (July 7, 1921 May 28, 1975), American - Prabook Nevertheless, a number of fans and boxing writers felt that Charles deserved the decision. By the early 1940s, Walcott was working in the Camden shipyards, and his boxing career seemed all but over. Despite this stain on his reputation, Walcott will forever stand as an inspiration to dreamers everywhere that perseverance can pay off. Ezzard Charles was born on July 7, 1921. He turned professional in 1940, knocking out Melody Johnson in the fourth round. The world middleweight c, Tunney, Gene 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. This streak of success is all the more surprising in light of Charles tragic win over 20-year-old Sam Baroudi in 1948, following which Baroudi died after suffering a harrowing beating at Ezzards hands. 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.. Who was Ezzard Charles, the Cincinnati Cobra? - The Enquirer This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. From 1940 to 1959 Charles fought 122 bouts, winning 96, of which 58 were by knockout. Perhaps sensing that he was comfortably ahead on points, Walcott took it easy on Louis in the final rounds of the fight. Media Contact. Or, I couldnt have told you much more prior to reading William Dettloffs excellent biography of the man, Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life, the first publication of its kind, a shocking fact given Charles standing. Ezzard Charles | Encyclopedia.com He won his next five matches before losing, on November 16, 1933, in a rematch with Henry Taylor in Philadelphia. Where was the opportunity? And right there in Charles hometown, the judges gave Overlin the win, just as they should have.. Ezzard Charles was born on July 7, 1921 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. In the fourth round, Louis, confused by the "Walcott Shuffle," which involved shifting the feet around so that first the left and then the right were the lead, and pivoting the body to match, was dropped again by the challenger. Ezzard Charles in Ezzard Charles Park - Cincinnati Parks Foundation Ezz | Web App 1913-1998 He won the national AAU Middleweight Championship in 1939. From that point on Ezzard wanted to be a Boxer. Boxer Ezzard Charles was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia. 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. Notable Sports Figures. They'd all say the same thing: if you want to be a fighter, you've got to eat it and sleep it. He was an avid reader and learned to speak Italian while serving during World War II. Ezzard Charles's birth sign is Cancer. In 1950 Walcott won his first four matches of the year, only to lose to Rex Layne on November 24. So, how much is Ezzard Charles worth at the age of 54 years old? The business entanglements are also covered: Charles severs ties with Williams and is guided largely by firebrand Pittsburgh promoter Jake Mintz, as well as a management collective comprising an accountant, a restaurant proprietor, and Max Elkus, owner of a clothing store Charles had worked in after school. 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. In 1951, Charles fought Walcott a third time and lost the title by knockout in the seventh round. Ezzard Mack Charles (Ezz) was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia on July 7, 1921. Ezzard made the most of it, becoming the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and an inspiration to Gwinnett County.