FROM THE BOOKS
   I have never kidded myself. Fighting has been my profession and though I have fought great fighters and great punchers, I have never been hurt. I have been boxing, as amateur and professional since 1937 and know my strength and my limitations.
   I have always vowed not to make the mistakes of some of the champions who preceded me. I have always said that I would not fight if I didn't have the faith in myself anymore.
   I not only have faith, I feel that I am now a better fighter than I have been in some years. I felt it when I fought Coley Wallace and I knew I had it when I came off some terrific wallops by Bob Satterfield to knock him out in the second round.
   I have faith in the knowledge that in Tom Tannas and Jake Mintz and my trainer, Jimmy Brown, I have three men who have my interests at heart. They will not push me forward for the sake of money. They have faith in me. It helps. I have found myself for the first time in a long time and I know where I am headed if I get the chance.
   I have seen Marciano fight. He is strong and is a much better fighter than they give him credit for being. I have fought strong men before. I have fought great punchers before.
                        
                       I Believe by Ezzard Charles-The Ring April 1954