Born: Ezzard Mack Charles
NBA Heavyweight Champion 1949-50... World Heavyweight Champion 1950-51
One of the most underrated of the former heavyweight champions, Ezzard Charles compiled an outstanding record in his nineteen-year professinal career. He fought in thirteen championship bouts and triumphed over some of the best boxers of his day. Charles was born in Georgia but grew up in Cincinnati. As an amateur, he was unbeatable, winning 42 consecutive fights, including Golden Gloves and other tournament championships. He turned professional in 1940 after winning the 1939 National Amateur Athletic Union middleweight title. Charles started fighting as a middleweight before moving up to light heavyweight and, ultimately, to the heavyweight division. He earned a reputation as both a clever boxer and a hard puncher. Among those vanquished early in his carrer are Hall of Famers Charley Burley, Joey Maxim and Archie Moore.
The Boxing Register