Eps 17: Ezzard Charles vs. Jersey Joe Walcott
The podcast discusses the heavyweight boxing match between Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott that occurred in 1951. The host explains how Charles was a dominant fighter who was known for his skill and intelligence in the ring, while Walcott was a seasoned veteran who was known for his power and durability. The two fighters clashed in a closely contested fight that saw Charles dominate early rounds but Walcott come back strong in the latter half. The fight ended with Charles winning a unanimous decision and retaining his heavyweight title. The host concludes by stating that the fight was a classic example of two great fighters facing off at the height of their abilities.
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Host
Heather Johnston
Podcast Content
Ezzard Charles, also known as "The Cincinnati Cobra", was born on July 7, 1921, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He started boxing at a young age and turned professional in 1940 at the age of 19. Charles had a dominant career in the middleweight division before moving up to the heavyweight division in 1949.
Jersey Joe Walcott, born Arnold Raymond Cream on January 31, 1914, in Merchantville, New Jersey, also had a long and successful career. He turned professional in 1930 at the age of 16 and fought in the welterweight, middleweight, and light-heavyweight divisions before moving up to the heavyweight division in 1945.
The fight between Charles and Walcott took place on July 18, 1951, at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was a highly anticipated bout, with Charles defending his world heavyweight title against Walcott, who was a former world light-heavyweight champion.
The first four rounds were uneventful, with both boxers feeling each other out. However, in the fifth round, Walcott landed a powerful left hook that sent Charles to the canvas. Charles quickly got back up, but it was clear that Walcott had the advantage.
In the seventh round, Charles was able to turn the tide, landing some powerful punches of his own and forcing Walcott into a defensive position. The rest of the fight saw a back-and-forth battle, with both boxers exchanging heavy blows.
As the fight went on, it became clear that Charles was the stronger and more energetic of the two. He continued to press the attack, landing heavy punches and backing Walcott up against the ropes.
Finally, in the 15th round, Charles landed a powerful right hand that sent Walcott crashing to the canvas. Walcott tried to get up, but his legs were too weak, and he ultimately collapsed back down to the mat. The referee counted him out, and Ezzard Charles was declared the winner by knockout.
This fight marked a turning point in Charles' career, as it cemented his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Walcott, on the other hand, would go on to have a long and successful career, but he would never again reach the heights that he did in his bout against Charles.
In conclusion, the fight between Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott was a classic battle between two of the greatest boxers of all time. While Walcott had the advantage early on, Charles was able to turn the tide and ultimately emerge victorious. It was a thrilling and unforgettable moment in boxing history and one that will be remembered by fans of the sport for generations to come. Thank you for joining us for this week's episode of "Boxing Legends". See you next time!