Name/Title
Print, PhotographicEntry/Object ID
2009.03.20Description
B/w original photograph, L-R: Willie Morton, Ruggles Larson, Bobby Aragon, ring announcer and Ezzard Charles. Parks Air Force Base vs. US Marine Corp Depot of Supplies, December 18, 1953.
12/16/53: Ezzard Charles, former world's heavyweight champion, refereed the interservice boxing match between Parks Air Force Base and US Marine Corp Depot of Supplies at 100 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA. The night before, Charles kayoed Coley Wallace in the 10th round at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Charles won the world's heavyweight title in 1949 by winning a 15 round decision over Jersey Joe Walcott in Chicago. Ezzard successfully defended his title eight times. In 1951, he lost the crown when Jersey Joe Walcott kayoed him in the 7th round. Charles tried to regain his title 3 times but with no success: 1952 he lost to Walcott, 1954 he lost to Rocky Marciano in 15 rounds, and then was stopped by Marciano in 8 rounds. Charles continued boxing and lost a 10 round decision to Pat McMurtry of Tacoma at Lincoln High School bowl in July 13, 1956. Charles' last professional fight was in September of 1959. He was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1970. He died in 1975 in Chicago.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Morton, WilliePerson or Organization
Larson, RugglesPerson or Organization
Aragon, BobbyPerson or Organization
Charles, Ezzard