On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. There was even a record made about Ezz! I finally figured it out. Ezzard Mack Charles (July 7, 1921 May 28, 1975), known as the Cincinnati Cobra, was an American professional boxer and World Heavyweight Champion. Then it was in the ring for sparring. Rocky Marciano is the only heavyweight boxing champion ever to retire without being defeated. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. [6] In their September rematch, Charles landed a severe blow that actually split Marciano's nose in half. Ezzard Charles was born on the 7th of July, 1921. http://www.gamemasteronline.com/Archive/SweetScience/JerseyJoeWalcott.shtml (October 26, 2002). Dettloff captures the tragedy of an audience booing and catcalling one of the sports greatest practitioners as he slips through the ropes, his perceived inability, or unwillingness, to register conclusive knockouts a constant mark against his name. Ezzard delivers a baby. His attempts to recapture the title, first from Walcott and later from Marciano, all ended in failure. If it turned out that way, and even if he gave Charles a thorough going-over, it wouldnt ruin him because Overlin couldnt break an egg. Amerman, Don "Walcott, Jersey Joe If Ezzard Charles hadnt left Lawrenceville by 1930 his life simply would not have been anywhere comparable, he would not have an honorary monument under a shade tree in the Lawrenceville Historic Courthouse Square, He would not be in the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame at Coolray Stadium. Required fields are marked *. People of this zodiac sign like home-based hobbies, relaxing near or in water, helping loved ones, and dislike strangers, revealing of personal life. Where was the opportunity? He was born July 7, 1921, in Lawrenceville, Ga. After his family moved to Cincinnati when he was a child, he became interested in boxing. Boxing celebrities, including Marciano, Archie Moore and Muhammad All (then Cassius Clay) turned out to honor the former champion. He was born Ezzard Mack Charles on July 7, 1921, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Ezzard loved a Brooks Brothers suits, who outfitted him during his heyday in boxing. Victories over future Hall of Famers Teddy Yarosz and the much avoided Charley Burley had started to solidify Charles as a top contender in the middleweight division. Ezzard won several amateur championships, including two Golden Gloves crownswelterweight (1938) and middleweight (1939)before turning professional in 1940. A year later,. He was widely criticized for his handling of the match. 1897-1978 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. Ezzard Charles grew stronger and sharper after the world war and continued with his winning spree. He followed this up in 1939 by winning the Chicago Golden Gloves tournament of champions. No matter the reason for Cinnicinnti, there was a list a mile long of reasons to get out of Georgia. Five-time middleweight champion of the world, Sugar Ray Robinson is remembered as the greatest boxer ever, Ezpeleta y Galdeano Dicastillo y del Prado, Jos Manuel de (17421823), https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/walcott-jersey-joe, https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/charles-ezzard, Born in Merchantville, New Jersey, on January 31, Quits school to help support family after father dies, Works in Camden, New Jersey, shipyard, fighting rarely, Embarks on comeback trail under guidance of promoter Felix Bocchicchio, Dies in Camden, New Jersey, on February 25, Won first professional fight, knocking out Cowboy Wallace on September 9, Won fights against top 10 contenders Joe Baski, Lee Murray, Curtis Sheppard, Won fights against Jimmy Bivins and Lee Oma but lost to Joey Maxim and Elmer Ray, Won heavyweight title against Ezzard Charles, July 18, Edward J. Neil Trophy for Fighter of the Year, Successfully defends title against Charles on June 5, Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame. http://www.cyberenet.net/~kelta/jerseyjoe.html (October 25, 2002). 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 . Born in Lawrenceville, named after the doctor that birthed him, Ezzard Charless family had the bravery to leave Jim Crowe Georgia to pursue better opportunity. East Side Boxing. Before winning the heavyweight championship, he had won the National Boxing Association title by defeating Walcott on June 22, 1949. Outside of the ring, Ezzard also had owned several night clubs, played bass with the eras top jazz performers, even sitting in for a session one night with the legendary Duke Ellington. It is a city of fights and fighters, of hockey and heroes, of broken dreams and immortal glory, a city unlike any other. Notable Sports Figures. 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.. The initials "G.I." 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. The following year, he outpointed his idol and former World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis to become the recognized Lineal Champion. Explore all four Badges to learn more about what makes Ezz so legendary. Find Ezzard Charles School test scores, student-teacher ratio, parent reviews and teacher stats. Known for his slick defense and precision, he is often considered the greatest light heavyweight boxer of all time. Ezzard made the most of it, becoming the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and an inspiration to Gwinnett County. After retiring to his hometown, Cincinnati, he announced two years later that he was penniless. Archie Moore was one of the most colorful and respected figures in the modern history of boxing. To become the undisputed champ, Ezz a 2:1 underdog and smaller fighter defeated his childhood idol and American boxing icon, Joe Louis, on September 27, 1950. Three years service in the Army during World War II interrupted his climb to the heavyweight crown, which he finally attained on June 22, 1949, winning a decision from Walcott for the vacant National Boxing Association title. Cincinnati. 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. Therefore, its best to use Encyclopedia.com citations as a starting point before checking the style against your school or publications requirements and the most-recent information available at these sites: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html. Before a sold-out crowd of 18,000, Walcott suckered Louis with a right-hand lead and then dropped him with a left hook in the very first round. Any devotee of The Sweet Science should add this volume to their Required Reading list, without delay. ." In 1951, Charles fought Walcott a third time and lost the title by knockout in the seventh round. A dresser to the nines, he had impeccable style and was a talented tailor. In 1968, Charles was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Prominent boxing historian Bert Sugar listed Charles as the seventh greatest Heavyweight of all time. I think he never took trips back because of the way it was in the South.. The "Cincinnati Cobra" was a master boxer of extraordinary skill and ability. . Everything that Charles had been before the Bivins fight he was again: fast, powerful, hungry and indefatigable Moore, as good as he was, and as cagey and strong as he was, never stood a chance.. Successful defenses against Walcott, Lee Oma and Joey Maxim followed. ." The lack of communication/feedback with parents and zero follow up & follow through from administrative staff is truly mind blowing. Perhaps sensing that he was comfortably ahead on points, Walcott took it easy on Louis in the final rounds of the fight. Follow in Ezzs footsteps with wayfinding signage and Cincinnati Cobra Badges located near points of interest. During the course of his time on the commission, charges surfaced that Walcott had accepted bribes from undercover agents. The world middleweight c, Tunney, Gene While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. But two years later, on July 18, 1951, Walcott turned the tables on Charles, knocking him out to take the heavyweight title for himself. Like many boxers, financial problems forced Charles to continue fighting, losing 13 of his final 23 fights. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 1,745 Sq. He helped shape the Cincinnati Music Scene, as he would buy jazz records from around the world and bring them back home to share with local musicians and artists. So, how much is Ezzard Charles worth at the age of 54 years old? Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. Some time after their ninth child was born, a fire burned down part of the tree and seared off the notches. - 27 May 1975) ( his death) ( 3 children) Ezzard Charles Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. He was stricken in 1966 with arnyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a muscledebilitating disease, and had been confined to a wheelchair. And one which illuminates the essence of the sport while sympathetically documenting the life of one of its cleverest exports, with searing passages describing the lure of the Fancy. We encourage you to research and examine these records to . American boxer Semifinals 147-Pound class: Defeated Ray McDonald Times-Star A.C. by decision. But Walcott bounced back in 1947, beating Maxim in January, Ray in April, and Maxim again in June. New Pittsburgh Gazette (March 2, 1994). Notable Sports Figures. During the midnineteensixties, he became increasingly afflicted by lateral sclerosis, a disease that crippled his oncepowerful legs and then impaired his ability to speak. The Moon represents one's nurturing and emotional instinct. signage and Cincinnati Cobra Badges located near points of interest. Matthews, Wallace. Log In. You could often find Ezz at Cincinnatis Cotton Club, which at the time was one of the few integrated jazz clubs in the US. Generation. In 1938, he won the Diamond Belt Middleweight Championship. They'd all say the same thing: if you want to be a fighter, you've got to eat it and sleep it. A long time Cincinnatian, he was also an entrepreneur, a musician, a multilinguist, and a good-will ambassador to the West End community, where he lived at the height of his boxing career. Manager Bocchicchio had other ideas for Walcott, who was now 35. Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History. My father would say, come up here, sit in the front. Opportunity. International Boxing Hall of Fame. People who are born with Moon as the ruling planet are sensitive, nurturing, and usually have fluctuating moods. Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life. Charles was unable to secure a title shot at light heavyweight and moved up to heavyweight. In 1966 he was stricken with a muscle-debilitating disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and was confined to a wheelchair. Over the next ten years, forty-one African Americans were lynched right there in Georgia., Into this brutal milieu comes Ezzard, named in lieu of payment after the town doctor who delivered him. Ezzard Charless birth sign is Cancer and he had a ruling planet of Moon. Please let me know how to contact someone regarding this. Not that those two accomplishments, are even a speck of this heavyweight champs, list of accomplishments. Nearby homes similar to 6318 Ezzard Charles Ln have recently sold between $360K to $615K at an average of $250 per square foot. Top 12 All-Time Greatest Muhammad Ali Performances, Top 12 All-Time Greatest Heavyweight Punchers, Top 12 Reasons Why Muhammad Ali Is Forever The Greatest. Charles was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, in 1966. Ezzard Charles School is a Educational Organization headquartered in Chicago, IL. www.mcfarlandpub.com. Music was a deep passion for Ezz, especially jazz, which was wildly popular at the time. Ezzard Charles . Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Walcott successfully defended his title, winning a fifteen-round decision over Charles. Ezzard Mack Charles (Ezz) was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia on July 7, 1921. After a brilliant amateur boxing career, Charles turned pro in 1940 and went on to win twenty consecutive fights in the first eighteen months of the decade. When Ezz prepared for boxing matches, hed run on the streets and in the Parks of Cincinnati. Charles possessed a masterful jab and was a superb combination puncher. Ezz was an avid reader, often passing his down time with books about philosophy. Muhammad Ali said in his own autobiography: "Ezzard Charles was a truly great fighter and champion. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ezzard-Charles, Cincinnati Historical Society Library - Biography of Ezzard Charles. Charles is the only man ever to last the full 15-round distance against Marciano. They seldom rely on other people in daily life, which can make them impatient when dealing with others. The Cincinnati Cobra Badges transport you to stories where youll learn about Ezzs talents, accomplishments, and his lasting legacy in the Queen City. Marciano pointed out the lack of appreciation that had dogged Charles, especially in his fight against Louis. Whos the richest Boxer in the world? In 2022, a statue honoring Ezzard Charles was unveiled in Laurel Park Cincinnati, OH. He was born Raymond Arnold Cream in Merchantville, New Jersey, on January 31, 1914. Baroudi died of the injuries he sustained in this bout. Charles also winds up boxing for the Army in inter-allied tournaments throughout Europe, enjoying predictable success. Ezzard Charles was next and he was ranked number three at the time of his first fight with Marciano. American boxer ." Every day, Ezz and team would wake at 5:30 am for a 5-mile run. Three years later, on June 17, 1954, he lost a grueling fifteen-round decision to Rocky Marciano, and in a rematch later that year Marciano knocked him out in the eighth round. In the. I'd win a fightand the very next day, I'd be back in the gym.. MLS# 67543607. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Montreal is The Fight City. Omissions? From 1940 to 1959 Charles fought 122 bouts, winning 96, of which 58 were by knockout. Charles was sixfeet tall and usually weighed in the 180's. In attempts to regain the world championship, he lost to Walcott in 1952 and twice to Rocky Marciano in 1954. He had a classic match against the heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano going the distance, a full 15 rounds. Blaylock, Donnell Our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend Donnell Eugene Blaylock transitioned peacefully at home Sunday February 26, 2023 surrounded by family. We will continue to update information on Ezzard Charless parents. Possibility. He won the national AAU Middleweight Championship in 1939. "Jersey Joe Walcott Is Remembered." In 1939, he won the Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions as well as the national AAU Middleweight Championship. Fortunately for Walcott, Bocchicchio was not so easily dissuaded. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. Ezzard Charles; A Boxing Life. or. "Obituary: Jersey Joe Walcott." Then followed his lackluster reign and the weary road to retirement, poverty and sickness. ." 1923-1969 Judge Artie Aidala scored the fight 9-5-1 while judge Harold Barnes' tally was 8-6-1. Charles returned to boxing after the war as a light heavyweight, picking up many notable wins over leading light heavyweights, as well as heavyweight contenders Archie Moore, Jimmy Bivins, Lloyd Marshall and Elmer Ray. Early in his professional career, the young New Jersey boxer decided his last name of Cream seemed wholly inappropriate for a fighter who hoped some day to be a champion. Walcott won a match in Sweden against Ollie Tandberg and once again hinted at retirement. In 1968, Ezz was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Between 1943 and 1951, a truly stacked era, Charles loses just once, an unpopular split decision to veteran heavyweight and lethal puncher Elmer Ray, a defeat which he avenges by knockout a year later. Despite this victory, Charles did not receive the recognition many felt he deserved. To personalize his new name, he added "Jersey," to signify the state of his birth. http://www.njboxinghof.org/cgi-bin/henryseehof.pl?286 (October 25, 2002). Again, Bocchicchio persuaded him to continue boxing. The following year, Charles failed in an attempt to recapture the title from Walcott, who lost it barely three months later to Rocky Marciano. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Notable Sports Figures. In the first bout, held in Yankee Stadium on June 17, 1954, he valiantly took Marciano the distance, going down on points in a vintage heavyweight bout. 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. Georgia state education spending was at about $43 per white student in 1930, and only $10 per black student in the states public school system. 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! American boxer CHICAGO, May 23 (UPI)Ezzard Charles, the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1949 until 1951, died today at the Veterans Administration Hospital here. Meet the man, follow the legend, and see for yourself why Ezzard Charles is much more than one of the greatest boxers ever. He won over boxers like Jimmy Bivins, Teddy Randolph, Joe Kahut, Archie Moore and Lloyd Marshal in the light heavyweight divisions. Quarterfinals 147-Pound class: Defeated Charles Wilson by decision. Make up a song about something you like. 3 beds, 2 baths, 1363 sq. In the following years he fights and beats a succession of formidable middleweights and light heavyweights, champions and ex-titlists, including Teddy Yarosz, Anton Cristofiridis, Charley Burley, Booker Beckwith, Mose Brown and Joey Maxim. [9] He was buried at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. Although he never won the Light Heavyweight title, The Ring has rated him as the greatest light heavyweight of all time.[5]. New York: Scribner, 1994. Ezzard Charles was born in Lawrenceville, United States. 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 Pittsburgh. Mee, Bob. The former boxer spent his last days in a nursing home. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. (February 23, 2023). The deafening applause was proof that in the minds of the spectators anyway Walcott had succeeded. Surviving are his widow, Gladys, and three children, Ezzard 2d, Deborah and Leith. Charles lost a controversial decision in their fourth and final bout. By William Dettloff. Charles was very close with Rocky Marciano and a neighbor and friend of Muhammad Ali when they both lived on 85th Street in Chicago. Encyclopedia.com. He gave up for good when a fighter named Alvin Green defeated him on Sept. 1, 1959. Learn about the artistic expression and culture that made Ezzard Charles (Ezz) a Renaissance man. He fought only five matches from 1940 through 1944, one of which was his loss to Simon. Shower and massage. Charles was so devastated he almost gave up fighting. New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. Dettloff describes it as a calculated risk: Overlin had so much more experience than Charles that he was expected to win. Chuckling at his problems, he added: It's more than a rainy day, it's a flood.. Charles retired from boxing in 1956, with two brief, unsuccessful comeback attempts in 1958 and 1959. Encyclopedia.com gives you the ability to cite reference entries and articles according to common styles from the Modern Language Association (MLA), The Chicago Manual of Style, and the American Psychological Association (APA). When Ezz was young she gave him permission to join a gym and pursue boxing, keeping him busy after school. Media Contact. 6318 Ezzard Charles Ln, Houston, TX 77091 | MLS #37286952 | Zillow By Agent By Owner New Construction Coming Soon Coming Soon listings are homes that will soon be on the market. Go ringside for a look at Ezzard Charles (Ezz) legendary boxing career and what it takes to be one of the greatest fighters ever. He died in 1973. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. The man told Ezzard he owned 365 suits, one for each day of the year. Ezzard Charles was born on July 7, 1921. Nevertheless, a number of fans and boxing writers felt that Charles deserved the decision. One of the most persistent boxers of the 20th century, Jersey Joe Walcott refused to give up his dream of winning the world heavyweight title. Considered one of the giants of sports in the 1920s, Gene Tunney became heavyweight boxing champion of the worl, Sugar Ray Robinson He was best known for being a Boxer. Remaining a top contender with wins over Rex Layne, Tommy Harrison and Coley Wallace, Charles knocked out Bob Satterfield in an eliminator bout for the right to challenge Heavyweight Champion Rocky Marciano. Thank you. To honor Ezzs legacy, CPF leveraged the statue project into a vibrant revitalization of the entire Laurel Park as a gift to Ezzs family and to the residents of the West End. Just a simple, square sort of fellow, who believed in playing the game by the rules, Charles said in selfdescription some years ago. The economic boom and the Jazz Age were over, and America began the period called the Great Depression. He was 53 years old. When he was a child, his family moved to Cincinnati, where he became interested in boxing. SOLD JUN 13, 2022. Anyone can read what you share. Retrieved February 23, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/charles-ezzard. Discover what happened on this day. single-family home with a list price of $350000. To boxing fans, he was known as The Cincinnati Cobra, a well known fighter because he would become the cities only Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Charles retired from boxing in the late 1950s. He started to train by himself in a young age. It turned into a title match after the New York State Athletic Commission ruled that any match of more than six rounds with Louis had to be for the title. support his family. When he was only thirteen years old, his father, an immigrant from Barbados, died. 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. He coasted through the final four rounds and lost the chance to become the first man to regain the heavyweight championship. William Dettloff, biographer and author, Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life, go Vibrant, creator of the largest network of urban walking routes in the country, Brian Powers, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, Cincinnati ParksFoundation He had a 42-0 record, with two Golden Glove Titles before embarking on a pro career that was interrupted by his service in World War II from 1944 and 1945 where he learned to speak Spanish and Italian. Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History, Walcott, Jersey Joe Walcott began to lose hope. Ezzard Charles. Known as the Cincinnati Cobra, Ezz worked his opponents with a combination of lightning-fast technique and quick, powerful punches. Hall of Fame boxing champion who fought frequently in the heavyweight division and earned titles in all three different weight divisions. He was . We encourage you to research and examine these . Often Ezz would meet with school-age children and have fun with them exercising or going on group trips to the theater. He would try his punches on the homemade boxing bag. However, the date of retrieval is often important. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1985. Nobody gave any credit to Ezzard. McKenna Brooks Email: info@ccatsober.org I did my best. Buy. 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.. People born under this sign are honest, observant and hardworking. Kelta's Kavern. 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. 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. However, he served in the U.S. military during World War II and was unable to fight professionally in 1945. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news/Jersey-Joe-Walcott.php (October 26, 2002). Ezz played the bass cello, even sitting in with some great musicians of the day. 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. See the estimate, review home details, and search for homes nearby. Historian Bob Mee looks back on the glorious career the legendary Ezzard Charles who was born on July 7, 1921 . 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. Incidentally, these opponents Ray, Bivins, Burley et al are not glossed over but given a proper backstory, Dettloff making them come alive on the page and increasing our appreciation for Charles achievement in vanquishing them. Ezzard Charles was born on July 7, 1921 in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. I was saving for a rainy day, and the rainy day has come, he said after admitting that his $2million had finally drained mysteriously away. Once more details are available, we will update this section. Four times during that period, he squared off against one of the ten top-ranked fightersAl Ettore in 1936, Tiger Jack Fox in 1937 and 1938, and Abe Simon in 1940in his weight class, only to lose every match. Recently sold: 6622 Ezzard Charles Lane, TX 77091 0.11 Acres Lot 1,544 SQFT 3 Beds 2 Full Baths Single-Family View more details Not long thereafter, he stopped in one day at Battling Mac's Gym in Camden, New Jersey, where he soon became a regular, sparring with some of the fighters who called the gym home. "Joe Walcott." Salzman, Linda "Charles, Ezzard When preparing for a boxing match, Ezz focused on speed and stamina. He was also very mild mannered with a gentle air . In 2018, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation (CPF) took on the effort of raising the funds for the new Ezzard Charles statue in Laurel Parka park located along the street named for him, where he would once run his training routes.