Ezzard Charles Documentary - The Cincinnati Cobra

[@kaio2212able]

Thank you for this documentary on one of my favorite boxers of all time. The criminally underrated Ezzard Charles.

[@kasnilistopadski]

I even like the name - Ezzard went to my ear emediat

[@MelHouston-k2m]

Definitely

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, kaio.

[@bradleylim993]

Painfully underrated fighter

[@himawalincat9350]

I don't think he is underrated. He is not very popular as some of those flashy people in general and that is all what it is, I think. Serious boxing people recognized him as one of the top PFP greats.

[@MelHouston-k2m]

You ain't never lie

[@55cleon]

One Of My Grandfather's Favorite Fighters 👊🏿!!

[@AshishSharma-ef5el]

Easily the greatest light heavyweight of all time. He is up there with Sugar ray Robinson in P4p rankings. Also a great human to boot. His statue now stands in his hometown. RIP legend. You'll never be forgotten.

[@kaio2212able]

@@AshishSharma-ef5el absolutely!

[@julieseddon-v2s]

yes a marvellous fighter, pleased he has a statue in his memory

[@TheBatugan77]

Charles was never destined to get his due. He followed Joe Louis, which was like Lou Gehrig following Babe Ruth. Later, of course, Charles suffered from Gehrig's Disease. I remember seeing him in a wheelchair as a kid, and being very sad about it. He always seemed like a decent fellow. Deserved much better treatment, and a much better fate. Excellent as always, Rich. Hope you're doing well.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, TheBatugan. Yes, much improved.

[@Sara_Sky_Sutton]

William Dettloff’s biography *'Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life'* documents that Charles first felt weakness and some numbness in his limbs as early as 1951. This was 3 years before the Marciano fights and it was also the same year he lost his title. Ezzard, his family, Ezzard's trainer's Ray Arcel, Jimmy Brown, Chickie Ferrera and Bill Gore all said they noticed signs of ALS in 1951. Bert Sugar said, *"His trainer, Ray Arcel said, that even now, at this stage in 51, and then on into the middle 50's, you could see the beginning, the traces of the disease, that would later claim his life, Lou Gehrig's disease in Charles."* --@ 35:01 ESPN Ringside - Rocky Marciano

[@Sara_Sky_Sutton]

The diagnosis came from Ezzard's family, all his trainers and Ezzard himself. They didn't need a doctor's diagnosis inorder to help them see Ezzard's hand trembling when he tried to hold a spoon while eating soup. Ezzard said, *"after a guy hit me, I didn't seem to be able to get away,"* he recalled, *"I didn't have the same coordination."* William Dettloff's biography about Ezzard Charles having ALS symptoms in 1951 is NEVER EVER going to magically disappear just because you want it to or because there wasn't a medical diagnosis done in 1951. Wikipedia needs to be updated by Ezzard's family. Per family request Archie Moore's birthdate was recently updated from 1916 to 1913 making Archie 41 if not older when he fought Rocky.

[@freddy8479]

​​@@Sara_Sky_Sutton I personally believe that the symptoms were the results of the opponents of that ELITE of Black Boxers he faced known as "The Murderers Row". Although Ezzard held his own against some of them, he took some serious defeats early in his career against those members, such as Jimmy Bivins and ESPECIALLY LLOYD MARSHALL, who administered a serious beating and defeat to Ezzard, who was on his way to be drafted into the Army in WW2. (I personally believe that defeat at Marshall's hands began his ALS symptoms.) But Ezzard got his revenge on both Bivins and Marshall with KO VICTORIES!!!

[@dericklapite6226]

Another Gem from Rich, Ezzard Charles is a abit on an enigma his actually part of the original‘murderers black row’ but he couldn’t get fights at middleweight so moved up to heavyweight, history seems to have somewhat forgotten about him unfortunately so it’s great that Rich has put this together, keep up the good work 🫡👍🏿

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Derick.

[@danmorleyboxing]

In my opinion one of the greatest fighters of all time! Beat so many great Middleweights, then Cleared out the Light Heavyweight division for many years - cementing himself as the weight classes best ever. Amazingly he never even got a title shot in those weights, so moved up to Heavyweight to beat Joe Louis & Jersey Joe Walcott twice, where he finally became champ! Came so close to beating Rocky Marciano after being the only man to ever go 15 with the Rock. People sometimes look at his 20+ losses when assessing his legacy unfortunately + the fact he was a quiet champion around a time packed full of legends, which is why with hindsight he’s still drastically underrated - but many of those were losses past his best, struggling with his health! There was a time where he was 71-5-1 after conquering all of this - amazing!

[@AshishSharma-ef5el]

@@danmorleyboxing Not to take anything away from the Rocky's legacy but some say Ezzard was robbed in that bout. Marciano himself acknowledged it as his toughest match. I remember reading somewhere that before the fight Charles couldn't even hold a spoon because of LGD. The fact that he gave The Rock such an arduous 15 rounds even at that stage in his career is a testament to his durability and courage. I have no doubt he would have convincingly outpointed him in his prime.

[@alandesouzacruz5124]

One of the best fighters of the 1940s and 1950s

[@julieseddon-v2s]

ever

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

Amazing He took two decisions from Charley Burley when he was barely out of his teens. An amazing man. Too good for his own good. The existing films of him are when he was way way past his best. Best LW of all time. I was a young guy in Chicago when the held the benefit for him. Chicago loved him. He used to frequent Johnny Coulons gym on the south side after he retired

[@darryllonsdale]

Do you remember a certain Freddie Dawson from Chicago? Fought a bit in Australia. Highly rated over here.

[@HaraDuran]

-barely out of his teens -just got a 2 year pro career -got two decision in fast notice fights against the arguably most ducked boxer of all time

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

@@darryllonsdale yes I do remember him. Solid fighter

[@davidmcconnell9666]

Definitely had no wasted motion with his hands or his foot movement. Talk about a precise puncher if I’ve ever seen one!

[@MattHolst]

Thank you for this. I knew very little about Ezzard Charles. A great champion for sure.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Matt.

[@itsnotme3882]

My favorite channel showcasing one of my favorite fighters

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks,itsnotme.

[@Hugh_Morris]

Thank you mate. Top 10 fighter of all time for me, king Ezzard.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Hugh.

[@nyquil762]

Wow Rich, I knew of Mr. Charles, but I didn't know his entire story. Thank you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, nyquil.

[@zachsbannon_6047]

I KNEW THIS ONE WAS COMING!! Rich the goat!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Zach.

[@LucasWRIGHT-u5b]

IN MY YOUNGER DAY, BEING A STUDENT OF BOXING, I REMEMBER THIS GUY... EZZARD....CHARLES.

[@paulbroderick4217]

Good stuff Rich.You’re timing is amazing because over the last month there’s been a lot about Ezzard Charles and his contribution to boxing circulating!Probably the greatest light heavyweight ever!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Paul.

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

Amazing He took two decisions from Charley Burley when he was barely out of his teens. An amazing man. Too good for his own good. The existing films of him are when he was way way past his best. Best LW of all time.

[@EverettBurger]

Heck yeah

[@johnmccaffrey5942]

Probably the greatest Light-Heavy weight boxer in history.

[@henryrios9297]

Ezzard Charles was truly one of the greatest fighters of all time, beating some of the other greats, and losing to others. Having one of his opponents succumb to his punches after being knocked out, had a lasting affect on his ability to go for the knockout in some of his fights. He was a very decent man by all accounts of those who knew him.

[@capac2]

Thank you for the Ezzard spotlight. Great fighter and person. Arguably the greatest LHW ever.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, capac2.

[@andrewjewell3142]

Thank you Rich for this documentary Edzard Charles was a great boxer and is very underrated.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Andrew.

[@smokeflame8333]

THANK YOU MISTER ALL THE TIME FOR EVERY BOXING EXPERIENCE 👊🏿🤜🏿🤛🏿🔥🔥🔥

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Smoke.

[@dontbeasucka.61]

I have him as high as 3rd best boxer ever all time... What was so scary was He was really greatest at 160 and 175 pds Before he became heavyweight champion

[@johndevine3655]

I really enjoyed this video. My Dad always used to tell me about this classy operator.

[@MaximusWolfe]

Incredible fighter all too forgotten. Thanks, Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Maximus

[@williamdrayton7352]

I wish they had the three fights between Archie(Mongoose) Moore vs Ezzard(Cobra) Charles

[@thejughead138]

Gladys was a wonderful wife & woman! I pray the Lord finds me one like her.

[@enzothebaker4047]

Great Video! That shot of him in the ring in his wheelchair was...wow I don't really know, that was sad. Then the news article on him at 21:19 was even sadder.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Enzo.

[@pjtheory]

Ezzard Charles is THE most underrated fighter in boxing history. He defeated a murderer's row of light-heavyweight contenders, he defeated a prime Archie Moore 3 times, but light-heavyweight champion Gus Lesnevich refused to give Charles a title shot. Charles proceeded to move up to the heavyweight division, he won the heavyweight title and defended his title 8 times. By any measure, Charles is 1 of the 5 greatest fighters in boxing history.

[@gmoney9153]

Love this channel always look forward to new videos!! I would like to see Skipper Kelp, Omar Shiaka or Frank Peña in the future. They were regulars on ESPN and USA Network. Thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Gmoney. I'll see about adding their fights on the next round of historical videos.

[@christopherbellore3511]

Although Archie Moore is my favorite boxer of all time, I can't deny that Ezzard Charles had his number, and is without a doubt the GREATEST Light-Heavy weight fighter of all time. Great job, as usual, Rich. Thanks.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Christopher.

[@josemucarselsacoto5122]

Tyvm for the good work champ! Keep it up! 🎉

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Jose.

[@cedricliggins7528]

Thanks Rich. A great tribute to a great champion. As a side note Charles spoke fluent Italian. 😊

[@freddy8479]

As well as French and Spanish.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Cedric.

[@philiplangerman7375]

What a wonderful tribute Rich , to arguably the greatest lightheavy of all time . One of few fighters in hustory who was a top cintender in the middleweight , lightheavy and heavyweight divisions .

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Philip.

[@CharlesWashington-s5m]

There is a mural in Ezzard Charles' honor. It's located on the corner of Liberty, and Republic in The Over-The-Rhine section of Cincinnati.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I saw that. Quite a tribute.

[@Free_J_ghasta]

HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!!!!!! Thank you richard❤❤❤❤ Edit: Beautiful🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Free J

[@Fury851]

These videos are much better with short fight highlights rather than long amounts of footage. This video was great

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Fury.

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, abudujana.

[@romanlarribas1696]

Love your intros. The Gavilan, Benitez, and Rosario are my favorites. Keep up the great qork Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Roman.

[@edwardfranklin4152]

A great champion.

[@mattysquizzato7094]

God only knows how Charles was able to absorb that punishment from Rocky Marciano. Just to make it to the final bell was nothing short of a miracle from the looks of it.

[@johndasilva2686]

This post is a knockout. Ezzard charles boxed as slick and cool as a rolls royce . Plus he spoke different languages eg Italian and played the double bass. He had class . For those of you that like 1950s ,check out the harder they fall boxing movie 🎬 avaliable on youtube. Its stars humprey bogart rod steiger with jersey joe wallcott and maer baer.

[@chriso1585]

Never knew his sad ending, once again you amaze me with the footage you manage to find

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Chris.

[@MelHouston-k2m]

Awww man Rich thanks for finding putting this up my great uncle was good friends with Ezzard Charles the Cincinnati Cobra he would tell me stories about his fights with Rocky Marciano and Jersey Joe Walcott another friend of my great Uncle I wasn't born yet when I started to learn how to box he told these great stories of fighters he knew which I didn't know he knew and the fights he went to and how he would go to Suger Ray's in Harlem I wished I had met the Cincinnati Cobra I saw alot of his films he was a great fighter definitely a top 10 heavyweight of all time you're the best

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Mel. Bet you had some great times picking your uncle's brain about these old fighters.

[@MelHouston-k2m]

@RichtheFightHistorian sure did 😊

[@brettpaterson8042]

One of the truly boxing greats, you don’t just watch Charles box you study him..Terribly sad to what happened to him at the end of his life. Fortunately the love of a good wife was always there for him. Thanks Rich.🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Brett. Well said on Charles, you don't just watch him, you study him.

[@tylerross9706]

One of my favorite fighters. He had the coolest nickname. I named one of my main chess accounts after him! Thanks Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Tyler.

[@LeadLeftLeon]

A tough guy with a gentle soul.

[@victormitchell7434]

My man, Rich, always with the banger. Ijs

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Right on, Victor.

[@patrickverona387]

Thanks for sharing this Rich. As always. You knocked it out of the park. He was such an underrated fighter and few people today talk about him. On a side note. I watched an interview that Bert Randolph Sugar did a long time ago and he was discussing Charles. He said that he had spoken to Charles trainer and that he actually started showing symptoms of ALS while he was still heavyweight champion. I don’t know if that is true but if it is. That just adds to what a great talent he truly was. Thanks again Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Patrick. I've read various reports of when he actually started showing symptoms. Some said it started as early as '55....By 1959, he knew something was wrong.

[@devonbell6795]

Another solid effort. Well done Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Devon.

[@NickOTEEN-u8w]

Another beauty man! I love when you do the old school greats! I was so happy when I saw this pop up always looking forward to your videos brother

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, Nick.

[@kasnilistopadski]

I keep coming back to your channel to learn something about boxing world, boxing history accept watching the fights. Not a lot other channels give remotely like Rich's 👍.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Luka.

[@bookah8787]

oh this is great Richie what a way to start my Sunday morning now this fighter i know about some of my elders spoke of him .

[@bookah8787]

I pause the video when you show us the newspaper articles i love reading those

[@bookah8787]

I only recently found out joe Lewis was 6"2 i didn't realise he was that height thought he was a bit shorter , the master fighter 🥷

[@bookah8787]

He's in the boxing video game i mentioned undisputed I thought wait a minute this guy is fkn huge i had to check and he beat my fighter smoking Joe lol rematch after boys this time I've got him sussed I think haha

[@bookah8787]

Started a new game with the dog in the photo he's getting ready to run up my back and jump right over my head lol he's only little but he can do it never known staff bull terriers to be this tiny lol he's not fully but still hes a little one with the cheekiness to match

[@bookah8787]

Grown *

[@nicholashannigan6930]

Thank you Rich. 😊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Nicholas.

[@masterred8958]

Thank you making this.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Master Red.

[@oliverharboe8358]

As you said, on your list of future videos and you delivered. Glad to finally see an in-depth perspective of one of the boxing world’s, greatest and most technical fighters. Good work you’ve done there.👍🏾

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Oliver.

[@paulg444]

one of the greatest lb4lb fighters ever !!

[@LetitGolazziter-uk9xi]

Great documentary as always Rich! I navigate towards the silent warrior types he as well as Floyd Patterson.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, LetitGoIazziter. Yes, the strong but silent types of yesteryear have their own charm.

[@bkk_savateur2437]

Beautiful! Thank you, once again.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, bkk.

[@BramFortesque]

Very sad but great video👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Bram.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich ❤

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@pizzulo8111]

At the professional level, there are mediocre fighters, good fighters, and great fighters. In my opinion, Ezzard Charles was the greatest Light Heavyweight of all time. Ezzard Charles was a great fighter.

[@darryllonsdale]

Sensational Rich.Such an underrated fighter.A known gentleman.You continue to stoke the fires with your work.Hope your feeling much better.Thank you again. 😊🥊🦘🇦🇺

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Darryl. Yes, the ailment is much improved.

[@freddy8479]

I could see a biopic about him in the early 2000s with A YOUNG MORRIS CHESTNUT portraying him. HERE'S AN IDEA!!!! Perhaps Morris might have an opportunity in the future to portray him during HIS LATER TRAGIC YEARS OF MS/ALS?🤔

[@petierican6079]

Charles very underrated looking at his fights his but learned so much from you thanks rich praying your health is doing better bless you and yourvloved one's

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Petie, the palsy has improved considerably.

[@petierican6079]

@RichtheFightHistorian ok champ God bless you and your family and all you do for us enjoying your impeccable boxing knowledge 🙏

[@coldcampaign2058]

Glad ur back.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Cold. Good to be back.

[@kobieglenn2305]

Rich, you're always on the money.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Kobie.

[@JauffretLouisBoxe]

Hi Rich, thank you for this documentary, its among my favorite alongside the ones on Bivins, Jack, Gavilán and Giardello. I always wonder how Charles felt regarding the russian lion Lesnevich. He had been massivly avoided by him. I mean, when coming back from the war, he decided to defend twice against Fox, a notorious mob controlled fighter with fixed wins (I think at the time, despite his very good record, people had spotted his non elite skills ?), and twice against Mills. He might have waited desperatly a shot, like Bivins with Louis, and ressent him. Like Bivins with Louis. But maybe not, Charles looks like a very, very decent man. And then, Charles became heavyweight champion of the world, and defended against Lesnevich and beat him. Was it a kind of a revenge for him ? I never found anything about this, but I wonder. Did you find anything ? I would appreciate a lot to have informations about their relationship. Have a great day, and once again, thank you for your very valuated work.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Louis. That is a good question...Charles had been in line for a shot against Zale and didn't get that either. I didn't come across anything that suggested Charles took particular relish in defeating Lesnevich. There was the war and back then fighters didn't have a whole lot of say like they do now. There was also Charles' first management team to consider as they weren't exactly connected. Had Charles been with Mintz & Tannas early on he probably he would have been a triple crown champion.

[@soamics4450]

loved the video. pleaseee do one on Lionel Rose

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, we'll see on Rose.

[@wlphantom]

Great fighter. Gave Marciano all he wanted.

[@williemoreno3010]

Great fighter his only mistake was getting in there with the Greater ROCKY MARCIANO. 😮

[@fredhall6525]

Greatest light heavy ever.

[@MashUp-ut6jx]

Yess Mate, long over due this one! I’ll watch when I get back from work 🫡

[@alvilla9659]

How are you doing rich ? I hope your doing well. Thank you for the videos.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Al. Doing much better, thanks.

[@miguelyarturo]

Can you share the pics used? specially the ones from Charles before his heavyweight tenure

[@dorsvintagecards9420]

goat at light heavy

[@Aristotelezz]

Great video! Who plays the blues song at the start of the video and what is it called?

[@JauffretLouisBoxe]

I am also interested in the name

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Arisotelezz. It is 'Blues for Leo' by Amos Ever Hadani.

[@Aristotelezz]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Thanx!

[@Johnnie5213]

👍🏾👍🏾🥊🥊

[@brianseneca3546]

One of the greatest fighters of all time! KO'd Archie Moore while in his PRIME! No easy feat! May be the greatest light heavyweight champion of all time. Small for a heavyweight but still was champion and probably would have reigned longer until Marciano had he not been caught by the left hook of Walcott.

[@shawnthaicon2586]

The fans today could never understand how this thing called boxing is often called the lonely sport..very sad

[@HaraDuran]

Ezzard had the toughest and easiest life ever known to man,he did everything to the sport yet was not much known,i thought he was p4p 1#,yet fans mostly booed for his passive style(wait till they see Mayweather),and in the end he even risked taking many punishments until the Rocky fight where he would spiral downhill from there on,but he had a caring,loving, passionate and pretty wife ready to take care of him every time he needed,i need a place where when i retire i can order a wife like Ezzard's.

[@someguy7222]

What if Ez has stayed at middleweight? I didn't like his management team. They put him out there to fight too often. Charles was a good dude. Wish he'd get more overall respect.

[@LeadLeftLeon]

Lot of rough performances early on. These old school fighters did lot of learning as they were going on the job

[@G-ro4is]

In Holyfield vs Tyson One you can hear Ferdie Pacheco Comment that Holyfield was like these fighters from the 40s and 50s like Charles and Archie Moore who would tie you up and now I see what he meant.

[@kingmarcus7215]

In my top 5. I'm not just saying that.

[@joseyeastwood]

Rest In Peace Champ 🙏

[@danielE.muhammad7622]

Good fighter but was in the shadow of Joe Louis

[@JimmyJump89]

Bro, can you do one about Evander Holyfield?? That would be great! 🥊🙏🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That's a while away in the future, so much has been done on him.

[@freddy8479]

​@@RichtheFightHistorian Because of their similar personal histories, I could see him in HIS LATER YEARS.... TRAINING AND GUIDING A YOUNG EVANDER HOLYFIELD AS AN AMATEUR AS WELL AS A CRUISERWEIGHT AND MAYBE A HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.

[@bajaborracho9139]

That was our old friend Pat valentino getting chopped down by ezzard charles at the cow palace where our boxing gym is now set up in the auxiliary building😊 when i met tommy valentino he said your name is pats brother too? My brother is irish pat lawlor😊pat valentino used to own the clam house on bayshore. He had the biggest hands anybody has ever seen!😊Another incredible storybook by RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN 🙏❤️🙏🥊😊

[@caulfield618]

I remember seeing Pat Lawler fight for the 154 title against John David Jackson back in '91 or '92.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Baja. I'll have to look more into Valentino...I vaguely remember him being mentioned in articles by Jack Fiske.

[@marquismorris1548]

Great Champ and Husband. sad about his finance and medical condition.

[@thejamnasium6447]

wait that guitar playing at the beginning is nasty. what is that?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

'Blues for Leo' by Amos Ever Hadani.

[@JMTrucking1417]

Was that Larry Carlton on the intro ?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Nah, it's a song from Artlist.

[@julieseddon-v2s]

Ezzard was possibly the best light heavy in history, (even though never fought for that title), comfortably outpointing Charley Burley twice when he was 20 years old, Burley was avoided by most at this time and beating Archie Moore 3 times when Archie was probably somewhere near his peak? I have read never hit with such venom after death of an opponent, but still made a number of defences of Heavyweight title even though was never really much more than 13 stones a vastly underrated fighter

[@TheeTabernacle]

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