Underrated fighters

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Ezzard Charles.

Started out as a FEATHERWEIGHT. Racked up a 42-0 amateur record, which included several top titles such as the Golden Gloves.

Went pro as a middleweight, where he marched up the ranks, twice soundly defeating the much avoided and legendary Charley Burley. Establishing himself as a top contender, he was drafted and lost two years of his prime to WW2 (nobody much mentions that)

Came back as a light heavy, where he beat every top contender, and where he OWNED the great Archie Moore, defeating him three times. He was frozen out of a title shot as nobody wanted any part of him, so he went to heavyweight, despite always remaking a natural light heavyweight.

Soon found himself debating the top guys there, including Jimmy Bivems and future King Jersey Joe Walcott. He widely out pointed the great Joe Louis (and at that point, you had to win wide over Louis to get a decision). Made several successful defences before being beaten by Jersey Joe (who did a Marciano on him)

Later on, he gave prime Marciano two life and death bouts, both the toughest fights that Rocky ever had.

A multitalented guy, he was also an accomplished bassoon player and played with many of the jazz greats of his era.


Why this guy isn't regularly mentioned among the elites of heavyweight history, and the all time great P4P fighters is beyond me. Maybe people don't really know their boxing history.

As a heavyweight - a true great who would have held the title for a long time at any time before his own. He was insanely competitive with Marciano and Walcott. He would have easily defeated the guys that came afterwards, like Patterson and Johanssen. Would have possibly outboxed Liston, Frazier and yes, even Iron Mike. Would have given Holyfield absolute hell.

As a light heavyweight - quite simply the best Light-heavyweight who ever stepped into a boxing ring, at any time, against anyone. Ever. Period.