Ernie Terrell
| Ernie Terrell | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Reach | 82 in (208 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | Ernest Terrell April 4, 1939 Belzoni, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | December 16, 2014 (aged 75) Evergreen Park, Illinois, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 55 |
| Wins | 46 |
| Wins by KO | 21 |
| Losses | 9 |
Ernest "Ernie" Terrell (April 4, 1939 – December 16, 2014) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1957 to 1973. He held the WBA heavyweight title from 1965 to 1967, and was one of the taller heavyweights of his era, at a height of 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m). Terrell was the older brother of The Supremes' early 1970s lead singer Jean Terrell. In the 1960s, Jean sang with his group Ernie Terrell & the Heavyweights.
In his early career, Terrell defeated some good contenders, including Cleveland Williams (Terrell won the rematch by decision after losing to Williams in their first fight by knockout), Zora Folley, and future Light Heavyweight champion Bob Foster. But he's best remembered for his challenge to World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali, on February 6, 1967—a bout in which he was badly beaten.
Ali was scheduled to fight WBA champion Ernie Terrell (the WBA stripped Ali of his title after his agreement to fight a rematch with Liston) on March 29, but Terrell backed out and Ali won a 15-round decision against substitute opponent George Chuvalo. World Boxing Association matched Terrell and Eddie Machen for the vacant crown. Terrell defeated Machen to win the belt on March 5, 1965. He held it until February 6, 1967 when he lost to Muhammad Ali. During this time, most in the boxing world continued to recognize Ali as the legitimate champion, since he had not lost his championship in a boxing match. The WBA's rival, the World Boxing Council, had also continued to recognize Ali as champion.
During his reign as WBA Champion, Terrell defended the title twice, beating Doug Jones and George Chuvalo.
In February 1967, Ali and Terrell met to end the debate about who was the legitimate heavyweight champion. Before the bout, Terrell repeatedly called Ali by his birth name. He said later that he had known Clay for years in the amateurs and hadn't gotten used to calling him another name. Ali took offense to this, and vowed he would punish Terrell. For his part, Ali further stoked the prefight ill will by labeling Terrell "an Uncle Tom nigger who is going to get his ass whupped."
...
Wikipedia