Ernie Terrell

Ernie Terrell ( born April 4, 1939 in Belzoni, Mississippi ) is a former American heavyweight boxer.

Professional career

The very gaunt Terrell gave his professional debut in 1959, but lost early in his career against the unknown Johnny Gray and Wayne Bethea. Against Cleveland Williams went even KO before him in 1962 managed a good first win against Amos Lincoln ( 25-1 ). In 1963 he defeated on points in a rematch Williams, as well as in the follow- Zora Folley and Gerhard Zech.

After he had beaten the later light-heavyweight champion Bob Foster KO, he was able in 1965 to win the vacant WBA title against Eddie Read. As Muhammad Ali was generally accepted as a true world champion, Terrell was, however, only as "paper champion ". He then defended the title against George Chuvalo and Doug Jones, he could clearly reflected by knockout in the seventh round, when Ali had done before.

In a direct comparison against Ali in 1967 he was, however, a chance. Once again, was Ali's name in the center of attention. Terrell called Ali in the run-up to the fight continues at his birth name Cassius Clay, Ali what so angry that he spite of complete dominance over the full distance of fifteen rounds expanded the fight in his own words and a knockout avoided in order to " punish " to Terrell.

After this defeat, he also lost his next two fights, then it remained inactive for three years. In December 1970, he returned to the ring and won seven fights until he controversially lost 1973 against Chuck Wepner on points. Wepner was managed by Al Braverman, who (especially Blinky Palermo) had good relations with the Mafia, and later was also an executive with Don King. After this fight Terrell lost to Jeff Merritt by a first-round knockout and then finally ended his career.

Others

Terrell's sister Jean was a member of the Supremes. During his three years of inactivity, he worked as a singer and founded his own music group called " Ernie Terrell and the Heavyweights " with which he toured a total of 13 years. After retiring, he worked also as a music producer and boxing promoter.