[1954] Ezzard Charles: Marciano doesn't really hit hard, Walcott punches harder

Excerpt from:
"Ezzy Draws Tribute from the Champ," June 18, 1954 Star Press (Muncie, Ind.), p. 32

“I thought I won it,” muttered Charles in a voice that was hardly audible because of a punch to the Adam’s apple.”

“I had a tougher fight against Jersey Joe Walcott when he knocked me out to win the title,” Ezzard added painfully. “Marciano doesn’t punch as hard as Walcott. He doesn’t really hit hard—but he’s a strong guy, all right.”

 

No response from any of you quote-lovers?

 

Yeah, and I am sure he would have repeated it immediately after the next fight when Marciano was given a round by the ref and went out and knocked out Charles at will.

You took a very selective quote from a specific time period when a guy did better than expected, and talked a little much deserved **** for it.

Next fight, KO by 8.

Nothing changes the facts.:
Undefeated.
Highest KO percentage.
Beat 4 ATGs in 6 fights.
Did legendary things like knocks Lanye's teeth out, knock bone chips lose in Lastarza's arms, and knock Louis through the ropes.

The guy's power is NOT in question.

God, I just love Marciano threads. Keep them coming.

 

Several guys mentioned Louis didn't hit that hard if they went the distance the first time around. So Louis turned up the heat in the rematch and took them out quick the second time around. Seems to be a common mistake.

 

Don't shoot the messenger!

 

No one is shooting anyone. Just pointing out that there was some history after that quote which almost certainly made Charles re-consider.

 

Charles also beat Walcott 2 out of 4 times. Never beat Marciano, boxers have always given more credit to opponents they have won against.

 

A few other famous ironic quotes:

"I can't believe Nixon won. I don't know anyone who voted for him."
Pauline Kael, on Nixon's blowout of McGovern.

"They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance."
Last words of Colonel John Sedgwick

"If they have come as ambassadors, they are too many. If as soldiers, they are too few.
King Tigranes, before losing his empire to the Romans at Tigranocerta

"In two months we will have pushed Hiter so far in the corner that he will squeel."
Von Papen, on giving the Chancellorship to Adolph Hitler

 

I'm not sure the statement couldn't be true. Walcott certainly had pop, and couple that with him hitting you while coming in or with a quick counter; so his punches weren't always cleanly seen, and sometimes those stun you more than clubbing powerful punches or leave more of an impression on you.

 

I guess he must have beaten Marciano pretty easily then!

 

Oh Dear --Cat among the pigeons.MIAOW!

 

Except it's not true, the referee didn't give Rocky one more round,and he didn't "knock him out at will ,"he threw the kitchen sink at him to stop him. Walcott took a fresh Charles out with one clinical left hand after repeatedly showing him the right. You don't just love Marciano threads, you love Marciano.
Damage limitation?

 

He'd gone 15 rds with Walcott in his previous two meetings with him,and 15 rds in their 4th fight don't they count?lol
Oh my word, the excuses!

 

There was not a trace of irony in Charles quote and you know it.

 

Names please?