Boxers who were known as sparring partner's in the beginning of their career.

Whilst a 164lbs PFC in the Army in1943,Ezzard Charles was due to box an exhibition against an unnamed opponent as part of a show for the troops,at the last minute the order was changed and a Lieutenant informed him, "we've changed the order,you're on,you're on with Joe Louis."
"I weighed just 164lbs then,but they were three rough rounds,and I reckon I learned something." Charles ,talking to Peter Wilson a few days before his title defence against Louis.

 

Interesting post on Walcott .. Charles is rated as a P4P great based on the fact that he excelled from 160 up , defeated outstanding fighters at middleweight and light heavyweight and became a very respected heavyweight champion and later gave Marciano his toughest bout at heavyweight past his own prime .. never saw photos of Walcott down sparring vs Louis but that does not mean they are nit out there.

 

Nice one, He!!

 

How does this deviate from what I posted?

 

You’ve already answered your own question — if you read what you wrote carefully, you’ll see it.

 

Cheers Mac. That’s one hell of an opponent change at the last minute.

I guess at the least it cut down the “worry time” for Ezz before the exhibition.

 

Glad we agree.

Stay safe buddy, chat soon.