How good was Ezzard Charles as a middle weight

I think it would have depend on whetgher he had the same punch with a smaler pair of biceps or just having a smaller body overall compared to when he filled out and became stronger, his speed should have been great at middle, maybe he was green at that stage but if he had the savvy he obtained at LH I feel he could have been quite something.

 

He was still a little green as shown in his first Marhsall fight but he did beat Burley twice here so he was definitely legit if not yet the finished article.

 

One month in 1941 after Ken Overlin had lost the MW title, Charles "management" threw him in with Overlin.

Overlin was 122-19-6, whereas Charles was 17-0-0. Charles lost.
Nine months later in March 1942, Overlin was 130-19-7 . Charles was 21-1-0. The fight was a draw.

1941-06-09 : Ezzard Charles 161 lbs lost to Ken Overlin 162½ lbs by UD in round 10 of 10

• Location: Crosley Field, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

The Cincinnati Enquirer felt the bout was even through six rounds, but that Overlin swept the last four. Charles went to a knee in the 2nd round, for no-count, though the Enquirer felt that this was from a shove. Charles was effective while counterpunching, but was outmaneuvered when he led. Overlin took the fight inside to Charles in the last four rounds, working heavily to the body. Charles bled from the nose, and a small cut below his left eye.

1942-03-02 : Ezzard Charles 162½ lbs drew with Ken Overlin 167½ lbs by MD in round 10 of 10

• Location: Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
• Referee: Earl Butler
• Judge: Joe Craven 94-94
• Judge: Paul Pusateri 94-94
• Judge: Joe Blink 96-92

Charles was the aggressor early in the bout, and piled up a lead in the first four rounds. Overlin began to rally in the 6th round, as he went to the body of Charles, and landed several low blows.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

 

During his time at middleweight the thing for me was that he had not fully matured physically. Sure he was a bit green but for me he came back from his military service break more robust and durable and went from strength to strength. He was still fantastic prior tho as seen by his record. He could compete with the Hagler's and Monzon's for sure. He'd be a handful for anybody even at this pre-peak time. His record from 46-48 fighting basically as a light heavyweight is insane.

 

I don't think he was at his best, but beating Burley twice, and Teddy Yarosz, obviously still top class.

 

Fast punching tornado at middleweight, refined fighting machine at light heavy, methodical sweet scientist at heavy