Ernie Terrell

Ernie Terrell was born April 4, 1939 in Mississippi. Later his family moved to Chicago. There he went to school, showing great ability in the sciences. But the house was dominated need, the parents had 10 children. Ernie started boxing at age 14, and 18, seeing the great difficulties of the family, decided to move to the professionals. The supreme achievement of Terrell amateur boxing tournament was a victory in the Golden Gloves in 1957. In the same year he debuted on the professional ring, defeating Norman Bolden.

Young boxer is winning one victory after another, but twice lost a strong and experienced D. Graham - in 1958 and 1959. And in 1960 he won a 10-round battle in. Bethe. With boxers large ring he had no meetings until 1962. In April, Houston took its game against Cleveland Williams. He was a good boxer. The softness of the movements of which brought forth a rapid knockout blow, and earned him the nickname "Big Cat". The first five rounds of Terrell led on points, but in the sixth as a result of heavy "bombardment" of Williams fell into a knockdown, and the referee stopped the fight. It was the fourth defeat Terrell.

A year in Philadelphia, they met again, this time on points won Terrell. With this victory WBA included it in the top ten heavyweight boxers. In July 1963, again a great success, they defeated Zorro Folly. In 1964, Terrell spent four battle and all won. Strongest of opponents - Bob Foster - he was knocked out in the seventh round. Then, on points in 10 rounds, won the champion Gerhard Zehav.

In February 1964, M. Ali without the permission BWA has a rematch with Liston, and won, but at once deprived of the high-title. BWA proclaimed champion of the first applicant - Ernie Terrell, who in March 1965 won in 15 rounds on points from Eddie Machena. However, other boxing organizations still considered an absolute champion Muhammad Ali. So in the U.S. for the first time there were two of the world champion in the heavyweight division.

In February 1967, the ring up two of the world champion. "I must dispel doubts about the name of true champion - said Ali at a press conference .- Terrell will be felt my dancing!" "I'll take the guitar" - grunted in response to Terrell, director and administrator of the orchestra "Heviueyts". Artist, businessman, boxer Ernie Terrell won by the time the nickname "The Octopus" for his long arms, which he seems to be entangled opponent, thereby neutralizing its blows.

That battle won, Mohammed Ali, but he needed all 15 rounds.