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Mini Biography

Ernie Terrell at one time was considered the Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the world, at least to the World Boxing Association who had stripped Muhammad Ali of his world championship after he met Sonny Liston in a rematch in 1965. At almost 6 feet 7 inches tall, Terrell has an outstanding amateur boxing background winning a Golden Gloves boxing title. In 1957 he turned professional under the management of "Big" Julie Isaacson. A lanky 198 pounds, Terrell was noted for his long jab and clutching style. He became a rated heavyweight contender when he decisioned Amos "Big Train" Lincoln in 10 rounds on June 9, 1962 in New York City. He followed with victories over top-10 rated Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams, Zora Folley and Bob Foster. As the number 2 contender in the world, he was matched with 4th rated Eddie Machen for the vacant WBA World Heavyweight Title when the WBA stripped Muhammad of his title for fighting ex-champ Sonny Liston. Terell defended his "title" successfully against George Chuvallo and Doug Jones, before being battered by Muhammad Ali in losing a 15 round decision in 1967. After losing decisions to Thad Spencer and Manuel Ramos, Ernie retired to pursue a singing career. In 1971 he made a comeback defeating 6 straight opponents including an upset knockout victor over 4th ranked Jose Luis Garcia. However in 1973, Terell lost a disputed 12 round decision to Chuck Wepner and than was knocked-out in one round by Jeff "Candy Slim" Merritt on September 10, 1973 in New York City. Terell retired following the Merritt fight and went on to become a highly successful promoter in Chicago.

Spouse

Trivia

Brother of Jean Terrell.

Cousin of Tammi Terrell.

Personal Quotes

[on what he learned after the Muhammad Ali fight] When the fight was almost reaching the end, I was out on my feet, I was blind from the two eyes, I was bleeding from my nose, mouth and ears, Ali kept shouting, "What's my name?" and, hoping that he would just finish me and end my suffering, I answered to him, almost begging. "It's Muhammad Ali, it's Ali, please, enough!". The most poignant thing during the beating wasn't the punches or Ali screaming to me, but the fact that I knew that my wife and family were watching at that ringside, the humiliation hurt more.

[talking about the damage Muhammad Ali inflicted on him during their match] I had a great chance to win that fight. I was bigger than Ali at that point. But during the second round of the fight, we got caught in a headlock and he took his thumb and poked it in my eye. And my eye slits like it's an egg, that's what the doctors explained to me.

Where Are They Now

(March 2005) Resides in Chicago where he promotes fights and is active in charity and community service.

CASSIUS CLAY \x26amp; ERNIE TERRELL ...

... Ernie Terrell and Bobby ...