Ernie Terrell

Ernie Terrell (born on April 4, 1939 in Belzoni, Mississippi) is an African-American singer, record producer, and former WBA heavyweight boxing champion.

Related Topics:
April 4 - 1939 - Belzoni, Mississippi - African-American - Singer - Record producer - WBA - Heavyweight boxing champion

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Terrell is the older brother of The Supremes's early 1970s lead singer Jean Terrell. In the 1960s, she sang with his group, "Ernie Terrell & the Knockouts".

Related Topics:
The Supremes - 1970s - Jean Terrell - 1960s

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He defeated Eddie Machen to win the World Boxing Association title onMarch 5, 1965, holding it until February 6, 1967 when he lost to Muhammad Ali.

Related Topics:
Eddie Machen - World Boxing Association - March 5 - 1965 - February 6 - 1967 - Muhammad Ali

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Before the bout, the first unification bout in Boxing history where Ali held the WBC title and Terrell the WBA title, Terrell chose to call Ali by his birth name, Cassius Clay, rather than his adopted Muslim name. Ali took offence to this, as he had in a previous fight with Ring Legend Floyd Patterson where Patterson chose to call Ali 'Clay.' Ali said he would punish Terrell as he had punished Patterson, having beaten on Patterson for 12 rounds, having him hurt but not knocking him out so that he could continue to punish him. Ali shoved Terrell during an interview with Howard Cosell which almost led to a brawl.

Related Topics:
WBC - WBA - Muslim - Floyd Patterson - Howard Cosell

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Ali entered the ring being regarded by most as the real Champion, hence Terrell would be considered the first Alphabet Soup Paper Champion in boxing history (meaning he held a title, but was not the real Champion.) Ali did what he said he would, beating on Terrell the entire fight, having him hurt badly but purposely not knocking him out, wanting to beat on him more and punish him for not calling him by his chosen name. Ali screamed at Terrell "What's my name?!" as he battered him. Ali won a lopsided 15 round decision, reclaiming the undisputed Championship.

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The fight is recounted, though not entirely accurately, by the film Ali starring Will Smith.

Related Topics:
Ali - Will Smith

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In 55 professional fights, Terrell earned a record of 46 wins (21 by knockout), nine losses and no draws. He retired from boxing in 1973 and began a career as a music producer in Chicago, Illinois.

Related Topics:
1973 - Chicago, Illinois

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