Profession: Boxer
Biography: Ernie Terrell was an American professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Terrell was known for his formidable reach and solid boxing skills.
Terrell turned professional in 1957 and won the vacant WBA heavyweight title in 1965 by defeating Eddie Machen. He successfully defended the title four times before losing it to Muhammad Ali in 1967.
The bout with Ali was highly publicized, with tensions running high in the leadup to the fight. Terrell repeatedly referred to Ali by his birth name, Cassius Clay, which Ali took as a sign of disrespect. Ali vowed to punish Terrell in the ring, and the fight became a brutal 15-round affair with Ali winning by unanimous decision.
After losing to Ali, Terrell's career never quite regained its previous heights. He continued to fight with mixed success until retiring in 1973. After his boxing career, he ventured into music and business.
Born: April 4, 1939
Birthplace: Belzoni, Mississippi, USA
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Aries
Died: December 16, 2014 (aged 75)
Cause of Death: Dementia
Historical Events
- 1965-03-05 Ernie Terrell beats Eddie Machen by unanimous points decision over 15 rounds in Chicago, Illinois to win vacant WBA heavyweight boxing title
- 1965-11-01 Ernie Terrell retains WBA heavyweight boxing title; beats Canadian George Chuvalo in 15 round points decision in Toronto
- 1966-06-28 Ernie Terrell beats Doug Jones by unanimous points decision over 15 rounds in Houston to retain his WBA heavyweight boxing title
- 1967-02-06 Muhammad Ali pummels Ernie Terrell for 15 rounds to retain his world heavyweight boxing crown at Houston Astrodome; regains Terrell’s WBA belt as well
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