It’s upon us. The dawning of the fashionable heavyweight division is bursting onto the scene. It’s the ultimate decade of the “Black & White Age,” which matches again to the rise and reign of John L. Sullivan within the Eighteen Eighties. As you’ll be able to think about (and possibly know), the Black & White Age is jam-packed to the brim with landmarks, basic wars, and the general growth of boxing lore. That being stated, the Nineteen Fifties heavyweight division has a tall activity in that it has to (unknowingly) shut out the “Black & White Age”.
Enter the BIG 4! The Nineteen Forties would see the tip of the Joe Louis period together with his duology in opposition to Jersey Joe Walcott. Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano would finally be a part of this rivalry because it expanded into the approaching Nineteen Fifties. Talking of Charles, he beat Walcott to develop into the champion after Louis retired and entered the 50s because the face of the division. Even so, Charles (and Walcott, by extension) did not seize the hearts of the boxing public because the American Hero [Louis] had earlier than. Captain America was an not possible ambassador to observe up, a real “Individuals’s Champion.”
So, the stage is about for this “final dance.” We’ve obtained a skinny roster of prime guys, an unfavored champion, and a shifting period of the game. Issues are NOT wanting up…however simply if you assume it’s over, the fats woman received’t sing that observe! The Brockton Blockbuster would return pleasure and order to boxing’s marquee division, elevating the shadows of Jersey Joe Walcott and Ezzard Charles alongside the way in which. Making issues much more attention-grabbing was that Joe Louis would throw his hat again into the combo (everyone knows even the very best legends can’t resist that comeback). I virtually really feel responsible spoiling this, however then once more, you’ve most likely already seen the protection of the BIG 4 in my earlier article and video. I digress.
Now, what in regards to the shifting of the period that I discussed? That might come to fruition in 1956, and blended emotions adopted. The shock was that the elevation of the division would meet a polarizing second half of the last decade. The title scene, the contenders, and even the general state of the division would take a drastic flip and stop to be what it was. You understand how chances are you’ll get sick when the climate shifts from being sizzling to chilly in a day? That’s our division from the midpoint onward. You’ll see what I imply.
The Olympics, per normal, are coated. The importance begins, in my view, at the very least, right here within the 50s. I imply in relation to the skilled ranks. That is the primary time the beginner Olympian would forge his path efficiently within the professionals.
You’ve obtained many (and I imply MANY) basic battles in retailer:
Joe Louis vs Rocky Marciano
Ezzard Charles vs Jersey Joe Walcott III
Jersey Joe Walcott vs Rocky Marciano I
Rocky Marciano vs Ezzard Charles II
Floyd Patterson vs Ingemar Johansson I
and so many extra…
Welcome to the finale of the “Black & White Age” as we transition in full to the fashionable heavyweight scene that’s ongoing. Your portal into heavyweight boxing information begins right here. From my coronary heart to yours, take pleasure in “A Timeline of the Nineteen Fifties Heavyweight Boxing Division”. Written, narrated, and produced by TheCharlesJackson, writer of the Boxing Encyclopedia.
