75 years ago

Date: 10th August 1949

Venue: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York

Title: National Boxing Association World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: International Boxing Club

Tv:

Ezzard Charles
( 63 - 5 - 1 )
Weight: 178 lbs

Gus Lesnevich
( 61 - 13 - 5 )
Weight: 182 lbs

On August 10, 1949, Ezzard Charles, fresh off his victory for the National Boxing Association World Heavyweight Title, stepped into the ring at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, for his first title defence. His opponent, Gus Lesnevich, a seasoned fighter and former world light heavyweight champion, wanted to make a statement in the heavyweight division. However, the night belonged to Charles, who showcased his superiority in a bout that would mark the end of Lesnevich's illustrious career.

Weighing in at 178 pounds, Charles entered the fight slightly lighter than his opponent, who tipped the scales at 182 pounds. Despite the weight difference, Charles' skill, speed, and strategic prowess were fully displayed, underlining why he was the reigning heavyweight champion.

The fight was a masterclass by Charles, who dominated Lesnevich. By the end of the seventh round, Lesnevich's condition had deteriorated significantly. According to United Press, "Lesnevich, former world light heavyweight champion, could scarcely see out of either eye, and he was bleeding from gashes above and below his right eye and a gash on his left cheek at the end of the seventh round." This alarming state prompted Lesnevich's corner to refuse to let him come out for the eighth round, resulting in Charles's victory.

Ruby Goldstein, the referee for the night, did not have to make a difficult decision, as the fight was one-sided. The Associated Press reported that "Most everybody, including the judges, had Charles out front 6-1 in rounds at the end," a testament to Charles' dominance in the ring.

Despite the clear outcome and Charles' successful title defence, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) refused to recognise the bout as a title fight. This decision did little to tarnish Charles' performance or the significance of the victory in his career. The fight drew a crowd of 16,630, with a gross gate of $75,832 and radio rights bringing in an additional $17,500, indicating the high interest in Charles' reign as champion.

For Gus Lesnevich, this bout marked the end of a commendable career. Having lost his world light-heavyweight title to Britain's Freddie Mills on July 26, 1948, at White City Stadium in London, Lesnevich hoped to reignite his heavyweight career. Unfortunately, Charles proved to be an insurmountable obstacle.

Ezzard Charles' victory over Gus Lesnevich solidified his position as the heavyweight champion and showcased his skills and determination to maintain his hold on the title. Charles would defend his title successfully multiple times, establishing himself as one of the era's most formidable champions.