74 years ago
Ezzard Charles vs Lee Oma
Date: 12th January 1951
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
Title: National Boxing Association World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: International Boxing Club
Referee: Ruby Goldstein
Ezzard Charles
(
68
-
5
-
1
)
Weight: 185 lbs
Lee Oma
(
75
-
35
-
4
)
Weight: 193 lbs
On January 12, 1951, Madison Square Garden in New York hosted a significant heavyweight title bout between Ezzard Charles and Lee Oma. This fight marked Charles' sixth defence of the NBA Heavyweight Title and his second of the NYSAC Heavyweight Title, reinforcing his dominance in the heavyweight division. Despite the challenges posed by Oma, Charles secured a TKO victory at 1:19 in the tenth round, further solidifying his legacy as a champion.
Lee Oma, entering the ring as a 6-1 underdog, was determined to upset the reigning champion. Weighing 193 pounds, Oma had a size advantage over Charles, who weighed 185 pounds. However, the fight would ultimately highlight Charles' superior technique and resilience.
The bout was made official on December 12, 1950, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash at one of boxing's most storied venues. A crowd of 11,504 spectators witnessed the contest, generating a gross gate of $54,185. Financially, the fight was significant for both athletes, with Charles earning $18,722 and Oma making $9,456.
The fight was not without its controversies. Referee Ruby Goldstein deducted rounds five and eight from Charles for low blows, a decision that added a layer of drama to the contest. Despite these deductions, the scoring system, which favoured a round basis with a supplemental points system in case of a draw, showed Charles leading comfortably. The referee had Charles ahead 7-2, Judge Charley Shortell scored it 6-3 in favour of Charles, and Judge Frank Forbes had the fight more closely contested at 4-4-1 in rounds but still had Charles leading 7-4 on points.
The end came in the tenth round when Charles unleashed a barrage of punishing lefts and rights to Oma's head. The Associated Press reported that Oma was "reeling around the ring" and on the verge of a knockout when Referee Goldstein intervened, halting the often bullish bout with Oma still on his feet. Remarkably, Oma was never knocked down during the evening, a testament to his durability and Charles' strategic approach to securing the victory.
Ezzard Charles' victory over Lee Oma was a testament to his skill, strategy, and ability to adapt within the ring. Despite facing penalties for low blows and a formidable opponent in Oma, Charles demonstrated why he was the heavyweight champion, using his boxing intellect and physical prowess to overcome adversity.
Ezzard Charles vs Lee Oma on YouTube
