74 years ago
Ezzard Charles vs Nick Barone
Date: 5th December 1950
Venue: Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, OhioTitle: NBA & NYSAC World Heavyweight Titles
Promoter: Sam Becker, Benny Becker, International Boxing Club
Tv:
Ezzard Charles
(
67
-
5
-
1
)
Weight: 185 lbs
Nick Barone
(
43
-
8
-
1
)
Weight: 178½ lbs
On December 5, 1950, Ezzard Charles, the reigning NBA and NYSAC Heavyweight Champion, defended his titles against Nick Barone in a highly anticipated bout at the Cincinnati Gardens. This fight marked Charles' fifth defence of the NBA title and his first of the NYSAC title, solidifying his status as one of the era's dominant heavyweight champions.
Nick Barone, known as the "Fighting Marine," brought a commendable record and a reputation for toughness to the ring. A veteran of both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, Barone's resilience was forged through his boxing career but also on the battlefields of World War II, where he fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima at just 16 years old.
The bout made official on October 16, saw Charles enter as a 5 to 1 betting favourite, reflecting his dominance in the division and his technical prowess. The fight lived up to its billing, with both fighters engaging in a tactical battle that showcased their skills and determination.
Ezzard Charles, weighing 185 pounds, utilised his superior boxing skills to control the fight's pace. Nick Barone, slightly lighter at 179 pounds, was a formidable challenger, pressing the action and looking to upset the champion. However, Charles' strategy and endurance were fully displayed as the fight progressed.
The decisive moment came at 2:06 in the 11th round when Charles delivered a stunning right to Barone's chin, putting the challenger down for the count. This knockout marked the first time Nick Barone had been knocked out in his professional career, spanning 53 fights.
Reflecting on the fight, Barone respected Charles, noting the champion's deceptive style. "He's a deceiving guy," Barone said. "You think you're doing pretty good chasing him and banging him up on the inside. All of a sudden, you're tired. He hits you with some sharp raps. You're on the floor, and so fogged up you can't get up." This sentiment echoed the experience of many who faced Charles—a boxer whose skill and strategic acumen often left his opponents bewildered and defeated.
The fight drew a crowd of 10,085, generating a gross gate of $43,334.50, evidence of Charles' drawing power and the public's interest in his championship reign. This victory reaffirmed Charles' position as the heavyweight champion and showcased his ability to face and overcome varied challenges in the ring.
Despite the outcome, Carmen "Nick" Barone's effort against Charles highlighted his toughness and skill, traits that earned him the respect of fans and fellow boxers alike. His journey from the battlefields of Iwo Jima to the boxing ring exemplified the spirit of determination and resilience.
