And because of that, Terrell’s career would be forever cursed. It was anĪngry Ali, probably the only time in his career where he genuinely hated an
Rounds in what was arguably the greatest performance of his career. Those are impressive credentials, but unfortunately Terrell’s legacy is traced back to one night, that being February 6, 1967, at the Houston Astrodome, when he tried to unify the crown against Muhammad Ali in a fight that is remembered for all the wrong reasons.Īli outpointed Terrell comprehensively over 15 Terrell, 46-9 (21), who held the WBA heavyweight title from 1965-1967, defeated the likes of Cleveland Williams, Eddie Machen, Bob Foster, Doug Jones, and George Chuvalo. It has been one of the great injustices in boxing history. Terrell said afterward that neither Ali’s punches nor his insults had as big an impact on the fight as what happened during an early clinch.ERNIE TERRELL was forced to live his post-fight career as the victim of one of boxing’s biggest myths. Terrell during a 15-round decision while peppering him with the taunt “What’s my name?” Mr. “I’m gonna punish you.”Īli was as good as his word, mercilessly pummeling Mr. “You just act just like an old Uncle Tom,” Ali said leading up to the bout. Terrell suffering the same brutal beating Ali had administered to Patterson. Terrell, who had known him for years, repeatedly referred to him as “Clay.” It was the same tactic used by Floyd Patterson ahead of his fight with Ali, and it resulted in Mr.
A bout between the two was finally arranged for February, 1967, at the Astrodome, but the fireworks began long before they stepped into the ring.īy then, Ali had converted to Islam and no longer went by his birth name, Cassius Clay. Terrell’s tenure at the top of the fight game was controversial, though, because most of the boxing world considered Ali - who still held the World Boxing Council crown at the time - the true heavyweight champion. In 55 professional fights, he posted a 46-9 record with 21 knockouts. Terrell, who stood 6-foot-6 and deployed a withering jab with his 82-inch reach, won a unanimous 15-round decision over Machen and defended his crown against George Chuvalo and Doug Jones. Terrell’s big break came in 1965, when he met Eddie Machen for the World Boxing Association title that was declared vacant after Ali insisted on a rematch with Sonny Liston before fighting a WBA-mandated contender.
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