Eddie Machen
Eddie Machen | |
---|---|
San Francisco, California | |
Nationality | American |
Other names | Machen, circa 1963 |
Statistics | |
Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
Reach | 75 in (191 cm) |
Stance | Orthodox |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 64 |
Wins | 50 |
Wins by KO | 29 |
Losses | 11 |
Draws | 3 |
Edward Mills "Eddie" Machen (June 15, 1932 – August 8, 1972) was an American
Professional career
Early career
Machen often fought at Civic Auditorium or the
In April 1958, he met highly ranked Zora Folley and fought to a draw over 12 rounds. But he was then knocked out in one round by undefeated future heavyweight champion Ingemar Johansson, in September. After being caught flush by a big right hand Machen was floored three times, the last for some minutes.
On the comeback trail in 1959, Machen posted seven straight wins to return him to contention. In January 1960, he lost a decision to Folley at the Cow Palace. Later that year he met top contender and future champion, Sonny Liston, and although he lost by a clear 12-round unanimous decision, fought a sharp hit and move match that many believed was later studied by heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.[2] Liston was penalized three times for low blows in that match.
1961 began with two wins, then a very controversial loss to
Title shot and late career
In 1965, Machen received his first world title shot when he and 6' 6" Ernie Terrell met for the vacated World Boxing Association title that had been stripped from Muhammad Ali. Terrell won the 15-round decision. In 1966 he lost a decision to German southpaw Karl Mildenberger in Germany, then lost a close split-decision to powerful slugger Manuel Ramos. But he closed that year with two wins, one particularly notable over future contender Jerry Quarry, which was Quarry's first defeat
Versus Joe Frazier
In late 1966, Machen fought young future heavyweight champion Joe Frazier and lost in a tenth-round technical knockout. Downed in the first round, Machen continued to try to out-slug rather than out-box the relentless Frazier.
Retirement
Machen retired in 1967 at age 35 following consecutive losses to Henry Clark, Boone Kirkman and Joe Frazier.
Health and death
Machen was admitted to the Napa State Hospital in the fall of 1962 after threatening to commit suicide. Biographies state he suffered from clinical depression. He later filed for bankruptcy in 1966 and retired from boxing in 1967. His final record was 50-11-3, with 27 KOs.
Eddie Machen was found dead in San Francisco on August 8, 1972, apparently the result of a fall from a second story apartment window. He was 40 years old. It is not known if the cause of death was suicide, accident, or murder.[1][3]
Professional boxing record
References
- ^ a b "Milestones, Aug. 21, 1972". TIME. August 21, 1972. Archived from the original on May 22, 2007.
- ^ "Sonny Liston vs. Eddie Machen - BoxRec".
- ^ "Boxing news, videos, photos, results, fights and more".
External links
- Boxing record for Eddie Machen from BoxRec (registration required)