Ernie Terrell was a renowned boxer and musician who rose to prominence after his family relocated to Chicago from Mississippi in 1952. Born on April 4, 1939, as the sixth of ten children, Terrell began his boxing career in 1956 as a sophomore at Farragut High School, winning the Chicago Golden Gloves Championship in his debut year. He turned professional in 1957 and quickly became a heavyweight contender, training under the legendary Joe Louis and sparring with Sonny Liston.

Terrell’s greatest achievement came on March 4, 1965, when he defeated Eddie Machen in Chicago to claim the WBA Heavyweight Championship. He defended his title twice before losing to Muhammad Ali in 1967 in a unanimous 15-round decision. Over a 17-year career, Terrell fought 55 professional bouts, achieving 46 wins (21 by knockout) and only 9 losses. After retiring in 1973, he became a successful fight promoter, mentoring fighters such as James “Quick” Tillis and Craig “One Foot” Budzianowski.

Outside the ring, Terrell pursued music as the leader of the band “Ernie Terrell and the Heavyweights,” appearing on shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Johnny Carson Show. His sister, Jean, later became a member of The Supremes. Terrell also served his community as a supervisor and two-time alderman in Chicago’s 34th ward, co-owning Ernie Terrell Incorporated. Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005, he was married to his wife Maxine for 26 years and is the proud father of David and Debra. Terrell and his family resided in the Chicago area.