| Summary: | Professional boxer and singer Ernie Terrell was born on April 4, 1939, in Belzoni, Mississippi. He began boxing in 1957 and simultaneously launched a popular singing group in Chicago with his sister Jean Terrell, who later replaced Diana Ross in the Supremes. When the World Boxing Association stripped Muhammad Ali of his title as heavyweight champion in 1965, Terrell defeated Eddie Machen for the vacant title. Terrell continued to perform with his group, Ernie Terrell and the Heavyweights. He retained the title until February 6, 1967, when he lost to Ali in his most famous match. On June 23, 1973, Terrell earned another shot at becoming a heavyweight champion, but lost in a controversial decision. After fifteen years of fighting, Terrell had a record of forty-six wins, twenty-one of which were knockouts, and only nine losses. Terrell went on to become a successful businessman. He lived with his wife on Chicago's South Side.
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