Charles Adkins (boxer)

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Charles "Chuck" Adkins (born April 27, 1932 in Gary , Indiana ; † July 8, 1993 ibid) was an American boxer. He became the first Olympic light welterweight champion in 1952 .

Boxing career

Charles Adkins won the US lightweight championships in 1949, beating James Folk, Elmer Lakatos, John Biancaniello, William Hazel and Johnny Aguilar. In 1952 he represented the USA at the 15th Summer Olympics in Helsinki , where he competed in the newly created light welterweight (up to 63.5 kg). There he defeated in the preliminary round Leif Hansen from Norway by knockout in the first round, in the round of 16 Salomon Carrizales from Venezuela 3-0 on points, in the quarter-finals Alexander Webster from South Africa 3-0 and in the semi-finals Bruno Visintin from Italy 3: 0. In the final, he met Viktor Mednow from the Soviet Union. In the first meeting between boxers from the USA and the Soviet Union, which is documented in sports history, Adkins was able to prevail 2-1 on points and thus became the first Olympic champion in this weight class.

In 1953 he switched to the professional camp and played 22 fights, including 17 wins and 5 losses. He ended his career in 1958 after a knockout loss in the first round to Eddie Perkins .

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personal data
SURNAME Adkins, Charles
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Adkins, Chuck
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American boxer
DATE OF BIRTH April 27, 1932
PLACE OF BIRTH Gary, Indiana
DATE OF DEATH July 8, 1993
Place of death Gary, Indiana