Eddie Nichols
Eddie Nichols (1905-1955) was an amateur welterweight in the 1920's. He was born in San Antonio, Texas and moved to Chicago in 1923. His first boxing lesson came from the black heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, who in turn became a good fighter thanks to legendary middleweight boxer Joe Chojnski; they even trained in jail together after being arrested, became pals.
At the time, in late 19th, early 20th century many states in the United States did not allow fights between mixed races and boxing was illegal in general (part of useless Frawley Law just like Prohibition)! In Chicago, some boxing fans fondly remember him as a good trainer. He was the owner of Nichol's Gym where many famous boxers trained including Bob Satterfield, Sonny Liston when he was starting out, Bob 'Belt Em, Grinder' Baker & others. Baker was rocky marciano's final logical challenger but Rocky & Weill avoided him; IBC President Norris said if Rocky does not fight by February he may never again. He was to fight him in early January, between January 4 & February 3 1956 (first quarter of 1956)! Rocky had golden opportunity to earn golden 50-0 record if he had defeated him but it would not have been easy, at the time Baker had best record of all world's heavyweights. After losing to Archie Moore he was never KOd again! His record was excellent, he was in his prime, 45-5, could have been bettter if not for greedy Chris Dundee manager; unlike others he won 13 straight fights aka Baker's Dozen. Others who had at least 11 straight victories were Summerlin & Italian Cavichi. But they never fought Baker aka BB. Between April 1955 & February he was rated #1 opponent, that's impressive run! On September 9 1957, he defeatead multiple world champion candidate, Canadian champ George Chuvalo!
Nichols died on Christmas morning December 25 1955, in his sleep. Family had hard time accepting his death during Christmas & holidays as they had already planned special party in his honor, it had to be canceled. His funeral took place on Monday January 2 1956.
