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Ernie Terrell, born April 4, 1939 is an American singer, music producer, and former WBA heavyweight boxing champion.
Born in Belzoni, Mississippi, he is the sister of Supremes singer, Jean Terrell. In the 1960s, she sang with his group, "Ernie Terrell & the Knockouts."
He defeated Eddie Machen to win the World Boxing Association title on March 5, 1965, holding it until February 6, 1967 when he lost to Muhammad Ali. Controversey surrounded the fight after Terrell insisted on calling his opponent by his birth name, Cassius Clay.
In 55 professional fights, Terrell earned a record of 46 wins (21 by knockout), nine losses and no draws. He retired from boxing in 1973 and began a career as a music producer in Chicago, Illinois.
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