BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY : AFRICAN AMERICAN EDDIE COTTON A LIGHT HEAVY WEIGHT BOXER : GOES INTO THE " HALL OF BLACK GENIUS "

                             

                                                       BLACK         SOCIAL       HISTORY                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eddie Cotton  born on June 15, 1926  in Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States was a former boxer. Cotton was a resident of Seattle, Washington until his death on June 24, 1990 following a second liver transplant.

Career 

Eddie Cotton was a light heavyweight contender from the late 1950s until his retirement in the late 1960s. He was known as a good defensive fighter, although not very exciting. He was also prone to getting cut in fights. His style was undoubtedly influenced by his original trainer who had boxed in an almost identical manner.

He twice unsuccessfully challenged for the world light heavyweight title, losing to Harold Johnson for the National Boxing Association title in 1961, and in 1966 losing what many felt was a controversial decision to José Torres for the world title. Ring Magazine named the Torres bout the "Fight of the Year".

Cotton fought 81 times in his career, winning 56, losing 23 and drawing 2 fights. He retired from boxing in 1967. After his boxing career ended, Cotton worked for the Boeing Aircraft Companyas a tool and die maker. He was also a member of the Washington State Boxing Commission. Cotton also owned a restaurant in Seattle which bore his name.