Zora Folley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zora Folley |
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | Zora Folley |
| Nickname(s) | Bell |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | May 27, 1931 Dallas, Texas, US |
| Died | July 7, 1972 (aged 41) Tucson, Arizona, US |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 96 |
| Wins | 79 |
| Wins by KO | 44 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 6 |
Zora "Bell" Folley (born May 27, 1931 – died July 7, 1972) was a famous American boxer from the middle of the 20th century. He was known for being a heavyweight boxer with great defensive skills and powerful punches.
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Early Life and Army Days
Zora Folley was born in Dallas, Texas on May 27, 1931. When he was 11 years old, in 1942, his family moved to Chandler, Arizona. Growing up, Zora loved playing baseball.
In 1948, Zora joined the U.S. Army. This is where he first started boxing. He quickly became very good at it! Within a year, he won the 6th Army Championship. After that, he won the All-Army and All-Service titles. Zora also served in the Korean War and earned five battle stars. He left the U.S. Army in 1953 as a Sergeant.
Zora Folley's Boxing Career
In the mid-1950s, Zora Folley became a professional boxer. He won his very first pro fight against Jimmy Ingram. After a draw, he went on to win 17 fights in a row! His winning streak ended when he lost to Johnny Summerlin. Zora might have broken his jaw in that fight.
Even though he was considered one of the best boxers, Zora never got to fight the heavyweight champion, Floyd Patterson. One reason was a close loss to Henry Cooper in England in 1958. Zora later got his revenge by knocking Cooper out in 1961.
Important Fights
Zora Folley fought and beat many other top boxers. Some of these included Eddie Machen, George Chuvalo, Bob Cleroux (twice), and Doug Jones. He also had a big win against Oscar Bonavena. Zora also had some draws, which means the fight ended with no winner, against boxers like Karl Mildenberger and Eddie Machen.
Between 1960 and 1962, Zora was knocked out by some very tough opponents. These included Sonny Liston, Alejandro Lavorante, and Doug Jones in their second fight.
Fighting for the World Title
Zora Folley finally got his chance to fight for the world heavyweight title on March 22, 1967. He was 34 years old. His opponent was the legendary world champion, Muhammad Ali.
Before their fight, Muhammad Ali joked that Zora was such a kind person that it was hard to get angry at him. Zora was also one of the first boxers to call Ali by his Muslim name, instead of Cassius Clay. Ali said he respected Zora and felt nervous before their match. Zora Folley was the last person Ali fought before Ali took a three-year break from boxing in 1967. Ali won the fight by knocking Zora out in the 7th round.
Zora continued to box for three more years after that. His last fight was in 1970, when he was knocked out by Mac Foster.
Life Outside the Ring
After his boxing career, Zora Folley stayed active in his community. He served as a member of the Chandler City Council. He and his wife, Joella, raised a large family with nine children.
Zora Folley passed away on July 7, 1972. His death was officially ruled an accident. He was buried in the City of Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona. The city of Chandler honored him by dedicating Zora Folley Memorial Park in his name.
Images for kids
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Grave of Zora Folley
See also
In Spanish: Zora Folley para niños
