Ed Sanders was not a well-known boxer in 1952. He had attended Idaho State University, played football there, and competed in the decathlon – coached by former Olympian, Ken Carpenter. But he also took up boxing in college, as Idaho State had one of the top teams in the country. Sanders learned quickly and, in the 1952 Olympics, knocked out several opponents en route to the final. There, his opponent was so terrified of Sanders’ KO punch that he was disqualified for lack of aggressiveness. That opponent would do better as a professional, as Ingemar Johansson later became world heavyweight champion. After winning the 1952 heavyweight gold medal, Eddie Sanders served two years in the Navy and then turned professional, basing himself in Boston. Sanders won seven of his first eight fights, avenging his one loss with a later knockout. On 11 December 1954, he faced Willie James for the New England heavyweight title. James knocked out Sanders in the 11th round and Sanders had to be carried from the ring. He never regained consciousness and died 18 hours later. Sanders’ career professional record was 6 wins (3 by KO), 2 losses (1 by KO), and 1 draw.
United States