Boxing
How Time Flies! It’s 60 Years Since The Famous Mohammad Ali- Sonny Liston Fight That Shaped Boxing –
Sunday, 25 February, marked 60 years since a 22-year-old named Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) defeated the favourite Sonny Liston, whom he had humiliated and beaten for the title of heavyweight champion.
On that day, “The Greatest” became a social icon, paving the way for a career that would make him one of the greatest boxers of all time.
It was no ordinary fight. It wasn’t just a boxing match. Young Cassius Clay upset the favourite Sonny Liston on 25 February 1964.
Within hours, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. He declared war on one of the most powerful countries in the world, as AFP recalls.
He humiliated his opponent, took the heavyweight title and changed history from that day on. Last Sunday marked 60 years since that event.
Sports Illustrated named it one of the four most influential sporting events of the 20th century.
The American boxer, always arrogant and outspoken, was no longer just an image. He became a symbol of the fight against racism, especially in a powerful country whose society had always been racist towards blacks.
His strategy was always to attract attention and be the centre of attention; he achieved this with his eccentric personality, combined with immense talent, making him one of the greatest boxers in history.
Ali rose to stardom after other black boxers had succeeded: Floyd Patterson, always respected, and Sonny Liston himself, a boxer with a fearsome appearance and controlled by the dark side. They were world champions, like Ali himself. But they were not representative of what was to come.
Today marks 60 years since Ali defeated the ‘Ugly Bear’, as he nicknamed Liston. He won thanks to unparalleled talent and an eccentric, chaotic but intelligent strategy. His victory is still hard to comprehend, because he didn’t stand a chance. Nobody bet on him.
Then came his association with the Black Muslims, his relationship with Malcolm X and his connection with Africa. What he said, gestured and did. All to prove in the ring that he was the best.
He had 61 fights. He won 56 of them, 39 by knockout, and lost only five. But his figure transcended all that. His influence extended beyond boxing.
However, the fight with Liston can be seen as the beginning of it all. The contract for the fight between Sonny Liston and Cassius Clay was signed on 5 November 1963.
The fight was to take place at the Convention Center in Miami Beach. The year before, Liston had beaten Patterson. He had become world champion.
Liston was someone who didn’t like to laugh. He didn’t make many public appearances or joke around.
On the other side was a 22-year-old arrogant young man. He danced in the ring and never stopped talking. Always joking and always saying eccentric things.
On the day of the fight, Clay was nervous about weighing in. His heart was racing and some doctors even said he was unbalanced.
The odds were a clear 7-1 in favour of Liston. Clay had converted to Islam before the fight, but didn’t announce it until afterwards.
The boxing world looked at the fight with its eyes wide open, but with a very clear point of view: Liston was the favourite.
The Convention Centre was packed. Miami Beach was the epicentre of world boxing.
From the start, it was Ali (then Clay) who danced. He kept Liston at bay with his famous fast and continuous jabs.
As the rounds went on, Ali continued to rack up points. In the third and fourth rounds everything changed.
It was Clay who was winning the rounds, and he was even giving Liston trouble.
The sixth round was decisive. Once again, the Lousville native began to dominate and began to control the fight.
At the end of the round, “The Big Bear” told his trainer that he couldn’t continue. He didn’t come out for the seventh.
A shoulder injury had stopped the champion and Clay took the belt and title.
The rematch took place a year later. This time Liston only lasted one round against Ali, who was already a legend and had his whole career ahead of him.
Ali won the gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. As a professional, he won the undisputed heavyweight championship in 1964 at the age of 22.
He became the only boxer to have won the linear championship three times (1964, 1974 and 1978) and the undisputed heavyweight championship (1964, 1967 and 1974).
He was also the first to win the World Boxing Association heavyweight title four times (1964, 1967, 1974 and 1978). Muhammad Ali is regarded as a social figure who transcended the world of sport.
Since the 1960s, his decision not to be drafted into his country’s armed forces for the Vietnam War has been a symbol. He declared himself a conscientious objector. He was also a member of the Nation of Islam.
That fight changed everything. Even the figure of the heavyweight champion, who until then had always been a serious person, introverted, more inclined to action in the ring than to speeches.
He was better known for what he did outside the ring. Other champions before him included Jack Dempsey, Primo Carnera, Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano.
They will all be remembered for their no-holds-barred fights. But Ali added to his talent an inimitable ability to be different, to be loved and hated.
For a heavyweight contender, it was this unusual and very special way of behaving that made him so popular.
His speeches on racism and black/white equality attracted the curiosity of the likes of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and Elijah Muhammad, and from there his persona took off.
He retired in 1981. Although he had not yet been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, his physical decline was already evident.
–insidethegames
The body of Segun Olanrewaju, the Nigerian boxer who slumped and died in the ring in Ghana on Saturday is still in a mortuary in Ghana. The President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Dr Rafiu Oladipo, informed Sports Village Square that an autopsy will be conducted on Wednesday.
He said that the NBB of C is closely monitoring the events in Ghana, even as the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade has asked for updates on the sad incident.
On Monday, a delegation of the NBB of C visited the family of the late boxer in Sango Otta in Ogun State. Oladipo said he was still in shock at the death of the boxer who he considered fit having fought last December 29.
He revealed that one of the members of the Nigerian delegation to Ghana stayed behind to follow up on the autopsy.
He narrated that the late boxer took part on Thursday in the mandatory weigh-in which is normally conducted 24 hours before a fight. Additionally, a medical check-up is also to be conducted.
“But in this instance, there was no medical check. On this ground, Oladipo blamed the Ghana Boxing Authority.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Like every human endeavour, sports have had an ample share of dreadful incidents. The latest is the death of a Nigerian boxer, Segun Olanrewaju over the weekend in Ghana.
The sad incident points to the risk attendant to boxing which in other climes, is a short route to wealth. Every time a boxer steps into the ring, his life is often at risk.
The boxing rings have recorded a lot of casualties. An estimated 1,604 boxers are believed to have died as a result of injuries sustained in the ring.
Nigeria too, contributed to the sad episode.
1. Homicide Ilori (vs Eddie Phillips, 26 June 1953)
On 26 June 1953, in a lightweight boxing contest between Homicide Ilori and Eddie Philips in Lagos, Ilori was knocked down in the fourth of an eight-round fight.
He was aided out of the ring with some assistance and later complained of feeling “exhausted.” He was taken to Lagos’ General Hospital by Jack Farnsworth, secretary of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, where he died of his injuries at 3:30 am.
This made the front page of Lagos’ newspapers, including a picture of a knocked-out and dazed Ilori on the canvas with the headline “The Last Punch.”
Another newspaper in Australia, Daily Mirror in Sydney reported that Ilori was the third boxer to die in Lagos in the previous 18 months.
Eddie Phillips, the boxer who knocked out Ilori, who was only 19 at the time, decided to
retire; stating ‘I will never wear the gloves again in my life.’” He would eventually return to the ring and fight again.
2. Asimi Mustapha a.k.a Young Ali (vs Barry McGuigan, 14 June 1982)
A Nigerian boxer, Asimi Mustapha whose ring name was ‘Young Ali’ fought an Irishman, Barry McGuigan, who knocked him down in the sixth round. He fell into a coma in London after being stretchered out of the ring.
Nigeria’s Asimi Mustapha, aka Young Ali (right) in the ill-fated fight with Irish Barry McGuigan.
He was placed on a life support machine but would later pass away at his home, being survived by his then-pregnant wife.
3. Nojim Gbadegesin (vs Kelvin Onwudiwe, 28 September 1991)
Nojim Gbadegesin, Nigerian flyweight boxer died after suffering a brain injury in his second professional fight. The 27-year-old customs worker, went into a coma after he was knocked down by fellow Nigerian Kelvin Onwudiwe in the sixth round. He died in the hospital in Lagos.
4. Chukwuemeka Igboanugo (v Prince Gaby Amagor, 6 December 2022)
At the National Sports Festival in Asaba, Chukwuemekka Igboanugo of Imo State received a punch in the chin in the bout with Prince Gaby Amagor of Anambra State. He suffered a technical knockout.
After being knocked out, Igboanugo collapsed while attempting to leave the ring. He was immediately taken out of the ring for medical treatment before being rushed to the hospital. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead, with officials suggesting underlying health conditions may have contributed to his death.
5. Sherif Lawal (v Malam Varela, 12 May 2024)
London-based boxer Sherif Lawal died after he collapsed in the ring during his professional debut.
Sheriff Lawal died during his first professional fight.
The 29-year-old was knocked down by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth round of a middleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.
Lawal received treatment from paramedics at the scene and was taken to hospital but later pronounced dead.
The British Boxing Board of Control said in a statement: “Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing.
“The thoughts of all those involved in boxing in Great Britain are with them at this difficult time.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Boxing
Trump, Tyson, Magic Johnson others react to the death of former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman
Following are quotes and reactions to the death of American Olympic champion and twice heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman, who died on Friday at age 76 in Houston, Texas.
U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP
“George Foreman is dead. What a GREAT FIGHTER!!! He had, without question, the heaviest and biggest punch in the history of boxing.
“With the exception of Ali, when you got hit, you went down. He was something really special, but above all, he was a Great Person, with a personality that was bigger than life. I knew him well, and he will be missed. Warmest condolences to his wonderful family!!!”
BILLIE JEAN KING, 39-TIME GRAND SLAM TENNIS CHAMPION
“Sad to learn that 2x heavyweight champion boxer, Olympic Gold medalist, and entrepreneur George Forman has passed away. He was a great champion and a good friend.
“He bet on me in the Battle of the Sexes, and acted as a bodyguard to help me after the match when the crowds stormed the court. Our condolences to his family. May he rest in power.”
MIKE TYSON, TWICE HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION
“Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
MAGIC JOHNSON, FIVE-TIMES NBA CHAMPION
“I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man.
“After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman — I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time.”
BOB ARUM, AMERICAN BOXING PROMOTER
“George was a great friend to not only myself but to my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
FRANK WARREN, BRITISH BOXING PROMOTER
“I remember in 1990, I brought him over here to London and promoted him here on his comeback trail. He was a joy to work with – he was a fabulous guy. Very, very humble in the way he was, had a lot of time for people. And he was a great fighter.
“He was part of that holy trinity of heavyweight boxers, with Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
“The great fights they had between them were special times for boxing and world sport. They’re events that have gone down as not just boxing, but significant moments in the world of sport.”
WORLD BOXING COUNCIL PRESIDENT MAURICIO SULAIMAN
“I was honoured to present George Foreman the WBC Boxing green belt which my father Jose Sulaiman had ready and was in a drawer for more than 30 years.
“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, Husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have. His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace.”
MICHAEL BUFFER, BOXING RING ANNOUNCER
“I’m totally heartbroken with the news of my dear friend of more than 35 years George Foreman passing away. I’m finding it difficult to deal with. I’ll collect my thoughts and have more to say soon about a man that I (and so many others) loved and respected.”
FRANK BRUNO, BRITISH FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPION
“RIP George Foreman… we sparred on a couple of training sessions and I could not believe how strong he was.
“Many have their opinions of some of the top heavyweights ever but for me, he is certainly in the top group. To be a World champion in two different eras tells you how good he was… sad day for world boxing, a true legend.”
HOUSTON MAYOR JOHN WHITMIRE
“George’s journey from the streets of Fifth Ward to boxing and business success was an inspiration.
“He never forgot where he came from … Houston will forever be proud to call George Foreman one of our own.”
-Reuters
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Morocco 2025: Nigeria qualify for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup
NFF ‘shocked and saddened’ by the demise of former NRA President, Otunba Tade Azeez
Heartbreak for Al Ahly as Sundowns edge to CAF Champions League final on away goals rule
- WOMEN'S FOOTBALL7 days ago
Naira rain falls on Nigeria’s Flamingos after a 4-0 defeat of Algeria
- OBITUARY4 days ago
NFF mourns the demise of former FIFA referee, Bosede Momoh
- Nigerian Football2 days ago
Financial rainfall awaits Nigeria’s Flamingos for every goal scored in Algeria
- U-17 AFCON7 days ago
Morocco crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after dramatic penalty shootout win over Mali
- U-20 FOOTBALL6 days ago
Nigeria begin CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title chase with Tunisian clash
- feature4 days ago
Ghana’s Cardinal, Appiah Turkson, listed as a possible Pope
- Nigerian Football6 days ago
Remo Stars maintain ‘7Up’ lead over Rivers United
- Nigerian Football2 days ago
Former WAFU President, Ogufere mourns Christian Chukwu