The April 1964 edition of Ring Magazine captures a pivotal moment that forever altered the course of the sport. It was the moment when Cassius Clay, a man known for his charm, intellect, and lyrical prowess, defied all odds and emerged victorious against Sonny Liston, the reigning world heavyweight champion. The fight, which took place on February 25, 1964, culminated in a resounding technical knockout in the seventh round.
Liston, a feared opponent who had previously defeated former champion Floyd Patterson in just one round on two separate occasions, was the overwhelming favorite with odds of 8-to-1 in his favor. However, Clay, displaying his trademark confidence and braggadocio, had boldly predicted his victory. He famously declared that he would "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" and knock out Liston in the eighth round.
The fight itself was a spectacle of skill and determination. Clay, agile and quick on his feet, showcased his unique boxing style that combined grace and power. Liston struggled to keep up with Clay's lightning-fast movements and strategic maneuvers. As the rounds progressed, Clay's dominance became increasingly evident.
In the seventh round, Clay's relentless assault on Liston proved too much for the reigning champion to handle. Overwhelmed by Clay's speed and precision, Liston could no longer defend himself effectively. The referee stepped in and declared a technical knockout, signaling the end of the fight and crowning Cassius Clay as the new world heavyweight boxing champion.
This victory was not just a personal triumph for Clay; it was a momentous occasion that reverberated throughout the world of boxing. Former champion Joe Louis, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, hailed Clay's victory as "the biggest upset in the history of boxing." Clay's win shattered expectations and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
From that point forward, Cassius Clay would go on to achieve even greater success, eventually changing his name to Muhammad Ali and becoming a global icon. His charismatic personality, unmatched boxing skills, and unwavering commitment to social justice would solidify his place in history as one of the most influential figures in sports.
The April 1964 issue of The Ring Magazine captured this pivotal moment in boxing history. A copy of the magazine, featuring Cassius Clay on the cover with the bold statement "I Am King," recently surfaced and was graded by CGC as 6.5, making it the highest graded copy known to exist.