FEBRUARY 25

On this date in 1964 (I was 18 years-old), in the small city of Lewiston, Maine, a sporting event took place that had much more significance than anyone would have guessed at the time.  It was a boxing match for the Heavyweight Championship of the World. 

The champ was 31-year-old Sonny Liston, known as the Big Bear.  He had two fights with the previous champion, Floyd Patterson, and knocked him out both times in the first round. 

The challenger was brash 22-year-old Cassius Clay, known as the Louisville Lip.  Clay had won 19 straight fights against questionable opponents since taking the gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. 

Clay taunted Liston mercylessly before and during the fight.  Liston was the most devistating puncher of the era but his young opponent was too fast for him to catch and his punches were too quick for him to stop.  Clay pummelled the Bear so much that he didn't answer the bell for the 7th round.  Clay was champ and one of boxing's greatest stories had begun.

Cassius revealed some time later that he had joined the Black Muslims and changed his name to Muhammad Ali.  Championship fights were on TV back then.  Everyone could watch for free and almost everyone did.  It was a great era for prize fighting.  Ali's story is immense and it all really got going on this date in 1964.

\o.o/