The sensational and final victory of Cassius Clay

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Less interested boxing fans may not remember, but the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, was actually named Cassius Clay. It's the legend's "original" name, and until his 21st pro fight, he's been sporting it as well. This turned out to be his last match under the name "Cassius Clay", but at the same time he became one of the biggest sensations in the sport at the time.

Sonny Liston is on a streak of 27 consecutive victories in the heavyweight division and is considered absolutely unbeatable. His last 3 fights ended with a knockout in the first round, and on February 25, 1964, he was the clear favorite against Cassius Clay - a spirited youngster undefeated to date. Sonny's sole purpose in the match is to crush his opponent's spirit with heavy punches that he possesses, and with which he often breaks the jaws of his opponents. The few who dare to bet on the youngster are reprimanded, and the rest are laughed at for their "absurd" claims.

Sonny has so far run over all the "real" contenders for his titles, but on a warm February evening in Miami, he meets a monstrous defense from Clay. What's more, the future Muhammad Ali hits his opponent so hard and fast that Liston doesn't even have a chance against the future greatest in the sport. Liston's huge ego quickly evaporates from the ring, and after the end of the 6th round, he sits on a chair in his own corner and refuses to go out into the ring anymore. His spirit is broken and the underdog shocks the world by winning the titles at 7.00 odds for him to succeed.

The two meet in the ring one more time - a year later, when Cassius Clay is now officially called Muhammad Ali. How does the meeting end? A first round knockout of the greatest boxer to ever step into the ring.

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