THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 8 - MUHAMMAD ALI A.K.A. CASSIUS CLAY TURNS PROFESSIONAL
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 12 Jun 2025
Cassius Clay fought his professional debut on October 29, 1960, winning a six-round decision over Tunney Hunsaker. From his first fight until the end of 1963, Clay was undefeated with a record of 19–0 with 15 wins by way of knockout.
He defeated boxers including Herb Siler, Tony Esperti, Jim Robinson, Alex Miteff, Donnie Fleeman, Duke Sabedong, Sonny Banks, Alonzo Johnson, Don Warner, George Logan, Willi Besmanoff, LaMar Clark, Billy Daniels, Alejandro Lavorante, Charlie Powell, Doug Jones, and Henry Cooper. Clay also beat his former trainer and veteran boxer Archie Moore in November 1962.
Some of these fights were not easy wins. Clay was knocked down by Sonny Banks and also by Henry Cooper. In his Cooper bout, Clay was floored by a left hook at the end of round four and was saved by the bell, but went on to win the fight in his predicted fifth round due to Cooper's nasty cut in the eye.
The fight with Doug Jones on March 13, 1963 was considered by many as Clay's toughest fight in his early professional years. The number two heavyweight contender Clay and the number three heavyweight contender Jones fought on Jones' territory at New York's Madison Square Garden. Jones clobbered Clay in the opening round, and his unanimous decision victory was greeted by boos and a rain of debris thrown into the ring by disgusted fans.
In each of these fights, Clay vocally ridiculed his opponents and bragged his skills. He labeled Jones "an ugly little man" and Cooper a "bum". He said he was humiliated to fight in the ring with Alex Miteff and stated that Madison Square Garden was "too small for me".
Ali's trash talking was influenced by professional wrestler "Gorgeous George" Wagner's style, after he was inspired by George's talking ability which attracted big audiences in his fights. In a 1969 interview he stated that he met with George in Las Vegas in 1961, that George told him that trash talking would earn large number of paying fans who either wanted to see him win or wanted to see him lose. That's the reason why Clay made himself a "big-mouth and a bragger" as he described himself.
In 1960, Clay abandoned Moore's camp, as Clay reportedly refused to do chores such as washing dishes and sweeping. In Moore's place, Clay hired Angelo Dundee to become his trainer. Clay had met Dundee in February 1957 during Clay's amateur days. Around this time, Clay attempted to hire his longtime idol Sugar Ray Robinson to become his manager, but failed.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Facularin to fight Torres on December 13 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Baricuatro wins, Veloso falters in SEAG boxing
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025BASH BOXING AND UP NEXT FIGHTING RETURN WITH SPECIAL EDITION UNF 29 TOMORROW NIGHT AT ACE · MISSION STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES
Fri, 12 Dec 2025MERCADO AIMING TO SEND MESSAGE TO 140LB RIVALS
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Sullivan Management signs Influencer/pro boxer Brooklyn Barwick
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Round 12: Successful WBC Annual Convention in Bangkok (Photos)
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Halfway Point Surpassed at the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Fri, 12 Dec 2025NBA Daily: Wembanyama-less Spurs Dominate Lakers 132-119 in NBA Cup Quarterfinals
By Reylan Loberternos, Thu, 11 Dec 2025The 18th edition of the Kamatyas FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament on December 13
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 11 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Contender Kevin “Alfa” Brown Ready to Challenge Cletus Seldin for WBA Interim World Title on December 13
Thu, 11 Dec 2025ProBox CEO Garry Jonas Says Team Lamont Roach Looking for Tank Rematch Next or Pitbull Rematch in DC
Thu, 11 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Celebrates Cebuana Lhuillier Sports Ambassadors Competing in SEA Games 2025
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 11 Dec 2025TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON ON JANUARY 31
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 10 Dec 2025QUOTES FROM TODAY’S CHM 2: REMATCH SEASON OPEN WORKOUT PRESENTED BY CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH
Wed, 10 Dec 2025Villarosa to fight Antaran on Dec. 18 in Bucana
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 10 Dec 2025