62 years ago

Date: 10th February 1962

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: 10 Round Heavyweight Contest

Promoter: Chris Dundee

Referee: Ruby Goldstein

Cassius Clay
( 10 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 194½ lbs

Sonny Banks
( 10 - 2 - 0 )
Weight: 191¼ lbs

On February 10, 1962, Cassius Clay entered the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City for a 10-round heavyweight contest against Sonny Banks. Promoted by Chris Dundee and officiated by referee Ruby Goldstein, the fight was viewed as another stepping stone in Clay's path to heavyweight prominence. Both fighters carried similar records into the bout, with Clay at 10-0 and Banks at 10-2. Clay weighed in at 194½ pounds, while Banks tipped the scales at 191¼ pounds.

The opening bell set the stage for an intriguing clash of styles. Clay, already showcasing the confident bravado and unorthodox movement that would become his trademarks, began the fight with quick footwork and sharp jabs. Banks, a heavy-handed puncher, stayed composed, looking for openings to land something meaningful.

Midway through the first round, Banks capitalized on one of those openings. A perfectly timed left hook caught Clay flush, sending him crashing to the canvas. Cassius Clay had been knocked down for the first time in his professional career. Madison Square Garden erupted in shock as Clay scrambled to his feet, visibly shaken but with clear eyes and steady legs. Referee Ruby Goldstein administered the mandatory eight count, and Clay nodded to indicate he was ready to continue.

What followed was a demonstration of Clay's growing maturity as a fighter. Rather than retreat into caution, he adjusted his tactics, keeping a tighter guard and relying on his jab to control the distance. Banks, sensing a fleeting opportunity, pressed forward, but Clay regained his composure and began to pick his shots precisely.

Clay's speed and accuracy began to take their toll on Banks as the rounds progressed. The challenger's left hook, which had been so effective early on, was now neutralized by Clay's movement and defensive adjustments. Banks was visibly slowing by the third round, his punches becoming more laboured as Clay continued to pepper him with sharp jabs and crisp combinations.

In the fourth round, Clay seized complete control. A series of clean right hands rocked Banks, and referee Ruby Goldstein had seen enough. The fight was stopped, and a technical knockout declared Cassius Clay the winner.

The result was a crucial learning experience for the young Clay, who had faced adversity for the first time in his professional career and responded with intelligence and resolve. For Banks, the knockdown in the opening round became a lasting footnote, proof that even the great Cassius Clay could be hurt.

In the aftermath, Clay remained confident, dismissing the knockdown as a minor hiccup and emphasizing his dominance in the subsequent rounds. Banks, though disappointed, earned respect for his bravery and the brief moment when he had the future champion on the floor.