Cassius Clay Crowned World Heavyweight Champion

On March 6, 1964, the boxing world officially recognized Cassius Clay, who would later change his name to Muhammad Ali, as the World Heavyweight Champion. This recognition followed his victory over the reigning champion Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964.

The Road to Victory

Prior to the fight with Liston, Cassius Clay was known for his brashness and unprecedented self-promotion. Despite these characteristics, many did not expect him to defeat Liston, who was a dominant force in boxing at the time. Clay’s victory on February 25, marked by a technical knockout in the seventh round, was one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

The Fight: February 25, 1964

The fight took place in Miami Beach, Florida. Liston did not answer the bell for the seventh round, citing a shoulder injury, thereby conceding victory to Clay. Clay’s speed, agility, and unorthodox style left Liston unable to launch his favored powerful punches effectively.

Significance

The official recognition by the Boxing Commission on March 6, 1964, was a formality that underscored Clay’s emergence as a significant figure in the sport. This victory not only boosted his career but also marked the beginning of an era where Clay, under his new name Muhammad Ali, would become a legendary and transformative figure in boxing and beyond.

Aftermath

Following the fight and his new status as champion, Cassius Clay announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, becoming a prominent symbol of the civil rights movement. His bold persona and remarkable talent in the ring made him an enduring icon in sports history.