This Day in History: Young <br />Muhammad Ali Knocks out <br />Sonny Liston for First World Title February 25, 1964 Cassius Clay was just 22-years-old <br />when he beat the world champion <br />in a seven round TKO. Liston had <br />been favored to win eight to one. Before the match, Clay had <br />boasted he would knock Liston <br />in eight rounds, as he would <br />“float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” This proved to be accurate, <br />as Liston couldn't land his punches, <br />leading to a shoulder injury and <br />ultimately ending the match. Two days after celebrating the <br />win with Nation of Islam leader <br />Malcolm X, Clay would become Muhammad Ali. The world heavyweight title <br />would launch Ali's epic career. He is widely considered one the <br />greatest athletes of the 20th century.
