Cassius Clay 'I Think Charlie Powell Broke My Rib'

Thursday Night - January 26, 1963

Civic Arena - Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

20 year-old Cassius Clay won his '17th' straight bout last night, and registered
his 14th 'knockout' when he stopped ex-Professional Football Player, Charlie
'Chuck' Powell in the '3rd-Round'.

Despite the win, the 20 year-old 'undefeated' Heavyweight from Lousiville
said he injured his rib after absorbing a 'crushing' body shot from the
30 year-old Powell.

The 6' 3" 212 lb. Powell, who came into the ring with a respectable
23-5-3 (17 KO's) record, and a reputation as a good body puncher.

Though the 'big' Powell is strong, his boxing skills are somewehat limited.
But many consider Charlie to have the 'hardest' right hand punch of
any Heavyweight, except Sonny Liston.

In the 2nd-Round, Powell landed a hard right hand to the left side of
the 'lean' Cassius, and the youngster let out with a 'oomph' sound
as the punch landed with a thud. For a moment, the eye's of the
Heavyweight Sensation teared up, and he needed a moment to
catch his breath, as it was obvious to those at ringside that he had
the wind knocked out of him.

 

January 26, 1963

This content is protected

 

The 'cumbersome and clumsy' Charely Powell 'smashing' the right side
of Cassius Clay's face with a left hook from the 'rafters' of the
the Civic Arena in Pittsburg.

This content is protected

 

Charlie Powell, as a Defensive End.

Charlie Powell, asked about what position Cassius could play in football.

'From what I've heard, Cassius didn't too well in school, so I don't think
he could understand a playbook.'

'No, I think he makes for a better boxer than a football player. With his
height, reach and good hands though, he might have made a half-way decent
Split-End.'

This content is protected

 

'Brash Young Cassius Faces Powell Tonight'

10,000 fans are expected tonight, to see boxing's
new attraction, Cassius Clay.

Cassius Clay is the hottest heavyweight to hit the
sceen since Joe Louis.

The loudmouth from Lousiville said that he would
make an airline reservation to leave the country if he
loses to the ex-football player Charley Powell.

This content is protected

 

Charlie Powell

'I know this kid is just looking to make a name for himself, by using me
to add to his record. I know I can't outbox him, but if he gets too close
to me, I'll crush his ribs.'

'I was undefeated and cocky too once. And I too was invincible. Clay
will fall, or at least have sore ribs, that is my guarantee.'

This content is protected