Johnny Persol 'Signed to Fight Cassius Clay in April 1967'

Johnny Persol,

The 'fast-handed' boxer from New York, had a signed contract im March to
fight Cassius Clay, scheduled for only 2-weeks after Cassius' bout with Zora Folley.

The only thing Johnny had to do, was defeat Jimmy Ellis in Madison Square Garden
on the Clay vs. Folley undercard.

Cassius was impressed with Johnny, after Persol 'floored' Cassius with a quick right-hand
in a sparring session before his bout with Zora Folley.


Johnny Persol,

'Cassius was anxious to have as many fights as possible before his court date concerning
the U.S. Military. He suggested that since we were in New York, the promoters could put
together a fast promotion, and fight in 2-weeks.'

'I said, what about Zora, doesn't he worry you, he has a better right hand than me. Cassius said,
he's slow and old, and I can take him anytime I want to. Just give me 3-Rounds to warm-up, and
then watch what happens. If you beat Jimmy, I'm all yours in 'two-weeks'.

March 1967
Johnny Persol - 26 year-old, Brooklyn, New York Heavyweight
6' 0" 179 lbs. * 17-3-1 (4 KO's) * #8 WBA-ranked

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Johnny Persol, did get ranked as the #8 Heavyweight in February 1967.

At 179 lbs., was a Light-Heavyweight, but could handle some of the smaller
Heavyweights.

Pulled-of an 'upset' by decisioning Amos 'Big Train' Lincoln in October 1966.

Jimmy Ellis came out like 'greased lightning' and suprised Johnny, who was expecting
a classic boxing match. All gone in the 1st-Round.

Johnny did have a good line after getting KO'd in '1' by Jimmy Ellis,
'I told Jimmy, he'd be lucky to last out the 1st Round, and I was right.'

 

Muhammad always had trouble with fast guys,

Johnny could have been a 'pesky' Persol,,,,,

It goes 5-fast Rounds, before Johnny goes down 3-times in the 6th.