June 26, 1961 Convention Center -Las Vegas, Nevada The young 19 year-old Cassius Clay, undefeated at 6-0-0 (5 KO's), and with '23' shut-out rounds under his belt. Entering his bout with 6' 6" Duke 'Kolo' Sabedong, Cassius had won every round in the ring in his professional career. The 31 year-old 'big' Hawaiian, at 15-11-1 (10 KO's) won his bouts by utilizing his size, not his skill. After his bout with Duke Sabedong, the Referee Harold Krausee and Judge, John Romero scored the bout a shut-out for the young Mr. Clay 10-0-0, but Judge, Dick Kanellis scored the bout 7-1-2. It was the first time any 'scoring official' scored a round for a Cassius opponent, as well as '2' Even Rounds. The Las Vegas sports writers, said it was now possible to win a round from the 'Louisville Flash'. Duke Sabedong This content is protected
Only 2000 fans turned out for this Heavyweight bout. Promoter, Mel Greb was disappointed with the 'light' turn-out. Cassius Clay's first 10-Rounder. Cassius was accurate and busy with his left hand, but the 19 1/2 year-old, at a skinny 194 lbs. looked like a weakliing. In Round 2, the 31 year-old - 'Koko' Sabedong, trying to utilize his brute strength and size 225 lbs., bulled his way inside, and scored with a 'low-blow', which cost him 1-point. The big Hawaiian at 15-11-1 (10 KO's), was able to muster some minor offense, but he was 'too slow', and cumbersome. Numerous times he was warned for hitting on the break, and head-butting. In Round 8, Cassius scored with nice combinations, but 'Koko' still pressed and fouled again, with another 'low-blow', costing him another 1-point penalty. In Round 9, it happened, Sabedong actually landed a telling blow, a long right hand that shook the young Mr. Clay momentarily. Cassius calmy backed out of 'harms way' while the big Sabedong 'clumsily' pursued by lobbing ineffective right hands. In the 'Final Round', Cassius pecked and pawed from long range, while Sabedong followed him around the ring, looking for an opening that never came. Judge, Dick Kanellis scored Round 9 for Duke 'Kolo' Sabedong. He also scored Round 7 and Round 10 Even. Those were the 'first' rounds that Cassius Clay did not win, thru his first '7' bouts. Following this bout, Duke Sabedong retired for 2-years, only to come back in May 1963. This content is protected
For Cassius Clay's next bout, The following opponent was put together, A) Willie Ray Richardson B) Von Clay C) Kirk Barrow D) Wayne Bethea E) Billy Stephan F) Alonzo Johnson