Jim Robinson and Sonny Liston - '1st-Round Knock-out Victims'

Yes,,,,,,

In the illustrious career of Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali, spanning '20' years
and '62' bouts, 'The Greatest' scored only 'two' 1st Round Knockouts.

The first man to ever be stopped by Cassius Clay was, 'Sweet Jimmy'
Jim Robinson.

Back on February 7, 1961 - and in Miami Beach, Florida - 'Sweet Jimmy'
was a last-minute replacement fighter, to face young 19 year-old
Heavyweight - Cassius Clay.

The 36 year-old Robinson, a 6' 0" 177 lb. over-blown Middleweight
with a record of 1-2-0 (O KO's), entered the ring versus Cassius Clay.

What we saw, was a magnificent display of a track meet, as 'Sweet Jimmy'
ran for a good minute plus, before tumbling and getting stopped in 94-seconds,
at 1:34 of Round 1.

What few would ever recognize, that 'Sweet Jimmy' had something in common
with only 'one' other of Cassius Clays '62' opponents.

 

Tuesday Night - February 7, 1961

Convention Hall - Miami Beach, Florida

Promoter - Chris Dundee Sports Promotions, Inc.

Attendance; 4017

19 year-old, 6' 3" 193 lb. - Cassius Clay 3-0-0 (2 KO's)
vs.
36 year-old, 6' 0" 177 lb. - Jim Robinson 1-2-0 (0 KO's)

Jim Robinson a Middleweight, who hasn't fought in 3-months
is found within an hours notice, to fill in for a 'Heavyweight No Show'.

'Sweet Jimmy' tries to fight for the first 25-seconds, but is out-gunned by
the naturally bigger and 16 lb. heavier Cassius.

Soon, Cassius is hitting the fleeing (running) 'Sweet Jimmy' with punches
on the side and back of his head. As 'Sweet Jimmy' turns to try and fight back,
he is met by a barrage of left and rights, and crashes to the canvas at 1:23 of
the opening round.

'Sweet Jimmy' gets up at the 9-Count, but Referee Cy Gottfried takes a moment,
before stopping the bout at 1:34 of Round 1.

History states that Jim Robinson,
A) Only weighed 158 lbs. for this bout.
B) Was paid $300 for this bout
C) Was a regular fill-in replacement fighter for Chris Dundee Sports Promotions
D) Beat the 10-Count, something that Sonny Liston couldn't do

 

How Dare You,

Sonny Liston lasted longer than 'Sweet Jimmy',,,,,,,,

A full 38-seconds longer.

 

Ron U.K.

It was listed as 177 lbs., but 'Sweet Jimmy' later stated that his weight was
changed to make it look like a legitimate bout.

They never even weighed him, or made him take a pre-fight physical.

That Miami State Boxing Commission,,,,,,,,,,,,,a class operation.

 

'Sweet Jimmy' Robinson was the 'only' legitimate fighter that Cassius Clay/
Muhammad Ali ever floored in the 1st Round.

Of course, he was knocked out too.

A 36 year-old, 3-bout professional, who was the 'Go-Fer' at the Fifth Street Gym
in Miami Beach.

Though his listed weight was 177 lbs. in his bout with Cassius, 'Sweet Jimmy' who
was campaigning as a 165 lb. Middleweight in his previous 3-bouts, stated that he
only weighed 158 lbs. when he stepped into the Ring versus Cassius Clay.

Though floored, Jim Robinson did beat the 10-Count, but the bout was stopped by
Referee Cy Gottfried, after only 94-seconds.

Fight Purse - $300

The 'only' other fighter that Cassius Clay ever floored in the 1st Round.........'Sonny Boy'

 

'Sweet Jimmy' called himself a 'Middleweight'

Previous fight weights for 'Sweet Jimmy'

6/13/60....169 lbs.
10/13/60...164 lbs.
11/8/60.....163 lbs.

2/7/61.......177 lbs. vs. Cassius Clay

4/14/61.....162 lbs.
6/2/61.......163 lbs.
7/17/61.....164 lbs.

Oh Yeah, he sounds like a 'normal' Light-Heavyweight.

Fight Promoter - Chris Dundee would never make up anything to get a fight card done.

A 100% 'set-up' phony fight.

 

Thank You,,,,,,,

Dr. Alexander Zuntov (Physics Professor, Bates College)

"Completely impossible for the punch that Mr. Clay landed on Mr. Liston
to create a concussion hard enough to floor a man for '17-seconds'."

"If the punch was that powerful, Mr. Liston would have fallen to his right side,
not forward with his hands held out to break his fall."