Cassius Clay made his debut as a professional on October 29, 1960 against Tunney Hunsaker, and won it by a unanimous decision at Freedom Hall in is hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Angelo Dundee was hired as his trainer, and would remain in his corner until his last bout in 1981. Clay would have one more TKO win before 1960 came to a close, and follow that with 8 wins during the following year of 1961.
His competition got better and better as he progressed in his training and his skills improved. By 1962 he was defeated toughened pros like Sonny Banks, Don Warner and Billy Daniels. His year would end with an impressive knockout of living legend Archie Moore on November 15th in Los Angeles. Cassius’ gift of gab and ability to spout poems and predict outcomes of fights, was making him more popular by the day, with both fans and sportswriters. By 1963, plans were for him to fight for the title Sonny Liston had taken from Floyd Patterson in 1962. A few more good wins and the title shot would become a reality.
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