Cassius Clay vs. Tony Esperti was a professional boxing match contested on January 17, 1961.

Background

The fight took place on Clay's 19th birthday and was part of the undercard to Gomeo Brennan vs. Cecil Shorts. Esperti was making his first appearance inside the ring in 6 years.

The fight

Clay won the bout through a technical knockout when the referee stopped the fight in the third round after Esparti's left eye had been cut by Clay's jabs.

Aftermath

Esperti was later convicted of first degree murder for gunning down mafia boss Thomas Altamura, a member of the Gambino crime family.

Undercard

Confirmed bouts:

References


. CASSIUS CLAY VS. USA (1970)

Cassius Clays Olympiasieg DER SPIEGEL

Antony (Tony) Esperti Muhammad Ali Web Galleria

Cassius Clay, una leggenda lunga 50 anni

Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) vs Sonny... Eclectic Vibes