EMILE GRIFFITH - FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Selected for his successful defenses of the welterweight crown against his No. 1 and 3 challengers, Luis Rodriguez and Brian Curvis, plus brutal knockouts over wily Ralph Dupas and tough Dave Charnley.
SUGAR RAMOS VS. FLOYD ROBERTSON - MAY 9, 1964 - FIGHT OF THE YEAR
No other fight in 1964 came close to this brawl in sheer savagery and drama. By the 11th round, Ramos was a grotesque mess, with both eyebrows shredded, face a purple blob and mouth gushing blood. Down in the 13th and trembling from pain and fatigue, the champion drew from some hidden reserve to come slashing back and incredibly finish the 15-round on his feet.
THIRD ROUND BILLY STEPHAN VS. SKI GOLD GOLDSTEIN - NOVEMBER 13, 1964 - ROUND OF THE YEAR
For sheer thrills, the third round of Stephan’s uphill kayo of previously unbeaten Ski Goldstein last November had to win this award. Both men, who’d taken turns tearing each other’s heads off through the first six minutes, swarmed out at the bell, fists churning away with maniacal fury. There was no defense here, no strategy. Only animal savagery. A little past the 2:00 mark, Stephan landed a
JANUARY
4 - Eddie Perkins, 138 3/4, retained world junior welterweight title by scoring a 13-round TKO over Yoshinori Takahashi, 139 1/4, at Kuramae Sumo Stadium in Tokyo.
6 - Floyd Patterson, 192, made first appearance since being knocked out for second time by Sonny Liston when he stopped Sante Amonti, 191, in 8th round at Johanneshov Stadium, Stockholm.
23 - Pone Kingpetch, 112, regained world flyweight title by outpointing Hiroyuki Ebihara, 112, Rajdamnern Stadium, Bangkok, 15.
FEBRUARY
15 - Carlos Ortiz, 135, retained world lightweight title by stopping Flash Elorde, 135, Manila, at 1:44 of the 14th round. Attendance: 60,000.
24 - Henry Cooper, 188 3/4, captured European heavyweight crown when he outpointed Brian London, 209 1/4, Manchester, England, 15.
25 - In a startling upset, Cassius Clay, 210 1/2, won world heavyweight championship at Miami Beach when he scored 7-round TKO over Sony Liston, 218.
28 - Gus Lesnevich, former world light heavyweight champion, died of a heart attack at Cliffside Park, N. J. Gus had celebrated his 49th birthday on February 22nd.
MARCH
1 - Sugar Ramos, 126, retained world featherweight title by stopping Mistunori Seki, 125 3/4, Kuramae Sumo Stadium, Tokyo, 6.
5 - John Caldwell, 118, won British and Empire bantamweight titles by stopping George Bowes, 117 1/4, Belfast, Ireland, 7.
22 - WBA president Ed Lassman announced he would ask the executive board to withdraw recognition of Cassius Clay as heavyweight champion for “behavior detrimental to boxing” (connection with Black Muslim movement).
24 - Senate anti-trust subcommittee started investigative hearings on arrangements leading up to Cassius Clay-Sonny Liston return bout contact.
25 - Reacting to New York Boxing Commission’s suggestion that a heavyweight tournament be established to determine a suitable opponent for Cassius Clay, Madison Square Garden offered Floyd Patterson an elimination bout with Cleveland Williams.
29 - Gentleman Georgie Ward, 65, a top welterweight of the 1920, died at Cranford, N. J., of a heart ailment.
APRIL
1 - Alejandro Lavorante, 27, died in Mendoza City, Argentina, of injuries suffered in 1962 bout with Johnny Riggins. Lavorante had been in a coma since the fight.
4 - Gustav “Bubi” Scholz, 177 1/4,captured European light heavyweight crown when referee Sanchez Vilar disqualified defending titleholder Giulio Rinaldi, 176 1/4, in 9th round of Berlin bout for repeated fouls.
10 - Willie Pastrano, 174 3/4, retained world light heavyweight title when he stopped Gregorio Peralta, also 174 3/4, in 6th round at the New Orleans Auditorium.
11 - Former flyweight champion Pascual Perez announced his retirement.
11 - Carlos Ortiz, 135, retained lightweight championship at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, P. R., when he won unanimous 15-round decision over Kenny Lane, 135.
pulverizing one-two and Goldstein slumped to the canvas. Barely making it to his feet by “9,” Ski staggered blearily into the ropes - then lashed out a murderous right that impaled itself against the onrushing Stephan’s chin. Billy hit the deck with a thud. But the bell rang before referee Mark Conn could pick up the bout - and the year’s most thrilling round passed into history.
