Sonny Banks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sonny Banks |
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|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Born | June 29, 1940 Birmingham, Mississippi, US |
| Died | May 13, 1965 (aged 24) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 25 |
| Wins | 18 |
| Wins by KO | 14 |
| Losses | 7 |
Lucien "Sonny" Banks (born June 29, 1940 – died May 13, 1965) was an American boxer from the 1960s. He is most remembered for being the first boxer to knock down Cassius Clay in a professional fight. In the early 1960s, Sonny was seen as a promising new boxer. He was known for his very fast left hook punch. Sadly, his boxing career ended too soon when he died from injuries he got during a fight in 1965.
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Early Life and Hometown
Sonny Banks grew up in Lee County, which is in the northeast part of Mississippi. He was born in a farming area called Birmingham Ridge. This place is located between the towns of Tupelo and Saltillo.
His Boxing Career
Sonny Banks had a total of 25 professional boxing matches. He won 18 of these fights, with 14 wins coming by knockout. He lost 7 matches.
The Famous Fight Against Cassius Clay
On February 10, 1962, Sonny Banks fought against Cassius Clay in New York City. During this match, Sonny made history by knocking Clay down. This was the first time Clay had ever been knocked down in a professional fight. Even though Sonny knocked him down, he eventually lost the match.
A Promising Boxer
Before his last fight, Sonny Banks was seen as a strong and fast boxer. He had a powerful left hook that surprised many opponents. His career was developing well, and many people thought he had a bright future in boxing.
Tragic End to His Career
Sonny Banks died on May 13, 1965, when he was only 24 years old. He passed away from a head injury he got three days earlier. This injury happened during a boxing match against another boxer named Leotis Martin. Sonny was buried at Westlawn Cemetery in Wayne, Michigan.
