On Feb. 25, 1964, brash, overconfident phenomenon Cassius Clay gained his first heavyweight boxing title when he knocked out which champion?

On February 25, 1964, a young, confident challenger named Cassius Clay stepped into the ring to face the reigning heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston, in a bout that would shock the boxing world. Liston was a formidable and intimidating figure, widely considered unbeatable, having twice knocked out former champion Floyd Patterson in the first round. His cold stare and powerful punches had earned him a fearsome reputation, with many expecting him to swiftly dispatch the up-and-coming Clay.

However, Clay, then just 22 years old, was known for his "brash" and boastful persona, earning him the nickname "the Louisville Lip." Despite being a 7-1 underdog, Clay relentlessly taunted Liston in the lead-up to the fight, famously proclaiming his victory in verse. This confidence, often perceived as arrogance, set the stage for one of boxing's most iconic upsets, held at the Miami Beach Convention Hall.

From the opening bell, Clay's extraordinary agility and footwork proved to be a major factor, allowing him to evade Liston's powerful blows. As the fight progressed, Clay began to land his own quick jabs and combinations, causing a cut under Liston's left eye. The champion, struggling to keep up with Clay's speed, failed to answer the bell for the seventh round, retiring on his stool due to injury. This technical knockout victory not only crowned Cassius Clay as the new heavyweight champion but also marked the beginning of an legendary career for the man who would soon become known as Muhammad Ali.