The Truth About Muhammad Ali and Doug Jones: A Contested but Unlost Bout

Contrary to popular belief, Muhammad Ali did not lose to Doug Jones. Their bout on March 13, 1963, in a ten-round match at Madison Square Garden, was a difficult test for Ali, but ultimately, Ali emerged victorious. This fight was significant and highlights the skills and tenacity of both fighters.

Cassius Clay vs Doug Jones: A Ten-Round Showdown

On March 13, 1963, Cassius Clay, who would soon become Muhammad Ali, faced Doug Jones in a tightly contested ten-round boxing match at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Clay won the bout on points through a close but unanimous decision. Jones, a 26-year-old veteran, was a formidable opponent with impressive skills, including speed and power.

Rankings and Background

At the time of the fight, Jones held the third rank as a heavyweight, and Ali was ranked second. Jones had a record of 23-2-1 and was a respected contender, having beaten notable fighters like Zora Folley and Bob Foster. His only significant losses were earlier defeats to Harold Johnson and Zora Folley, but he had handily defeated Folley in their rematch.

Ali's Initial Prediction and Strategy

Before the fight, Ali predicted that Jones would fall in six rounds, and then he amended his prediction to Jones falling in four rounds. However, both predictions were incorrect, as Jones proved to be a challenging opponent. Jones, known for his speed and power, taught Ali that he was not the only fast fighter on the planet. He caught Ali with a straight right in the first round that shook him badly.

Middle Rounds and Ali's Dominance

In the third and fourth rounds, Ali began to break through and battered Jones with lightning-quick combinations. Despite Ali's youth and speed initially being in question, he managed to pull away in the later rounds. The fight was described as close up to the ninth round but became more decisive in the last few rounds, with Ali winning handily.

Scores and Outcome

Ali's victory was confirmed by all three judges. Two judges scored it 5-4-1 and 8-1-1, while the referee's scorecard was the third and final one. This bout was deemed good enough to be named Ring magazine's 1963 "Fight of the Year."

The Liston Factor and Box Office Reactions

Angelo Dundee, Ali's trainer, later commented that Ali held back in the fight to ensure that Liston would not be overly aggressive for their title match. Jack Pillo, a member of Liston's management team, and even Liston himself, agreed that he should be lured into a guaranteed fight against Ali. The outcome led to an agreement between Sonny Liston and Ali for their title bout, which Ali won.

Conclusion

This fight not only showcased Ali's skills but also highlighted his humility in admitting the difficulty of the match. Doug Jones was a formidable opponent, but Ali's unmatched talent and strategic mindset ultimately secured his victory. This bout remains an important chapter in boxing history, proving that even a great fighter like Ali can face tough challenges and emerge victorious.