Sonny Banks

Who was Sonny Banks?

Sonny Banks, born Lucien Banks, was an American boxer best known for being the first fighter to drop a young Muhammad Ali. At the time Banks was a rising prospect and known for a fast sharp left hook.

Banks fought Clay in 1962 and knocked him down for a count, although he lost the match. Banks at the age of 24, died in 1965 from injuries sustained in a 9-round bout against Leotis Martin.