Sonny Banks - Boxing's Forgotten Fatality

[@josephusrivero3533]

Thanks for making this. I don’t think I’d have ever known about this man otherwise. Rest assured I won’t be forgetting him

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Joseph.

[@tyronemurphy2905]

Great work Rich. Another sad boxing story. I knew that he was the first guy to drop Ali in the pro ranks but I didn't know that he had died in the ring.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Tyrone.

[@cedricliggins7528]

Thanks again Rich. This is probably the most emotionally moving of all your videos. I really appreciate the compassion of your narration and your tribute to fighter who has long been forgotten.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Cedric. Thanks for the kind words.

[@EMosby615]

Yea Rich you’re the man!!! Great Video

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@EMosby615 Thank you, Skeet.

[@JosephMiller-gh6mv]

Boxing has a lot of success stories we love , but it's filled full of former fighters who all they got was punchy and memories and flat broke and homeless , a sad story most turn their head and act like it does not happen , Wilfred Benitez , joe Louis ,

[@MrGG1959]

Teddy McWhorter was someone who would help me sometimes when I would work out at the gym in Toronto during the time he was working with George Chuvalo and Clyde Gray. He was a very nice man.

[@devonbell6795]

Thanks for telling Sonny’s story. I knew him as the first guy to drop Ali as a pro and as a footnote of Cleveland Williams’ career and a tragic ending. He deserves to be remembered.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Devon.

[@GTSpeac]

He seemed to be an amazing soul & fighter. Thanks for the episode Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Mehdi

[@saltydog4759]

I'll bet his soul was amazing too.

[@bulletproof890]

I've watched the Banks/Clay fight before but didn't know much about Sonny's extended story. Thanks Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Bulletproof

[@MrT-ev4dq]

Tragic. We all must have dreams. Cheers Rich 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Spot on, Mr T. We all want to be somebody :)

[@XuintonJaxxonPodcast]

Rich this is one of my favorite documentaries because I requested for this and you gave it such a sad fate and an ending but was a good boxer. Thanks for the documentary rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for the suggestion, Jaxxon. I was contemplating doing him and your request put me over the top :)

[@serenityinside1]

just when you think Rich can't do any better in respecting a forgotten fighter with a tragic story...he excels himself. This is a dreadfully sad story of the cruel demise of what sounded like a decent young man who just wanted to achieve success and help his loved ones, but no, life had it's own cruel plans. In a brutal business he died so brutally. Who said life is fair ah? RIP Sonny- I'm so sorry for what it's worth.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, serenityinside1

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

Thanks Rich Great bio , tragic story Interesting to note that the punch that floored Cassius was a left hook to which he was always susceptible. And notice Clay did not throw one body punch. Another hallmark of his career. Almost never threw a body punch.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, James.

[@ChristopherMosley-dj3kt]

Damn dude you have totally mastered your craft. This is incredible

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Christopher.

[@Mark-simo90]

Great up load heart breaking story of banks only ever heard of him as a early Muhammad ali fight glad I found out so much more thanks rich brilliant 👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Mark.

[@scottsharp5337]

I first heard of Sonny Banks back in 1980 when I joined the Racine Boxing Team. A fighter that trained there named Jeff Mcwhorter was Sonny's Nephew. He told Me about His Uncle having fought Ali but never spoke about Him dying. RIP Sonny !!! Like His Uncle Jeff had a good left hook but an awesome uppercut.

[@lucretious7]

That was as good as it gets. Thank you, Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Chris.

[@RichieDigs]

Thanks as always Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, RichieDigs

[@leftys408]

Rich, you're the best. I've been a fight fan since my youth, when I'd watch the Friday Night Fights with my grandfather, a former "club" fighter. I remember the Clay/Ali-Banks fight very well. After that fight i tried to follow Banks's career by scouring the "fight results" in Ring Magazine and Boxing Illustrated. Thanks so much for giving some recognition to this fine, forgotten fighter.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Barry.

[@JohnHenry629]

Sonny Banks was a great fighter.

[@frenchgoldenboyfan]

Thank you Rich ! What a boxing treasure your videos are; your love of the sport transpires through them 🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That's the hope:) Thank you, frenchgoldenboyfan

[@NickOTEEN-u8w]

Absolutely a masterpiece! Really powerful, great narration, great quotes and a remorseful ending. As always a great video!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Nick.

[@Aristotelezz]

Of course every boxer thinks that such fatality won't happen to me, but to some it does.

[@andyfinely9752]

Brilliant Rich 🥊🥊🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Andy.

[@eol6632]

Great work Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Eol.

[@towers950]

Top drawer this one Rich ! Cheers Buddy

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Kim.

[@NorthKing-e9y]

Thank you rich I’ve been watching your videos for a while and never commented, my dad got me into to boxing when I was 9, I miss watching the fights with him..listening to your insight and obvious passion makes me feel like I’ve got someone to share it with again.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Very nice to hear that, North King. Thank you.

[@lane99]

Holy shit. Knew the name from his knockdown of Ali. Had never heard anything about what had befallen him just three years later.

[@a-bovea-ve-rage]

Banks was one of a few fighters that succumb to their injuries due to boxing in the 1960's.Tough decade for the sport.

[@samuelmahmud1909]

Great video coverage Rich 💯 Damn! A tragic ending

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Samuel.

[@beans3158]

Love your channel rich, you've introduced me to some wicked fighters over the years.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, beans.

[@davidmcconnell21]

I think your the best narrator of all time ! I picture myself saying “my handlers didn’t really care about me “ and you would repeat it without judgment or sarcasm. I was an amateur fighter, and my “handlers” were cold and distant, I did the best I could training myself for the most part but my career ended up being short because I could tell I had no legitimate connections

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Wow, thanks David. Sorry to hear you didn't have luck with the trainers in your area.

[@davidmcconnell21]

@ Liken it to a soldier who gets taken down in his 2nd or 3rd battle. He did all the training and was competent but fate snatched it from him.

[@wadeepps3443]

Another great video. RIP Sonny

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Wade.

[@wadeepps3443]

@@RichtheFightHistorian One of the reasons I really like your channel is because you make videos about pros that the majority of the world has never heard of and I always find there stories interesting. Keep up the good work!!

[@MrGG1959]

It is always a heavy burden to carry for a fighter when someone dies as a result of a fight in the ring, and it may well have affected Leotis Martin moving forward. I was at the first Roberto Duran v Ray Leonard fight in Montreal, and in one of the prelims Cleveland Denny lost his life following his fight with Gaetan Hart. I was not yet 21, and it really changed the way I watched the sport moving forward, and something I have never forgotten.

[@bennyadler5882]

First one to clock Clay with that hook. He covered ground quickly with his footwork. Excellent episode.

[@brianseneca3546]

Another great one Rich! I only really know Sonny for the Clay fight. Such as sad story. My sport is obviously a violent one. We love the thrill of a back and forth brawl or a tape reel KO, but sometimes forget the possible results from them. RIP Sonny Banks

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Brian.

[@markchapman2585]

Great video, Rich. You show fighter I never heard of before. I'm going to look up his fights.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Mark. This footage with Ali is all that is available I believe.

[@powerfit824]

I love all of your content Sir, very informative and the history you give is Amazing , but this one really is so saddening and it’s very haunting , truly so sad

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Powerfit824.

[@stevemurathe417]

Man this one hurt 😢 may he rest in peace in peace

[@Joseph-vp1sn]

I remember my mom talking about this story. Like all ring tragedies it was sad. This is the first I have heard of it since my mom told the story after Kim Duk Koo was killed in the ring. I am glad you covered this forgotten tragedy.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Joseph.

[@whitehurstcomic]

Ouch. Thanks for telling his story. An obviously humble, and good hearted man in a very tough sport.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, whitehurstcomic.

[@EllieOrzechowski]

Very moving. You are very poetic.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Ellie.

[@emmettorafferty1006]

Tragic RIP SONNY 🥊 😢💔

[@wlphantom]

I read in one of Ali’s biographies that Sonny was a converted southpaw which is why he had a big-time left hook. Banks liked to fight out of a crouch, hammer in hooks to body and head, and finish with a right cross. AJ Liebling wrote about the Ali-Banks fight in the book, “A Neutral Corner” in the chapter “Poet and Pedagogue.”

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I'll have to look that story up, thanks.

[@wlphantom]

@ He gives a good profile of Banks as well as Ali. It was written at the time when both were simply considered up-and-comers.

[@ah93704]

The kid died trying to reach for greatness! No dishonor in that! What else could he have done? Work at the plant for the rest of his life? Settle down? For some that’s an even worse death!

[@marquismorris1548]

Great Fighter aspired to better himself death before dishonor

[@decidingpaper6324]

💯

[@TheExtremeSeann]

Can't fault a man that died fighting for a dream.

[@MyRobertallen]

Circa 5:50: that GLORIOUS left-hook is a harbinger of the one with which Smokin' Joe nailed the 'loquacious' Clay/Ali in their Fight of the Century. God bless America.

[@outie5000]

Great video Thanks RICH💥💢💥💢💯

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, outie.

[@CharlesWilson-zs3vd]

I heard of him, but never knew what happened to him. R.I.P.

[@thomasnigrelli6111]

Sonny Banks was a good man and a good fighter. All he lacked was good luck. Rest in peace.

[@bennyadler5882]

Nice one Rich. Few our age recall Banks from early/mid 60’s era, other than feat similar to Kevin Isaac vs Larry Holmes. Teddy also helped George Chavalo define his fighting style early on.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Benny.

[@edwardfranklin4152]

As usual topclass thanks rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Edward.

[@enzothebaker4047]

Rich, you are definitely THEE fight historian.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Enzo.

[@paulmaupin7570]

It's interesting how I've never seen ali get knocked down by anything but a left hook. I guess it's from his habit of keeping his hands low and pulling straight back.

[@t9190kp]

Wow!...Always knew him as the 1st guy to floor Ali! Never knew he passed in that manner?

[@nemanjalosic682]

Sonny Banks, Sonny Liston... Leotis was a power house 😤💪👊

[@rosspbarnett458]

Yes he was forgotten, I never knew that happened to him !

[@ritred3227]

Rich!!!!!!!!!

[@capac2]

Thank u for sharing. Sad story. Only knew of Banks via Ali’s early career.,

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, capac2.

[@joegreen7616]

R.I.P…Sir.

[@sakutarousama290]

This was a very interesting story. I only knew him as the first pro to put Ali on the deck. He was a brave man, thank you for making him remembered. From what I believe, the fight against Ali was actually very important historically. The ref was Ruby Goldstein, and as you see here, he stopped the fight early. The comission told him he needed to stop this behavior, as it was angrying the fans. The next fight Goldstein refereed ? Griffith vs Paret III. He didnt stop it before Paret layd down beaten on the canvas. This decision almost got boxing banned in the USw He then worked as a referee only once more, two years later. Probably haunted by nightmares.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Sakutarou. Good catch and you're spot on, that Paret fight happened only a month after the Ali-Banks fight.

[@Kuwaitisnot_adeployment]

SMH Rich 😏 i consider myself a pretty knowledgeable serious fan of boxing but nobody has turned me on to so many new fighters, new to me anyways, even though sometimes i may have heard of their names before a lot of their complete or partial stories and just how skilled they were was hitherto unknown to me. I really appreciate you shining light on so many guys like this and i knowbfor a fact these guys really would appreciate you keeping their memories alive. This video is a perfect example of a man who's skills and feats in the ring shouldn't ever be forgotten. 💯✊🏿✊🏾✊🏻

[@Kuwaitisnot_adeployment]

He hit hard!!! Almost reminds of a heavyweight Julian Jackson. Clean short hooks too....

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Kuwaitsnot_adeployment.

[@robbielong2884]

Poor lad .

[@stephennelson3854]

Didn''t realize that Leotis Martin was the fighter in his fateful last fight. Curious if that had an impact on Martin's career. Martin had many great comebacks in his fights, most notably in his last fight against Sonny Liston. Tragic that because of a detached retina in that fight, he couldn't take advantage of his biggest win. Would be a good topic for a future video.

[@MrCrystalcranium]

Thank you. Touching and tragic. Many stories like this when boxing was unforgiving and about what you could show in the ring. Today, padded records against nobodies, marketing, gladiator entrances etc... I don't think we will ever see the likes of the great heavyweights before 2000. Just too much money to be made through gimmicks and flash. MMA fighters getting a first fight shot at the title, fat, slow, glass jawed powder puff punching slobs being touted as great, indominable fighters (Yes you Mr Fury). HW boxing today is an absolute travesty. I can name dozens of fighters from the 60s, 70s and 80s who would slaughter today's cream of the crop. RIP Sonny. You personified the golden age. Hardscrabble, brutal, glorious and sometimes tragic.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Well said, MrCrystalcranium.

[@patrickkirwan3353]

Cheers rich.

[@toddfrancis8428]

I hate the term, but seems appropriate just now, Rich.. Your ( true) story- weaving is keeping it real, as far as boxing, as far as living!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Todd.

[@christopherbellore3511]

😢 A sad ending to a larger than life gentlman, fighter, boxer, dreamer, and young man with a heart of gold. In my humble opinion, he DID become SOMEONE; A person of respect, honor, courage, and dignity. A man of integrity. He is remember after all. Thanks Rich, you've made him more memorable than before. Well done, Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Christopher. He did become somebody.

[@decidingpaper6324]

💯💯💯

[@orbyfan]

Young Jack Johnson also died young, stabbed to death by his stepdaughter in November 1963.

[@bennylevine387]

It really is forgotten, isn't it? I imagine there are people who even know the name Sonny Banks and how he fought Ali who didn't even know this had happened.

[@yn9700]

Nice video Rich! Would you be able to make a video on Eder Jofre if you can?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

He's on the list. Lately, I've been hesitating to do Latin American fighters as for some reason they don't get many views on my channel.

[@yn9700]

@ I’m sure the people that actually tune in want to know about him or a more in depth documentary on him which is fine, regardless it would be a great video! Everyone needs to know the greatest Brazilian fighter off all time!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@yn9700 No worries. I'll get to him.

[@yn9700]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Lovely, looking forward to it!

[@jeremykelly3633]

The exchange at 6:59 😮‍💨 he almost dropped the Great One

[@jeremykelly3633]

He gave my Goat fits for 2 rounds. Ali was always susceptible to a big left hook. He was impervious to the right hand because his jab neutralized it until the latter parts of his career.

[@darnellvickers3179]

Aww wow 😳 I just learned that Sonny Banks died at the hands of Martin great video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Darnell.

[@alandesouzacruz5124]

Make a vídeo about Bep Van Klaveren the Dutch windmill

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Here I thought I've heard of every fighter. I'll have to look into him.

[@daveyboy_]

Its a vicious game Cleveland Denny. Another boxer no one knows about.

[@williamdavis7629]

Hey Rich- Very nice piece on this tragic fighter. What is your source for the many newspaper articles that you show in your videos? Thanks.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, William. I use newspapers dot com.

[@williamdavis7629]

Thanks very much. Could you please consider doing a video on Billy Bello, a promising Welterweight from the Bronx, NewYork?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@williamdavis7629 Actually, that is a good story, thanks. I'll see if I have anything on Bello.

[@williamdavis7629]

Would appreciate that.

[@ПАЛЯНИЦЯ-к5ь]

L l K E !!!🇺🇦❤️🇺🇲

[@GuilhermePereira-yf4sh]

His fate is so sad, I wonder if he had gone to amateurs and gained more experience, would things be different?

[@bvabky]

Rich, Scorsese has nothing on you.......... you are a true Historian

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

haha, hey thanks George.

[@MyRobertallen]

The fans were certainly justified in booing that stoppage: fraudulent win for Ali.

[@Bumderduck]

Clay was literally bullying Him 💀 wym fraudulent put Him in the floor 3 times.

[@ПАЛЯНИЦЯ-к5ь]

❤️🇺🇦❤️🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦❤️🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦❤️

[@slickwilly6868]

Jesse Ventura brought me here.

[@eddiesoul4890]

I noticed something about Muhammad all three his knock downs is by a left hook

[@kevinpaiuk2835]

Riches the master documtarian

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Kevin.