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Cassius Clay to Fight Alonzo Johnson Tomorrow

July 21, 1961 - Cassius Clay, who figures he has to win every fight to reach his goal of heavyweight champion in two years, will meet his toughest opponent to date in a 10-rounder against Alonzo Johnson tomorrow night. Clay, a 19-year-old Olympic champion who left the amateur ranks less than a year ago, has won all seven of his fights as a pro, five by knockouts. Johnson, 26, who has a record of 19-7, came up with the usual pre-fight gimmick of a "secret weapon," holding some of his trainings sessions behind closed doors. "His secret is working out some kind of way to keep from being knocked out," commented Clay. "I'm going to be the heavyweight champion." Mike Bazzone, Johnson's manager, said: "Right now, Clay's a little too young to be meeting the top-flight heavies. He's never been put to a tough test yet - but Alonzo will give him one."


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