Tunney Hunsaker passes away at 75

Was Muhammad Ali's first pro opponent

28/04/2005

Tunney Hunsaker passes away at 75

Forever an answer to a boxing trivia question, ex-heavyweight Tunney Hunsaker passed away in West Virginia at age 75. Hunsaker was the first pro opponent of Muhammad Ali, who was still known as Cassius Clay when they fought in 1960. To show you how pampered today's Olympians are compared to 45 years ago, Hunsaker was already a veteran of over 30 pro fights when the debuting Ali was matched against him, according to the Associated Press. The cause of Hunsaker's death was listed as Alzheimer's disease. Hunsaker retired from the sport in 1961 after a knockout put him in a coma for nine days. Boxingtalk sends its condolences to the friends and family of Tunney Hunsaker. --Scott Shaffer