Von Clay vs. Sixto Rodriguez
Von Clay 172 lbs drew with Sixto Rodriguez 172 lbs by SD in round 10 of 10
- Date: 1959-10-09
- Location: Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Referee: Dave Beloff 44-46
- Judge: Jim Mina 46-45
- Judge: Paul Stilley 45-45
"Von Clay, the 20 year old Philadelphia light heavyweight, has paid the price for inexperience, as he was held to a draw last night. A crafty Californian, Kid Sixto Rodriguez, fought the 13-5 favorite to a draw in the nationally televised 10-rounder at the Arena. An estimated 1,500 fans roundly booed the verdict, most apparently figuring the 26 year old Rodriguez had scored an upset. Rodriguez fought a well-planned battle. He kept inside the youngster most of the fight, piling up points with combination punches to the body. When he wasn't leaning on Clay, Rodriguez moved outside quickly, out of range of Clay's devastating right. In the 5th round the Puerto Rican native from Mountain View, Calif., landed the best punch of the bout, a staggering right to Clay's face, later drawing blood from his nose." -Associated Press
- Unofficial AP scorecard - 46-43 Rodriguez
- Rodriguez was a substitute for Jesse Bowdry, who withdrew with a virus.
Post-fight comments
- "Our trainer wouldn't come here for the fight because he knew we wouldn't get a right decision. I don't think I'll ever bring a fighter to Philadelphia. Sixto took seven of the ten rounds and got a draw." -Karl Ashley, Rodriguez' manager
- "This was the worst fight my boy ever fought. He had no zip. I don't know what was wrong with him. He felt great before the fight but had nothing in the ring. I'm not satisfied with the decision though. Clay did all the effective punching. Sixto grabbed, held, pushed, wrestled, everything but fight." -Tony Graziano, Clay's manager