Here’s a brief look back in time on this day, February 25th.
In 1779, the Battle of Vincennes ends in a major defeat for the British crown. At the center laid Fort Sackville, a prominent stronghold that gave British loyalists an advantage due to its close proximity to the Wabash River. An infantry led by military officer later turned explorer George Rogers Clark took the fort in favor of the Patriots. This is believed to have marked the beginning of the end for British rule in the American colonies.
In 1940, the first televised National Hockey League (NHL) game is broadcasted on W2XBS, an NBC affiliate. According to viewers, it was a rough telecast to watch due to regular equipment malfunctions. It was a fierce competition between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadians. The Rangers would succeed with a score of 6-2. Televised hockey games would be put on hold for another decade until the technology improves.
In 1965, the “Greatest Fight in History” takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center between heavyweight champion Sonny Liston and Cassius Clay, aka the “Louisville Lip”. Prior to the fight, Liston was voted as the most favored to win; not only because of his 35-1 record, but also because of his feared reputation as a former boxer for the Mafia. His contender was no slouch however. Despite the fight happening at the age of 22, Clay had already proven to the world how capable of a fighter he is. He had won gold for lightweight boxing during the 1960 Olympics. Clay’s lightning reflexes and precisive punches would prove to be Liston’s match. He failed to answer the bell during the seventh round, declaring it a technical knockout. This was the ultimate upset back in the day, as thousands of betters had placed their confidence in Liston securing the title once again. After the fight, the victorious Clay would convert to Islam, changing his name to Muhammad Ali.