Tunney Hunsaker

[citation needed] In 1960, Hunsaker was Cassius Clay's (later Muhammad Ali) first opponent in a professional boxing bout.

[3] This respect appears genuine, as it was lasting—in his autobiography, Ali said Hunsaker dealt him one of the hardest body blows he ever took in his career.

Hunsaker said he did not agree with Ali's decision to refuse military service, but praised him as a great humanitarian and athlete.

[4] Leaning of Hunsaker's passing, Ali commented to WV Public Radio, "I have fought better fighters but none with a bigger heart."

[5] His career ended after a boxing-related head injury suffered on April 6, 1962, in Beckley, West Virginia.

[7] Hunsaker was active in the Oak Hill Church of the Nazarene for many years, teaching a Sunday School class for fifth and sixth grade boys.