A former Billings boxer, who holds the distinction of knocking Muhammed Ali to the canvas, has died in Texas.  Francis Turley was 19 when he lost a split decision to then-Cassius Clay in a light-heavyweight Golden Gloves match in 1958.  He put the 16-year-old future world champion from Louisville, Ky., to the mat in the second round.

 
Turley died at the age of 77 on his family ranch near Anderson, Texas, on July 2.  He was a standout athlete in football, rodeo and boxing while growing up in Montana.  He attended high school in Roundup.

 
Turley finished with an amateur boxing record of 57-6. He was chosen to play in the East-West Shrine all-star football game.  Turley attended college at Montana State and returned to the family ranch in the Bull Mountains until 1968.  A celebration of Turley’s life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Dahl Funeral Chapel

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