Clay Hodges . . .

By Rick Farris

In the Amateurs, Clay Hodges owned George Foreman (circa 1967-68) Clay beat Foreman twice, the last time shortly before the 1968 Olympic Trials.
Clay Hodges was a hard luck heavyweight. He'd lost Joe Frazier in the 1964 Olympic Trials, close fight.
In the 1965 Western Region Golden Gloves finals, Hodges floored Jerry Quarry twice, but lost a decision. Quarry won the Nationals that year.
But In 1967, Clay Hodges represented Los Angeles in the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.
Clay came home with the National title, along with his L.A. team mates, Thurman Durden and Paul Bad Horse.

I still recall the three boxers interviewed by Mickey Davies on KTLA Ch.-5, all sporting their gigantic National GG's trophy.

I used to cross paths with Clay Hodges often in the 1980's. Clay was an actor, and we'd see each other on film sets.

I recall Clay lamenting over an eye injury suffered in an early pro fight. He had been unbeaten. In the pro debut of Clay Hodges, he won a decision over Jimmy Young. Clay was tall, 6'4", and a solid boxer.