Did Muhammad Ali really knock out Sonny Liston?

On February 25, 1964, 22-year-old Cassius Clay shocks the odds-makers by dethroning world heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Liston in a seventh-round technical knockout.

Who did Ali knock out in his famous picture?

The most iconic photo in boxing history documents the knockout that almost nobody saw happen. Even before the first punch was thrown, the May 25, 1965 bout between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, during which the photo was snapped, was already shaping up to be the stuff of legends.

Was the Ali vs Liston fight fixed?

According to an in-depth piece from the Washington Times citing decades-old FBI documents, the Feds suspected that the 1964 fight between Muhammad Ali, then Cassius Clay, and Sonny Liston was rigged. Clay won in a six-round bout after Liston retired due to a shoulder injury -- a fact that has since been questioned.

Did Sonny Liston take a fall for Ali?

Ali floored Liston with a short chopping right to the head in the first round. Liston fell, rolled over, climbed to his knees, and then fell again. Referee Jersey Joe Walcott never counted to 10, but while trying to get Ali into a neutral corner, at least 17 seconds passed.

What was Sonny Liston weight?

From 1953 (his first recorded fight) through 1970 Liston, who stood 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 metres) tall and weighed 215 pounds (97.5 kg), had 54 bouts, winning 39 by knockouts and losing only 4.

What did Muhammad Ali say to Sonny Liston?

When Muhammad Ali hit Sonny Liston with the Phantom Punch, he stood over his opponent, screaming at him. “Get up and fight, sucka!” Ali yelled, according to the New York Times. It is a legendary moment, immortalized in the most iconic photo in sports history.

Was the first Liston Clay fight fixed?

The documents show the FBI suspected Ash Resnick, a Las Vegas gambler with organised crime connections, of fixing multiple boxing matches, including the first Clay-Liston fight. The documents also reveal that Resnick and Liston both reportedly made over $1 million betting against Liston in the fight.

Why is the Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston photo important?

“The picture became special because Ali became so special.” At the end of the century, the London Observer devoted an entire issue to the 50 greatest sports pictures of all time. Ali — Liston placed second and Ali – Williams, another brilliant photograph ended up winning the contest.

Who has beaten Sonny Liston?

On February 25, 1964, 22-year-old Cassius Clay shocks the odds-makers by dethroning world heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Liston in a seventh-round technical knockout.

How many times did Muhammad Ali lose?

Ali's place in boxing history as one of the greatest fighters ever is secure. His final record of 56 wins and 5 losses with 37 knockouts has been matched by others, but the quality of his opponents and the manner in which he dominated during his prime placed him on a plateau with boxing's immortals.

Is Mike Tyson friends with Muhammad Ali?

It is no secret that Muhammad Ali was a huge source of inspiration for Tyson. Iron Mike has spoken about how Ali helped shape his career in several interviews. The two became lifelong friends and Mike Tyson was one of the pallbearers at Ali's funeral as well.

What did Muhammad Ali say to Jerry Quarry?

“I'm ready for Joe Frazier,” the 30‐year‐old former champion shouted in the ring, unmarked from the fight. “Joe Frazier, I'll hit easier than Quarry. I'm ready for Frazier, I'm ready for Frazier.”

Was Muhammad Ali shy?

Even into the 1970s, when he became a star, it was still a time of great discrimination in housing, in employment and Ali fought back against that. He was one of the first athletes to really use his position and to challenge the standards of what society said black people could do. He was quite shy as a kid.

How many baby mamas did Muhammad Ali have?

Muhammad Ali had nine children from six women.

He married Sonji Roi in August 1964, after about one month of dating. He later married three others — Khalilah Ali (born Belinda Boyd), Veronica Porché Ali, and Lonnie Ali. Muhammad had nine children from six women.

How old was Ali when he was drafted?

Ali registered for conscription in the United States military on his 18th birthday and was listed as 1-A in 1962.

How many times did Ali fight Liston?

The two fights between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston for boxing's World Heavyweight Championship were among the most anticipated, watched and controversial fights in the sport's history.

How did Ali lose to Frazier?

On March 8, 1971, in the "Fight of the Century" at Madison Square Garden, Frazier landed a left hook in the 15th round that sent Ali careening to the canvas. The unbeaten Frazier won a unanimous decision as he handed Ali the first defeat of his pro career.

Did Ali fight Marciano?

The Super Fight was a fictional boxing match between Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali shot in 1969 and released in 1970. At the time, Ali and Marciano were the only undefeated heavyweight champions in history and fans often debated who would win had they met in their primes.

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