Boxing

Remembering Sonny Liston: the life, death, and legacy of a boxing legend

DAZN Staff

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On 30 December 1970, the world lost one of its most enigmatic sports figures, Charles “Sonny” Liston.

A man of immense talent and mystique, Liston’s career in the boxing ring was as dramatic as his life outside of it.

As we mark the day of his passing, let’s take a moment to reflect on his extraordinary journey.

A tough start to life

Sonny Liston was born into hardship, the 24th of 26 children in a poor Arkansas family. He grew up in extreme poverty, with an abusive father and with limited opportunities.

Illiteracy and run-ins with the law marked his early years. While serving time for robbery, Liston discovered boxing, quickly realizing his natural ability for the sport.

A dominant heavyweight

Liston’s rise in boxing was nothing short of meteoric, as he became one of the most feared heavyweights in history.

Known for his devastating jab and raw power, Liston amassed a record of 50 wins, 39 by knockout. In 1962, he became the heavyweight champion by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round, a feat he repeated in their rematch the following year.

At his peak, Liston was considered unbeatable, intimidating opponents before they even stepped into the ring.

The controversial fights with Muhammad Ali

Liston’s encounters with a young Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) remain some of boxing’s most talked-about events.

In a shocking turn of events in 1964, Liston lost his title to Ali, retiring on his stool after the sixth round.

The fight was shrouded in rumours of injury and foul play. What followed became known as the “Phantom Punch” Rematch. It happened in 1965 and ended controversially in the first round, with Liston knocked out by a punch many claimed never landed.

Conspiracy theories about mafia involvement and a fix have persisted ever since.

Muhammad Ali Sonny Liston Getty

A troubled personal life

Liston’s life outside the ring was fraught with challenges and mystery.

His connections to organized crime figures overshadowed his career, leading to speculation about fixed fights and manipulated outcomes while reports of substance abuse added to the chaos in his personal life.

Despite his success, Liston struggled to win over fans and the media, and he was often portrayed as a villain rather than a hero.

Mysterious death

Liston’s death in 1970 remains one of sports’ enduring mysteries. He was found dead in his Las Vegas home, with the coroner citing lung congestion and heart failure as the cause of death.

But heroin also featured prominently in the narratives around his death with traces of the drug found in his body – according to police at the time he was a known user

Many have questioned whether foul play was involved, citing inconsistencies in the investigation and Liston’s aversion to needles.

The whole thing was complicated by the fact that he died alone at home and was only found long after he died. His official date of death, 30 December 1970 was an estimation calculated by the police based on things like estimated milk bottles and newspapers around the front door of the property.

To this day, debates over the true circumstances of his death continue to fuel intrigue.

The Legacy of Sonny Liston

Despite the controversies, Liston’s impact on boxing and popular culture is undeniable. His dominance in the ring paved the way for future heavyweights to emulate his style and power.

Liston’s life story has inspired books, films, and countless discussions about redemption, resilience, and the dark side of fame. Ultimately though Liston remains a tragic figure, his full potential arguably unrealized due to the many demons that plagued him.

Sonny Liston’s life was as complex and compelling as his boxing career was brilliant. From his humble beginnings to his rise as heavyweight champion, and from his battles in the ring to the mystery of his death, Liston’s story is one of triumph, tragedy, and intrigue.

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