The infamous first-round knockout between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston in May of 1965 continues to spark debates and raise questions even almost six decades later. The fight, held in Lewiston, Maine, was shrouded in controversy from the beginning, with many speculating about the legitimacy of the knockout punch delivered by Ali. Liston, the former heavyweight champion, was a significant underdog in the fight, with many considering him close to invincible.
In front of a small crowd of just over 2,000 people, Ali managed to knock Liston down with a punch that many spectators failed to see clearly. Liston went down on his back, got up on one knee, and then fell again. The referee, Jersey Joe Walcott, declared Liston counted out, despite the confusion in the ring. This led to immediate accusations of a fixed fight, with people claiming that Liston had taken a dive.
Even decades after the fight, the circumstances surrounding the Ali-Liston matchup remain unclear. Liston claimed he didn’t hear the count, and Ali was unsure of the punch that landed on Liston. The speculation of a fixed fight only grew stronger over time, with people wondering about Liston’s motives and the possibility of external influences at play.
The controversial fight had far-reaching consequences for the world of boxing, with calls to abolish the sport altogether. Politicians and members of the press called for bans on boxing, fearing the corruption and manipulation that seemed to be present in the sport. It took years for boxing to recover from the scandal, and fans were hesitant to accept Ali as a legitimate champion.
Sonny Liston’s legacy was forever altered by the Ali fights, with many only remembering him for his losses to Ali. In his prime years, Liston was considered an exceptional fighter, with some even considering him invincible. However, the shadow of the Ali fights loomed large over Liston’s career, and he struggled to regain his former glory.
The Ali-Liston fight of 1965 remains one of the most controversial moments in boxing history. The questions surrounding the knockout, the suspicions of a fix, and the impact on the sport continue to intrigue fans and analysts alike. While the truth may never be fully known, the fight’s legacy as a symbol of boxing’s darker side will endure for years to come.