Liston, Sonny (1932-1970), was an American boxer and one of the most controversial fighters of his time. A ferocious puncher, Liston was world heavyweight champion from 1962 to 1964. He became as well known for his private life as for his career as a fighter. Liston served two prison terms and was rumored to be connected with organized crime. His reputation for violence and his menacing manner, as well as his boxing skills, made him an intimidating opponent in the ring.
Liston won the heavyweight title by knocking out defending champion Floyd Patterson in the first round in 1962. He again knocked Patterson out in the first round in a return bout for the title. Liston lost the championship when he was upset by Muhammad Ali (known at the time as Cassius Clay) in a seventh-round technical knockout in 1964. Ali knocked out Liston in the first round of a return match for the title in 1965. Liston retired in 1970. His career record was 50 victories, 39 by knockout, and 4 defeats.
Charles Liston was born into a poor family on May 8, 1932, in rural St. Francis County, Arkansas. When he was about 13, Liston left Arkansas to join his mother in St. Louis, Missouri. He was frequently in trouble with the law there, and in 1950, he was convicted of armed robbery. Liston learned to box while in prison. He was paroled in 1952 and began fighting as an amateur. He won the National Golden Gloves heavyweight championship in 1953 and then turned professional. Liston served a second prison term in 1957 after being convicted of assaulting a policeman.
Liston died on Dec. 30, 1970, under mysterious circumstances. The official cause of death was heart failure and lung congestion, but there were rumors he died of a drug overdose or even was murdered.
See also Ali, Muhammad .
