Sonni Liston Boxer Date of Birth: 08.05.1932 Country: USA

Biography of Sonny Liston

Sonny Liston, an American professional boxer, was born in a sharecropper family and grew up with 25 brothers and sisters. Despite a tumultuous upbringing, Liston found solace in boxing and honed his skills while serving time in prison for armed robbery.

Talented and intimidating, Liston's primary weapon in the ring was his ability to intimidate opponents. With knockout power in both hands, Liston would glare menacingly at his adversaries, often defeating them before the first round ended. Beginning his professional career in 1953, he quickly climbed the ranks, leaving a trail of knocked-out opponents in his wake.

On September 25, 1962, Liston became the world heavyweight champion by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round. The rematch took place ten months later, with the same result: Liston winning by knockout in the first round. However, Liston's reign as the dominant force in boxing came to an end in 1964 when he lost to challenger Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali). The rematch was organized a year later, and as history recalls, Ali emerged victorious by knockout.

In 1970, Liston suffered a defeat in his final professional fight against a young Chuck Wepner. Tragically, in 1971, Liston passed away from a heart attack and lung edema. Throughout his career, he fought in a total of 54 bouts, achieving 50 victories, 39 of which were by knockout.