Menacing and powerful American heavyweight champion of the early 1960s, whose fearsome aura and devastating punching power struck fear into the division before two shocking losses to Cassius Clay.
Sonny Liston was one of the most feared heavyweight champions in boxing history, a powerful puncher whose intimidating presence and destructive power led most analysts to predict he would easily defeat a young Cassius Clay. His two fights with Muhammad Ali remain among boxing's most controversial, with both ending in disputed stoppages. Liston's troubled background and fearsome reputation made him one of the sport's most complex and compelling figures.
Heavyweight champion defeated by Muhammad Ali twice
How They Played
Intimidating puncher with powerful left hook and strong jab
Lasting Impact
Intimidating heavyweight champion whose career was overshadowed by controversy