Biography:Known for his toughness, punching power and intimidating appearance, he became World Heavyweight Champion in 1962, but failed to live up to his fearsome reputation when he lost the title in 1964 to 7-1 underdog Muhammad Ali.
Born:July 22, 1930 Birthplace:Sand Slough, Arkansas, USA
1957-09-03 Future world heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston (27) weds Geraldine Clark in St. Louis, Missouri
Historical Events
1962-09-25 Challenger Sonny Liston KOs Floyd Patterson at 2:06 of round 1 at Comiskey Park, Chicago to win the world heavyweight boxing title
1963-07-22 In their second clash Sonny Liston once again KOs Floyd Patterson in round 1 at the Convention Center, Las Vegas to retain the world heavyweight boxing title
1964-02-25Muhammad Ali [Cassius Clay] wins his first world heavyweight boxing title when Sonny Liston fails to come out for round 7 at the Convention Center, Miami Beach
1965-05-25Muhammad Ali KOs Sonny Liston at 2:12 of round 1 at Central Maine Civic Center, Lewiston to retain his WBC/WBA heavyweight boxing title
1971-01-05 Body of former world heavyweight boxing champion Charles "Sonny" Liston (40) is found by his wife Geraldine at their Las Vegas home; he had been dead for an estimated 6 days; foul play suspected
Floyd Patterson
Jack Dempsey
Ken Norton
Riddick Bowe
Roberto Durán
Vitali Klitschko