This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2023
This portrait of Sonny Liston in the ring captures the sheer intimidation factor possessed by the heavyweight champ. Liston’s toughness and powerful jab led many to think he was unbeatable once he took the title away from Floyd Patterson with a first round KO in 1962. When Patterson lasted just four seconds longer in their rematch the next year, the title “unbeatable” seemed appropriate. Only a brash young fighter named Cassius Clay seemed to be immune to Liston’s intimidating presence and immense strength. Clay’s TKO of the champ in 1964 was one of boxing’s biggest upsets, but to this day, Sonny Liston is ranked among history’s top 5 heavyweights of all-time. This Type 1 photo illustrates why. The photo has been printed to three of the edges and show nice toning from age. The back has a Globe Photos stamp along with the photographer’s name, “Terry O’Neil” in pencil. The photo has been encapsulated and graded Type 1 Authentic by PSA.