The unexpected interviews, copious amounts of fight footage and your commentary make these documentaries captivating content. Another home run. Thank you
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure, koad777, thanks for watching.
@Aristotelezz
Жыл бұрын
Yeah! Can't remember to have ever seen some of these pictures!
@qwertz7430
Жыл бұрын
Probably the best, most informative documentary I've ever seen on Sonny. Well done.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, Qwertz.
@Bobby.D.1776
Жыл бұрын
Ali fought both Foreman and Liston, and he said that when it came to George he just had to take the hits and wear big George down, in the case of Liston, he simply did not want to get hit at all. So for Ali it was certainly Sonny that hit harder. Foreman trained with Liston after the Olympics, preparing him for pro boxing. George said Sonny was the only man that had ever pushed him backwards with sheer strength alone. He also said that you were always really careful not to make Sonny mad! I think it is pretty safe to say that Sonny Liston hit harder than George Foreman.
@jessed0308
Жыл бұрын
Clay had Litson dopped.
@casualxxgamerxx9662
Жыл бұрын
Ali didn't let Liston hit him because he could win without leaning on the ropes, he was still in his athletic prime. Decade later he took the punches from Foreman because that was in his mind the best way to tire him out and beat him. Ali also tried leaning on the ropes against Frazier and quickly decided it wasn't a good idea -twice. No one is going to argue Frazier hit harder than Foreman. Speaking of Frazier, Foreman hit him so hard it lifted both of his feet of the canvas. Point of all of this? What you wrote and the conclusions you drew, don't make much sense. Liston is probably top5 or top6 hardest hitting heavyweight, he isn't that near to the top though. Edit: furthermore I do not find Ali saying that about Liston with a quick Google search, so if you have a proper quote please post it. What I did find was: "Of all the men I fought, Sonny Liston was the scariest, George Foreman was the most powerful, Floyd Patterson was the most skilled as a boxer, but the roughest and toughest was Joe Frazier." -ESPN "I was young and a great admirer of Liston’s talent. He could do just about everything except dance. But outside of myself, there’s never really been a dancin’ heavyweight. Liston had a tremendous jab, could punch with either hand, was smart in the ring and as strong as any heavyweight I’d ever seen." -The ring I do hope you didn't make up any quotes, because that wouldn't be cool.
@joanmjames2495
Жыл бұрын
Foreman hit harder. The Ali Foreman fight was fixed. Foreman was drugged. Liston threw the second fight for sure. Ali was NOT The Greatest. Nope.
@Governing368
Жыл бұрын
They drugged foreman man. The whole thing was shady af. One can look into it themselves and maybe come to a different conclusion, but I think only if they don't want it to be true. Did you see foremans next fight lol. It was nonstop wire to wire. Way way more than with Ali.
@joanmjames2495
Жыл бұрын
@@Governing368 Exactly! 💯 Foreman's fight with Lyle is the greatest boxing brawl of all-time.
@pizzulo8111
Жыл бұрын
Liston's reach was out of this world. The unbelievable thing about it was that he had power on the outside and the inside. Usually, having a long reach gives the fighter power on the outside. But Liston was able to apply leverage on the inside too.I haven't finished the video, but I already know it's going to be great because Rich only does great documentaries.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Pizzulo. Yeah, Liston had an innate ability to go over and under with this shots.
@joanmjames2495
11 ай бұрын
True that! George Foreman and Riddick Bowe also had excellent power on both the inside and outside.
@Bobby.D.1776
Жыл бұрын
Hall of Fame Heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston was a muscular 6′2″ powerhouse weighing 220 lbs of pure brick. He had iron in either fist and could put an opponent on the mat quickly with either. Sonny was the most ducked fighter of all time. Even Joe Frazier’s team refused to fight him. Liston in his prime was the real deal. He was a great fighter.
@MyRobertallen
Жыл бұрын
Much better yet, speaking of Saints, we have every reason to believe CSL will enter Paradise. I had always wanted to believe that Father Sander's saved his soul. This splendid documentary, done with compassion and respect for the subject, indicates that he did. Praise the Lord! RFGA, Ph.D.
@jamalbraswell
Жыл бұрын
@@MyRobertallen66fftttt🎉😊eeb
@CocaineCowboyJones
9 ай бұрын
Frazier style is a worse match for Sonny. Look what happened when he faced big George, Smoking Joe got destroyed.. and when Floyd Pattersson faced Sonny, he got Crushed too. I mean Sonny and George had very similar style
@EjwiiiMoviesLowvilleNY
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, this docu gives Liston a human face.
@Riles3152
Жыл бұрын
I can’t imagine how much more dominant Liston would have been if he started training to be a boxer at a kid’s age, like most future all-time great champions in the sport. Sonny Liston continues to be one of the most fascinating, mysterious, troubled and ultimately tragic figures in the history of boxing. No one really knows when he was born and no one really knows how he died. But in between, what we do know, is that he became a champion inside that ring. Sonny Liston…“A man”
@jimhattery4348
Жыл бұрын
Rich, this is the best coverage of a complicated man that I have ever seen. Thanks!
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Hey I really appreciate that, Jim, thank you.
@cedricliggins7528
Жыл бұрын
Rich is the best
@Bobby.D.1776
Жыл бұрын
Chuck Wepner who fought both Liston and Foreman said that compared to Liston, Foreman was Mr. Friendly. He said that getting hit by George was like getting hit by an incredibly strong man, getting hit by Sonny was like getting hit by a baseball bat. Wepner left the ring of the Liston fight looking like he had just been in a horrific car accident. The fight was stopped by ring doctor after the 9th round, Wepner had 6 massive cuts to his face that required the most ever 338 stitches[1] and was pouring blood everywhere, his left eye was swollen completely shut, his cheek as well as nose were broken. 1. Chuck describes his record 338 stitches -- 'Chuck Wepner interview with Tony Polito' @14:20 ( Liston expert, Paul Gallender said, "Sonny Liston was killed by the mobsters, with a heroin overdose, because he didn’t throw the Wepner fight")
@Julian-4
Жыл бұрын
Gallender is no Liston expert, he’s a complete joke
@GrubKiller436
11 ай бұрын
"Liston expert"
@marknorris1381
9 ай бұрын
Boxrec quotes Wepner as requiring 72 stitches (still a lot). 338 is a complete exaggeration. And even if Wepner said this I still call exaggeration as I had 90 stitches in surgical and compound fracture wounds and know how much this is, how much area it covers. An enormous amount.
@TheBatugan77
8 ай бұрын
@@marknorris1381 I read it was 692 stitches.
@marknorris1381
8 ай бұрын
@@TheBatugan77 do you believe everything you read?
@RonColeman-zy5cd
Жыл бұрын
Wow I really didn't know Sonny was disliked that much. Man that is one of the sadest documentary you have done Rich. I didn't know much at all about him. You could look into his eyes and see the anger. Thank you so much Rich for the education every fight fan should know. Very good 👍👍👍 Rich
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Ron. Yes, he seemed to be hated by everyone. Even the inmates at his former prison turned on him after the Ali losses.
@sixxfreak58
Жыл бұрын
Rich ... This may be your finest video yet. Liston was no angel, but he deserved much better for being such a talented fighter and champion. On his best night, I think he was unstoppable against any heavyweight in history. Thank you for this wonderful tribute. Next to Hagler, Liston is my favorite fighter ever.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, Mindy Adam.
@tonyb9735
7 ай бұрын
"On his best night, I think he was unstoppable against any heavyweight in history." On talent, and ability, sure, but even allowing for modern training techniques and diet, he was too small to mix it with today's heavies. Times have moved on. At 6ft 1", he's 2 inches shorter than Usyk, and many people believe Usyk doesn't stand a chance against Fury because Usyk is too small.
@subzfit
6 ай бұрын
@@tonyb9735Size means nothing. Look at Mike Tyson or Marciano. They took down taller guys. It’s about skills and guts. Look at Ruiz against Joshua. Liston would have faired well against today’s guys especially with the hardened energy he had. Guys of today don’t possess that hardness and grit
@reubenrodriguez5581
Жыл бұрын
Liston was really ahead of his time, one of the first heavyweight punchers that came before the likes of Foreman, Frazier, Shavers, Lyle, Etc. Ali was simply too much for him, but then again it was a prime Ali after all and that guy was the fastest heavyweight. Sad that his life ended in a fishy way. RIP Liston
@user-ok5
Жыл бұрын
Yeah man ❤❤❤❤❤
@grantredman2496
Жыл бұрын
Man i love Ali, however, he beat a old man, by the time he fought Ali the man was in his mid 40’s. A lot of people think that Ali fought prime.
@qwertz7430
Жыл бұрын
That's what I've been saying! Ali picking a fight with Liston at that time was no different to how Holmes picked a fight with an aging and weakened Ali.@@grantredman2496
@reubenrodriguez5581
Жыл бұрын
@@grantredman2496 true, it was impressive how far Liston got at how old he truly was
@goatcheese4740
Жыл бұрын
@@reubenrodriguez5581Man, imagine fighting him in his 20s.
@philsymes
11 ай бұрын
This is wonderful. I am too young to remember prime Sonny but my Grandad ( who I only found out after his death was a war hero) always said that Liston would be a nightmare for any heavy. And he never lost a prediction once - including Douglas and Holy v Tyson He could have made a fortune.
@tonyb9735
7 ай бұрын
Not many people saw the Douglas upset coming, but if you look back, the signs were there. Not only had Tyson long since stopped training properly, but his home life was so out of control that the the week (two weeks?) before the Douglas fight, Tyson drove his car into a tree. And it still took a long count to beat him.
@jandro8370
Жыл бұрын
Liston wasn't playing around in there. He was a true beat ur brains into mush and go home kind of fighter. That guy that everybody would still be afraid of today or any age. He took the toughest beatings as a child from his own father before he ever stepped in a ring.
@uncjim
Жыл бұрын
In retrospect, Sonny was one of the great heavyweight punchers. Of that there is no doubt. I have 3 distinct memories of his career. The first was knocking Bert Whitehurst out of the ring. It was the first time I’d seen a man knocked down live. It scared the sh-t out of me. The second was the first Patterson fight. The build up to the closed circuit broadcast showed a series of Floyd lightening KOs, giving the impression that Sonny was going to be another victim. The host, a restauranteur friend of my Dad’s, had set up this really nice buffet in his home (pay television). After 2:06 seconds, the evening was over, leaving the host and the food behind. The third was how depressed I felt after the loss to Leotis Martin. Thanks for detailing this great yet incredibly flawed Heavyweight Champion. You’re the best Rich.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Always a pleasure, uncjim. Thanks for sharing those recollections.
@Samantha_Lavery_Medici
Жыл бұрын
From February of 1959, to his march to the title, Sonny decimated the top ten ratings, knocking out 8 out of the top 10 contenders. Ingemar Johansson and Henry Cooper declined to fight him.
@daviddorsey8754
Жыл бұрын
Why do you think Marciano was 49-0. NOT FIGHTING SONNY LISTON
@1AirStreamDriver1
Жыл бұрын
@@daviddorsey8754 Such a shame, I would have loved Rocky to finish 50-O
@QNoland
Жыл бұрын
@@1AirStreamDriver1Sonny was a horrific matchup for rocky
@brucemedley635
Жыл бұрын
Sonny would have killed rocky
@daviddorsey8754
Жыл бұрын
@@brucemedley635 When your right, Your right.
@Bobby.D.1776
Жыл бұрын
Liston expert, Paul Gallender, has solved the five major mysteries surrounding The Bear in his 2012 biography, 'Sonny Liston - The Real Story Behind the Ali-Liston Fights'. The author's 40+ years of research provide boxing fans with definitive answers to the five most asked questions about The Bear’s life and career: 1) When was Sonny born? 2) Was he murdered? If so, who did it, how, and why? 3) Was the Liston/Clay fight on the level? 4) Why did Sonny throw the Ali fight? 5) Was Sonny Liston as bad a person as the media said he was? The short answers are: 1) 1919 or earlier. 2) Yes, by mobsters, with a heroin overdose, because he didn’t throw the Wepner fight. 3) Yes. Footage from the event shows Ali in the ring asking his entourage, 'Did I hit him?' . Ali also told Nation of Islam minister Abdul Rahman that Liston 'laid down'. 4) So his wife and son wouldn’t be killed. 5) No. Sonny was a good man. Liston, the son of a tenant farmer, served two long terms in prison, where he is said to have learned to box. Although he gave his birth year as 1932, there is evidence that he might have begun his ring career as early as 1934, at the age of 17, under the name of Charles (“Sailor”) Liston. If that is true, he was 45 years old when he won the championship. -- Encyclopedia Britannica "That he fought in 1934 is no secret - even the Encyclopedia Britannica acknowledges it." -- Paul Gallender His sister, who he was extremely close to, and who remembered his birth - he was much younger than she was - said he was born the year after the Great War (WW1). Which would have made him 44 when he fought Ali the first time. watch this vid/documentary --(According To Gallender Sonny Liston Was 44 Yrs Old When He Fought Ali) --from Retro Boxing & Documentaries
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
No, there was a Sailor Liston that fought out of LA. The staffers at Encyclopedia Brittanica aren't exactly boxing experts. Also, .I don't think Liston was born earlier than 1929. The stories of his wife/son being kidnapped and mobsters later killing him are fabrications.
@Julian-4
Жыл бұрын
Paul Gallender is a complete hack
@garyisham9812
Жыл бұрын
I've have watched boxing matches for 64 years. I was a pure pleasure to hear Don Dunphy announcing a fight again. Thanks Rich
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Sure thing, Gary.
@Gregsmith1
Жыл бұрын
That jab was a thing of beauty. He worked it from a few different angles. Perhaps the best in heavyweight history. Actually, it was the best in heavyweight history. In 2005, I interviewed Billy Joiner, who fought Liston twice. Joiner also fought Larry Holmes. Joiner did not have a great pro career, but he went the distance with Liston. As an amateur, he lost a close decision to Ali/Clay. I asked him to compare the jabs of Holmes and Liston. There was zero hesitation. Liston. It was harder, more effective, and deceptive. He winced a bit while remembering it.
@jamesholbrook7785
Жыл бұрын
No doubt. Larry Holmes had a good, stiff jab that could keep people away from him, but that was part of the reason he was a lackluster champion. You can see Sonny Liston jab actually hurt people.
@dsnodgrass4843
8 ай бұрын
I recall someone saying that Liston "had a jab that would make you question your life choices". And that's what you get hit with, the whole fight.
@thamwisai1
Жыл бұрын
The original baddest man on the planet
@tonyb9735
7 ай бұрын
after him, Foreman, then Tyson.
@evnstvn58
7 ай бұрын
Yeah...Literally!!😂😂😂
@jawbreaker8363
5 ай бұрын
Dempsey then Louis came long before him
@josephdelledonne2098
2 ай бұрын
Sonny's story is so fascinating. Both he and Foreman lost to Ali; and Foreman's career was over for a long time after a shocking loss to Jimmy Young, and Liston's career was over after he lost to Martin. I know he beat Wepner afterwards, but even if Sonny lived, he would never be viewed as a top tier heavy again after that loss. Sonny was a true legend and lived in my hometown to Vegas. He died before I was born, I wish could have met him and talked boxing with him.
@cedricliggins7528
Жыл бұрын
To all the true boxing fans are we not going to notice how Cleveland Williams could bang as hard as Sonny?
@user-ok5
Жыл бұрын
I adore Cleveland Williams, Sonny Liston said about him that this man has strays in the eyelids of his eyes as well When he was shot and lost weight, he regained weight and gained muscle Muhammad said about him that you should return to fighting after retirement, this is something possible But to come back after a gunshot wound is impossible I adore the big cat, Cleveland Williams I hope Rich does a whole hearty episode about Him
@TeslaVee
3 ай бұрын
56:02 "He is knocked out, this fight will be over.. and with it Charles Sonny Liston's career!!" Legendary call by Howard Cosell.
@RELopez-mk4ic
Жыл бұрын
No doubt in my mind that Liston threw both of those fights with Clay, especially the second one. I was surprised to see how huge Cleveland Williams was! Liston was an enigma, no one will ever know the real Sonny Liston or how he met death. He was Tyson before Tyson. Really enjoyed this one Rich. Thanks for another great documentary,
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Sure thing, RE. I agree on Williams....a huge muscular dude, particularly for that era.
@johnyboy19685
2 ай бұрын
As Mike Tyson said he made him look like a boyscout
@stuartjohnson7967
Жыл бұрын
Hello again Rich, good to see ya back mate, we’ve all been missing you. Well I can speak for myself personally. I’m 10 minutes and 56 seconds into this episode which I’m watching on my TV 📺. But I just had to comment on your content. I reckon it’s gonna be sound again. Much appreciation from Liverpool. England. YNWA Rich. 🥊⚽️🥊 Cheers Friend. And massive thanks again. 🙏👍
@RonColeman-zy5cd
Жыл бұрын
That Rich is the best
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Good to be back, Stuart! Thank you.
@stuartjohnson7967
Жыл бұрын
@@RonColeman-zy5cd You know. Nice One Ron 🥊🙏👍
@stuartjohnson7967
Жыл бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian Nah. Thank You Mate. Take Care and keep up the great content. U R BOSS….,,!
@ArtistFormerlyKnownAsShitlord
Жыл бұрын
A fight between Marciano and Liston would've been an epic!
@rockyfish3115
Жыл бұрын
It very nearly happened but in a gym when the rock went to see Liston train,
@CocaineCowboyJones
9 ай бұрын
Rocky Would be wreck, like when George Foreman crushed Joe Frazier
@rockyfish3115
9 ай бұрын
@@CocaineCowboyJones you do realise that A Liston was not even ranked in top 16 when the rock was champion, and B marciano went to see Liston train Liston got cute rocky said let's lace up go a few, Liston walked away, true story!!
@bradpickering4297
8 ай бұрын
Agreed
@TFB97
7 ай бұрын
Heard this before as well mate, besides Liston even said Rocky was a great champion. @rockyfish3115
@AndrewWilliams-kw6bc
Жыл бұрын
Great watch, Rich, one of the most complex guy's to be champ !
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Andrew. Liston was complex, indeed.
@greyghostscsa394
24 күн бұрын
Sonny is my favorite fighter of all time. RIP Champ
@elwin38
Жыл бұрын
If Rocky Marciano would've boxed into 1957 and fought Sonny(even in a non title bout), Sonny would've won.🥊🥊
@cedricliggins7528
Жыл бұрын
I agree. Marciano had no choice but to retire in '56 with Liston on the horizon.
@gianca60
Жыл бұрын
Folks, Sonny started professional boxing in 1953. No way he woulda meet Marciano in 1956.
@rockyfish3115
Жыл бұрын
No chance
@rockyfish3115
Жыл бұрын
Behave
@Ken_Frazer-619
11 ай бұрын
@@gianca60Marciano could've fought on until 1960 if he wanted to but he was scared of a loss simply put
@triplejunction7073
Жыл бұрын
There’s been a lot of speculation that Sonny was murdered . Given the company he kept that would not be a shock. My question is why a man who had never learned to read or write , is found dead with a newspaper on his lap?
@dumitrunistor5516
Жыл бұрын
Very good point.. the killer wanted to prove when The Bear was murdered ..
@triplejunction7073
Жыл бұрын
No,more like the killer messed up and left a clue
@845pitdog
10 ай бұрын
Maybe he was looking at the pictures.
@keepsafeandsound6722
2 ай бұрын
Brilliant video of a true great 🥊🙌. RIP mr liston
@FernandoScarpelli
Жыл бұрын
Its long overdue a long and indepth doc of Sonny here on yt. Thanks and I'll be sure to watch this as soon as I can
@Troy-g3q
Жыл бұрын
Sonny should be in the boxing hall of fame
@kantovagrant3194
Жыл бұрын
Liston has been inducted in the Hall of Fame. He was the fourth ever member to be inducted in 1994 with the first three inductees being Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, and Sugar Ray Robinson.
@jackmartinez8269
Жыл бұрын
Excellent work Rich
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jack
@michaelmooney7341
Жыл бұрын
Too much craziness on ali fights. Long delays..death threats..etc.
@anthonyventi1579
Жыл бұрын
This was incredible!! I’d never seen that post fight footage of Liston after the second Ali fight.
@Open1
Жыл бұрын
Oh Sonny Liston, fire video as always Rich
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Open1
@geraldfriend256
Жыл бұрын
Lets go team Rich! Thank you Sir, appreciate all the work that goes into these classics. Liston was a force of nature, a real badasss who is mostly known for losing to Ali.And kind of forced into the life by circumstance and an abusive father. Here to learn more . I’ve heard The Devil andSonny Liston is a great bio
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Hey thanks, Gerald. Liston was definitely a force of nature as you said.
@WarioSaysSo
Жыл бұрын
Sonny Liston PRO record: 50-4-0, KO's 39 / World title record: 2-2-0, KO's 2. # Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World: 1962-1964. # Most recognized career victories: 2x Floyd Patterson, 2x Cleveland Williams, Eddie Machen, Zora Folley, Niño Valdés, Chuck Wepner, Roy Harris # Career defeats: 2x Mohammad Ali, Leotis Martin & Marty Marshall (Avenged twice the freak loss).
@sundiataoba-zq1bm
3 ай бұрын
Sonny was my idol the real deal
@megsaunders1988
Жыл бұрын
outstanding once more Rich ,love the effort put in to create the best boxing docos around.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Meg
@jessearias2863
Жыл бұрын
Another great one rich, the. Best liston biography yet great footage. Great narration I think liston does not get the credit for being as great as he was.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jesse. Yeah, the Ali losses really put a taint on his legacy but he was certainly great.
@jessearias2863
Жыл бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian hey rich again I ask sam peter and Michael Nunn next time.
@jessearias2863
Жыл бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian hey rich side bar on liston did you see Robert Townsend's film phantom punch staring Ving rayms
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
@@jessearias2863 I did...I thought it was a missed opportunity. Looks like it had a delayed release and then was sent straight to streaming without any fanfare. A shame because there is a great movie to be made with his story.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
@@jessearias2863 I'll do Nunn within the next 3 months or so. Peter is a no go for now. He only retired in 2019 so no real nostalgia for him.
@giuseppegumina5576
4 ай бұрын
Sonny Liston Number One Forever. Strong Boxéur Fantastic.
@Thor-Orion
Жыл бұрын
GOAT. That’s all there is to it. Make way for the Midnight Train.
@Thor-Orion
Жыл бұрын
25:00 only with those who had preconceived notions about him. Kids love him and he was great with them. I just can’t believe that he was the man the media portrayed when I see the pictures with kids and hear the stories from those who actually knew him personally.
@albysmoove8974
Жыл бұрын
As per usual, a masterful piece of work from Rich
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, Alby.
@andypicken7848
Жыл бұрын
Great Job Rich. I had not seen any more than the knockout punches to the Martin fight before. Liston is right up there amongst the most misterious of fighters. Thanks for posting. Andy Birmingham UK
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure, Andy. Yeah, Liston was having his way with Martin until the last two rounds or so.
@sirlloyd6386
Жыл бұрын
Superb work as always Rich. Where you find the rare footage from I’ll never know! Brilliant flow and commentary.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, SiR Lloyd
@petierican6079
Жыл бұрын
This was the man they all feared forman took his approach he wanted to be like liston rich great as always
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, petie rican.
@petierican6079
Жыл бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian always rich💯🥊💯
@ryanmartin9987
Жыл бұрын
thanks Rich another gem, I always thought there was a propaganda job done on Sonny, an easy target. Sonny, one of the greats. RIP Sonny Liston. About to watch the Blade doc. Big Rich fan
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Ryan.
@play2winboxingchannel92
Жыл бұрын
As always a great watch. Good work Rich!
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, play2win
@j.j.guerrieri8121
Жыл бұрын
Martin retired after that Liston fight, he took a lot of punishment and suffered a detached retina, that was career ending in those days
@dsnodgrass4843
8 ай бұрын
The story of Liston showed one of the major contradictions of how the fight game changed between the 1950s and the late 60s- early 70s. Fighters weren't expected to be 'personable' much in the old days; their interactions with media were heavily stage-managed by their handlers and promoters. Liston, being who he was, coming from where he came from, was never gonna fit the "personality era" that came with the 1960s; and that caused him a lot of trouble outside, and then inside the sport. The reasons he didn't were many and complex, and too much to go into here; but it would've taken an impossibly extraordinary personality to overcome them. Nothing in Liston's life could've given him that, and no one was around to create even a plausible facade of such for him, as would've been possible in 1948 or so. Sorry for writing so long, but i don't think this aspect has been discussed enough.
@mattysquizzato7094
7 ай бұрын
God Bless Alois Stevens and all the positive influences in Sonny's troubled life!
@johnpittsii7524
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the amazing video Rich ❤
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Sure thing, John.
@andrewjewell3142
Жыл бұрын
The most in depth Liston documentary I've seen thanks for your great work rich
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
I appreciate that, Andrew, thank you.
@pablosantander3143
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, Rich.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure, Pablo.
@GTSpeac
Жыл бұрын
You've out done yourself yet again. Quality production. Thanks RTFH!
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thanks very much, Mehdi
@jamarcushutchins9523
Жыл бұрын
Longlive legend
@davidbolen8982
Жыл бұрын
All props to the Bear, but even if young, and no shoulder issues, he wasn’t beating Ali. Too quick and Liston could only land one or two out of ten thrown. Ali could take that all night and dance around cutting him up. Don’t think many, if any, could do much w/ Ali in those days.
@TheBatugan77
6 ай бұрын
A young Liston knocks the clay out of Ali. 😆
@stevemorris6855
Жыл бұрын
My favourite heavyweight ever!🇬🇧
@lordmountbatten154
11 ай бұрын
Sonny was a destroyer !!
@brucekielty8180
Жыл бұрын
The late Detroit boxing manager Billy Gutz told me that he found Liston standing alone on the sidewalk after Sonny's defeat by Marty Marshall and took him to a doctor who regularly treated Joe Louis, to attend to his broken jaw. I always questioned whether Gutz's story was accurate, but Liston confirms in Rich's video that his trainers never showed up for the fight!
@devilface97
10 ай бұрын
Good info. Liston made a very great point, managers didnt have a fighter's heart
@cj88macleod
Жыл бұрын
Never realized how big Williams was
@danfairfw
Жыл бұрын
Great footage of a bygone era and as always well researched. Thank you for making a documentary that didn't take sides on all the controversies of Sonny Liston but laid out the facts and let the viewer decide for themselves.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Dan.
@MrT-ev4dq
Жыл бұрын
Superb Sir. So much than i haven't seen before . An interesting and tragic life story...
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Mr T
@2butnot277
Жыл бұрын
You have no bounds, Rich. Many thanks!
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the support, 2butnot2
@johndonny443
Жыл бұрын
The Ali fights were fixed. Would have loved to see liston fight him straight up. They had plans for the mouth from the south.
@Ken_Frazer-619
11 ай бұрын
First fight was no fix bruh just admit u can't accept that Ali beat him legit and straight up
@TFB97
8 ай бұрын
Another masterpiece Rich 👊🏻. The intro goes hard asf 😅. Sonny was a killer in the ring, no respect for anyone in there. He just went about his buisness, like a ruthless hitman.
@RichtheFightHistorian
8 ай бұрын
Thank you, OldSchoolBoxing1
@clevelandwilliams5922
Жыл бұрын
Ali was confident because he knew their was a fix in play. No one accepted Liston and therefore gave away the title.
@triplejunction7073
Жыл бұрын
At first a lot of people hated Ali way more than Liston ,
@clevelandwilliams5922
Жыл бұрын
@@triplejunction7073 Look at Liston fight with Williams earlier in the clip, he are murderous punches and combinations. He was able to get the knockout against this man twice. Williams was in actual prime. Ali on the other hand fought version of Williams that made him look awesome. A man who recovered from .357 magnum shooting at point blank range and manages to recover and earn a title shot against big mouth on Nov. 14 1966. I’m sorry Ali was a no one compared to these giants and if Ali had managed to loose to the version of Williams I mentioned earlier, the fix was real. They didn’t want Williams to win at any cost, that’s why they garnished his winnings before the fight to destroy any confidence in the man. Please tell me about Ali now and why is it the demolition job Holmes put on the paper champion always vilified, but version of Williams that Ali beat was always shown to the world as Ali at his greatest.
@triplejunction7073
Жыл бұрын
@@clevelandwilliams5922 I think your disdain for Muhammad Ali has nothing to do with boxing..
@clevelandwilliams5922
Жыл бұрын
@@triplejunction7073 I’m pointing out facts and your denying facts because of your blind love for this imposter. So Ali greatest performance is against a man who was 1/2 his best. But Holmes is vilified for his victory because Ali was on diuretics
@triplejunction7073
Жыл бұрын
@@clevelandwilliams5922 Nobody vilified Holmes after he beat Ali . The Ex Champ was obviously shot. he shouldn’t have been in the ring .At the time people were angry at Don King for making the mismatch . Holmes just did his job ..Ali’s most impressive performance was against George Foreman not Dead Man Walking Cleveland Williams . I’m sure you have a conspiracy to explain away the Foreman fight as well
@soulboy6073
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant ! thanks Rich👍
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Sure thing, soulboy6073.
@philiplangerman7375
Жыл бұрын
Great job as always Rich. Liston was really a complete fighter, not just a slugger . At the time he met Clay/ Ali he had only fought a couple of rounds in a couple of years and he was likely a few years older then his listed age . And most importantly Clay was bad stylistically for him. It doesn't detract from that he was one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Philip. Liston had good lateral movement/foot placement particularly in his early fights...Not merely a slugger as you said.
@MrCjones24
2 ай бұрын
That no parade story is f'd up. "When a man is shown no love, he turns evil." Regardless much respect Mr. Liston
@dougdillon1271
Жыл бұрын
You have great videos about boxing and boxers. Keep up the great work!
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Doug.
@triplejunction7073
Жыл бұрын
Well done! Your production and storytelling gets better every time..
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much, Triple Junction 707
@tloustrats
Жыл бұрын
Could have boxed against the likes of Joe Louis Marciano had he started boxing earlier. Makes me scared that he beat the hell out of the whole division in 2 years and being a 40+ yo. Imagine if he had the chance to fight in his early 20s
@Ken_Frazer-619
Жыл бұрын
Liston was born in 1930 he was not 40 years old in the 50s he was in his 20s
@tloustrats
Жыл бұрын
@@Ken_Frazer-619 yes of course 1930 😂😂
@joshuahall1581
Жыл бұрын
Sonny was a cautionary tale in boxing.
@jamesdean1143
4 ай бұрын
I never knew that Sonny was an alcoholic, but I knew that he was a mean SOB after a few drinks.
@surrealistidealist
Жыл бұрын
I'd like to share my thoughts on a Liston-Foreman fantasy fight here and see what other fans think: Liston would have too much stamina for Big George. The fight probability wouldn't last long, because it would be Russian Roulette to see which shot would be the lethal one. But Liston could probably up the intensity too much for Foreman to handle. I think of the two fights against Gregorio Peralta that both went 10 rounds because of Peralta's aggressive counter-punching. These are the fights Ali studied in preparation to beat Foreman. But Liston had way more power than both Peralta and Ali. Also, even though Foreman at his best usually weighed a bit more than Liston at his best, it wasn't by too much, and Liston would have a lower center of gravity, which provides more balance and stability for power, ability to take a punch, and mobility for being able to hit and not get hit. That's before we even get into reach advantage and the body shots Liston would be better able to land.
@16pennynails
Жыл бұрын
Yessir, that's a very interesting matchup! Liston at his best ('58) against a '73 Big George Foreman, it's a war that doesn't last but two or three rounds. Foreman, who knocked people down with sheer force, some times up and then down, would definitely have his hands full against a bone crusher With solid boxing skills in Sonny Liston! Many pick Liston in this hypothetical fight, his style is wrong for George so I get it. George would be afraid of Sonny Liston no doubt.....and if George was scared it made him a very dangerous man... Interesting match!
@surrealistidealist
Жыл бұрын
@@16pennynails It would probably feel like a father-son match for them! Lol Thanks for your feedback, my friend.
@marknorris1381
9 ай бұрын
That's if the mob didn't fix the fight and persuade Sonny to dive.
@marleywills2160
Жыл бұрын
Sonny was a bad man. Incredibly powerful. One of the most powerful boxers of all time. Behind Shavers. Except Liston had a granite chin. Good technical skills. Reflexes. He was faster than the average boxer He had it all. He was also a good street fighter. Treated badly, grew up horrible. Its all he knew was violence. So he didnt trust others...he wasnt an angel. He could be cruel and liked to intimidate people, but it was a defense mechanism. He wanted to change , but wasnt given a chance...so he was forced to be like that But he cared deep down particularly about kids, his family , friends, the elderly. Plus he had time for the people in jail. Treated them well Anyone else he couldnt trust R.i.p its a shame he was dealt a shitty hand at life. Gotten to the age he did and was still able to beat everyone apart from Ali... Thats legacy. Thank you for the insightful look about a complicated man
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure, Marley.
@nickharmer3049
Жыл бұрын
Excellent stuff Rich. I have a fantastic book on Sonny & love the mystique around his life. I learnt a couple of things & really enjoyed this unbiased work. Props to you.! Bless up bro 👊
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thanks very much, Nick.
@pauloliver1842
Жыл бұрын
gloves then are not like we have now
@richardbranton7396
Жыл бұрын
For all those jokers who say Marciano didn't know who Liston was ,he cannot have failed to know ,Liston was in boxing news from his amateur days
@rockyfish3115
Жыл бұрын
The rock knew he was but he was not even ranked 16th when he was champ, 😂 also the rock actually said lace up go a few rounds, Liston left
@richardbranton7396
Жыл бұрын
@@rockyfish3115 Liston's people tried to organize a box off comp to face Marciano .seriously do you really think Marciano remains unbeaten from Liston on ? Weak era period .I seriously doubt your story is true
@richardbranton7396
Жыл бұрын
@@rockyfish3115 another Marciano myth
@staraptorflock3661
Жыл бұрын
Excellent documentary very detailed and thorough I hope the KZitem algorithm is kind to this video and it gets many views
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Staraptor, we'll see how the algorithm responds.
@GriffinJohnsonTyler1996
Жыл бұрын
Well done rich great mini doc sad ending to an ever beloved champion of only he knew the impact he would have on so many fans and great champions after
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Grifin.
@markprater1
Жыл бұрын
Spot on commentary as usual... I thought I saw something new from Crawford: 'Southpaw Omaha Shell'?
@sugardrey2067
Жыл бұрын
I think Rich does extraordinary work! I appreciate the videos.
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Hey thanks so much, Sugar Drey206
@2383Scorpio
Жыл бұрын
Good job Rich. One error on the month that Sonny Liston fought Eddie Machen, you mistakenly put January 1960, but you suppose to put September 1960. Anyways, Liston was a feared man in the ring that he inspired both George Foreman and Mike Tyson. Liston stood 6'1" and he had a massive reach of 84 inches that was long as Lennox Lewis' reach. Liston had a great punching power with his long left jab, right hand and his best punch the left hook. Great job anyway Rich.
@mjs6910
7 ай бұрын
I enjoy your content brother!!
@RichtheFightHistorian
7 ай бұрын
I appreciate it, thank you.
@bigman6781
Жыл бұрын
Liston is the most underrated heavyweight champ of all time, a brutal technician who decapitated anyone who stood toe to toe with him.
@rockyfish3115
Жыл бұрын
Not to hardcore boxing fans he's not
@MobileSMSLocal
10 ай бұрын
Still A Great Champ....RIP Champ
@845pitdog
10 ай бұрын
It was said that Sonny Liston couldn't read or write. I saw him on a 1970 episode of Love American Style. I guess his lines were rehearsed not read. He still looked and sounded intimidating.
@Heath929
Жыл бұрын
This was top notch, thank you sir!
@RichtheFightHistorian
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Heath.
@maxv6837
Жыл бұрын
I don't have a dog proof ass! 🤣😂🤣
@rockyfish3115
Жыл бұрын
Liston fights with Ali where very suspicious, not to mention he was rumoured to be mid 40s guy could bang and fight and had a eyes that made tysons look like cinderella, Liston was scared of no one but the FOI leaned on him, facts that scared him. Because they threatened his kids
@louisdorsey7172
4 ай бұрын
Liston was ordered by the Mob to throw the fight with Ali. .
@MM-ig1iv
9 ай бұрын
Never seen a guy fight so good that was treated so bad!? It sucks he didn't quite get the respect he deserved.. them people were something else back then. makes them all look bad!
@marknorris1381
9 ай бұрын
It may have had something to do with Sonny's long criminal record and multiple convictions for armed robberies/muggings, e.g. crimes of violence. A lot of people seem to think he was some misunderstood choirboy with a series of bum raps framed left right and centre by the cops. Just a crim who found boxing.
@kevindean1327
9 ай бұрын
How can you be counted out when you're not counted at all?
@kwaineyoung5328
Жыл бұрын
Misunderstood former champion 🏆 had the odds pinned against him each time I was always able to make it out or go down trying that's what makes a true competitor
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