JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: On May 25, 1965 World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali defended his title for the first time against the man he had won it from a little over a year earlier, Sonny Liston, in one of the great upsets in boxing history. This fight was originally slated for Boston, but delayed due to an injury and moved to the unlikely setting of Lewiston, Maine. The fight ended in the first round. Ali landed what many observers coined a phantom punch to put Liston away while a confused referee Jersey Joe Walcott lost track of the count. Many people insisted the fight was thrown by Liston, long known to have mob ties, but Ali defended the punch that ended it. That controversy lives on to this day. Offered here is an original wire photo which depicts the end of the fight.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, United Press wire photo depicting Muhammad Ali with hands raised in victory as referee Jersey Joe Walcott waves off the fallen Sonny Liston. Press stamp and label on back. Bold, clear image. Minor print marks. Small corner creases. No tears. One crack in emulsion. 8" x 10." Iconic photograph.
