Cassius Clay Vs Sonny Liston – A Different Kind of Look Back

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By Carrie Riedel

The most poignant fight for me in the last 75 years has to be the first fight between Cassius Clay (who after the fight announced he was now to be called Muhammad Ali) and Sonny Liston. Taking place on February 25, 1964 in Miami Florida with Clay, (obviously being the underdog) taking the win in the opening of the 7th round.

What fascinates me most about these two athletes, is the fact that they both shared the same dislike from the press because they were “colored” and simply considered (and termed) “Gorilla’s or having hands like bananas.”

If it weren’t for James Baldwin, who sympathized with Liston and along with David Remnick, saw the philosophy that “Liston was a man who had never gotten a break and was never going to give one.” I don’t think black fighters would have ever received the credit for the sport they deserved. Adding to this was the obvious mafia influence as well along with the segregation era of the times.

Honestly, as far as boxing is concerned, obviously Clay’s win was a shock to everyone. However, I think it took amazing integrity and self confidence on David Remnick’s part to stand up (regardless of the fact he stood virtually alone) and spoke about both fighters and exactly that. Sportsman. Not Negros, not undefeatable (as no one is) but as athletes that met in the ring and showed the world what boxing could and should be.

Not only was this one of the biggest upsets in boxing but I believe it showed many that it takes more than color to be a champion. “It takes skill and will. But the will must ALWAYS be stronger than the skill!”