Charles "Sonny" Liston's life was a enigma, with his birth and death shrouded in mystery. Born in May 1932, or possibly 1928, according to prison records, Liston was one of 25 children born to his father. His tumultuous upbringing, with limited formal education, led him down a path of trouble with the law. Serving brief prison sentences, Liston's life took a turn when he was introduced to boxing by a prison chaplain.
Liston's natural talent for boxing was evident, and he quickly rose through the amateur ranks before turning professional. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 217 pounds, Liston possessed devastating punching power, an iron chin, and lightning-quick reflexes, along with a powerful jab. His intimidating presence in the ring earned him the nickname "The Big Bear."
Liston's impressive record, with 50 wins and 4 losses, including 39 knockouts, made him a formidable force in the heavyweight division. He destroyed all the leading contenders, including Roy Harris, Zora Folley, and Cleveland Williams, before facing Floyd Patterson for the championship title. Liston's crushing victories over Patterson cemented his status as the most feared man in the world.
However, his reign as champion was short-lived, as Muhammad Ali arrived on the scene and knocked Liston out twice, ending his title days and reputation as the "World's Baddest Man." Despite this setback, Liston continued to box until the time of his death.
Outside the ring, Liston was a charming and affable individual, beloved by his fans and known for his soft spot for children. He even acted in a number of films, including the notable "Harlow" alongside Carroll Baker.
Tragically, Liston's life came to a mysterious end on December 30, 1970, leaving behind a legacy that remains shrouded in mystery.
