Sonny Liston 'Opens Up as a 9-5 Favorite for the Rematch'

August 1964

Sonny Liston, the former Champion now, has opened up as a 9-5
Betting-Favorite to regain his Heavyweight Crown versus Cassius Clay.

The Las Vegas odd-makers have based their line, on information that
Sonny Liston has been training hard in the mountains of Denver, and
with a new training team.

Meanwhile, the new Champion Cassius Clay had put on some weight
during his recent trip to Africa, and recent snapshots show the now
Miami Beach resident carrying an additional 20 lbs.

 

I believe it was when the news reports were released, showing the young
Cassius Clay at 240 lbs., when he returned from his June 1964 African Pilgrimage.

And his performance in recent sparring sessions were not impressive.

The 'smart guys' had to figure the bout in February 1964 was a 'fix'.

 

Each fighter had a 'secret weapon' for the rematch.


Cassius Clay brought in,,,,,,,,'Stepin Fetchit'

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Sonny Liston had a 'secret weapon'.

It was Stanley Zimmering, who was a physical fitness guru.

He owned 'Amid Karate and Judo Club' in south Denver.

His mission, to help Sonny loosen his muscles, allowing him to
be more flexible.

After one-week with Sonny, Stanley came to the conclusion, that
Sonny was a 'mess'. He completely forgot how to box.

 

As long as Sonny had his new 'Black Cadillac Fleetwood' he was happy.

The Denver Newspapers reported, 'Sonny Liston is a sad old man, confused and
burnt out. He is no longer Godzilla, stomping through the Heavyweight Division.
He is most happy, when he is driving his new Cadillac Fleetwood, talking on
his car phone. His trainer, Willie Reddish has been working on a new style for
Sonny, but it has been difficult in turning a plodding power puncher into a
stylistic boxer.'