Ernie Terrell discusses Sonny Liston

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Longhhorn71, Mar 6, 2018.

  1. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Ernie Terrell discusses Sonny Liston

    After winning the Chicago Golden Gloves, Terrell turned pro in ’57. He was just 16, and by the time he was a senior in high school he was a main-event fighter.

    Early in his career Terrell became a regular sparring partner for the boxer he calls “the most intimidating guy I’ve ever seen.” But, he adds, once Sonny Liston “got to know you, he was all right. He was not educated, so he didn’t trust anybody.”

    Ernie recalls driving in a van with Liston to Houston for Sonny’s April 25, 1960 bout with Texas favorite Roy Harris.

    “On the van he was jolly, kibitzing and playing cards. We got there and he looked out at the gathering of reporters and he picked up a newspaper. Sonny couldn’t read, but he didn’t want to talk to those reporters. At the weigh-in, Harris came in at 195 or whatever. They said, ‘Let’s get Sonny on the scales.’ Liston never looked up. He just stepped on the scales with his street clothes and tie on.

    “This perturbed the reporters, and one of them said to a commissioner, ‘Don’t the regulations call for him to at least strip to the waist?’ This bugged Sonny. He slammed down his hat and paper, and as he was reaching for his tie a reporter said, ‘Sonny, I understand you could have brought a neutral referee, but you didn’t. Aren’t you afraid of a hometown decision?’

    “Sonny looked at him and said, ‘Decision! I came here to kill this man (Harris)! If there’s a decision, I don’t want it.”

    Liston stopped Harris in the first round, and a year later did the same to champion Floyd Patterson. But by the time his ex-sparring partner became a Top 10 contender by beating Cleveland Williams in 1963, Liston wasn’t talking so friendly about Terrell, either.

    Asked about giving Ernie a crack at the title, Sonny said, “Nuts! He don’t fight. He just hugs you. He hugs me more than my wife.”

    More overview of Terrell, and his 60's boxing fights.
    http://www.boxing.com/ernie_terrell_we_did_the_best_we_could.html
     
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  2. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Excellent little read.
     
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  3. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Luv these nice little finds
     
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  4. BlackCloud

    BlackCloud I detest the daily heavyweight threads Full Member

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    Indeed.
    It also makes a refreshing change from the influx of Deontay Wilder threads in here as well.
     
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  5. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    You just don't want a Wilder vs Liston thread because you know who would win :deal:
     
  6. Clinton

    Clinton Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Great stuff, LH. Thanks!!
     
  7. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Sonny just told the truth about Terrell`s fighting style. We didn't miss anything there.
     
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  8. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    BC I don't understand it. That was one of the sloppiest World title belt matches that I have ever seen. The man demonstrated no skill or boxing IQ . He was paralyzed most of the night against a 50 yr old man lol oh well beauty is in the eye of the beholder
     
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2018
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  9. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    Nice post.
     
  10. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Wilder???
     
  11. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Lets take a walk down memory lane

    This content is protected
     
  12. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Roy "Cut & Shoot" Harris.... from that such named small East Texas town.
    https://www.yourconroenews.com/125y...oy-Harris-a-hometown-hero-in-and-12159561.php
    Became the Polk County, TX, Clerk:
    County Clerk duties in Texas:
    • Serves as clerk and custodian of records for the Commissioners Court, Constitutional County Court and Statutory County Courts.
    • Acts as a recorder and custodian of important public records, including all bonds, deeds, birth and death certificates, assumed names and livestock brands, ensuring that records are maintained in a secure, archival manner.
    • Issues marriage licenses.
    • Serves as chief elections officer in most counties.
     
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2018
  13. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Good to see he's still alive and kicking....he has to be about 84 or 85 now?
     
  14. bcr

    bcr Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Everyone that met Sonny Liston refers to him as the scariest human they met.
     
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  15. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    They obviously haven't met me
     
    Longhhorn71 likes this.