Sonny Liston (Cancelled Bouts)

I would think, all of those fights could be won by Sonny.

That would have been some high-mark, if he fought all those battles.

Most of the guys would sign, and then back off, when the promoters couldn't
come up with the pre-fight guarantee deposit.

Thats why you see many fights on Sonny's later list, against journeymen, as most were last-minute subs.

If Sonny beat Leotis Martin in December 1969, Mac Foster would have been next, in either Las Vegas or Japan, for March 1970.
With '2' victories, he would have been rated #1.

 

All my accumulated files over the years.
Promoters newspaper releases.
State boxing commission files.

The 2-bouts for the United Kingdom in early 1961, was from
Associated Booking, who had an agreement with Sonny Liston and his
management.
They attempted to get one or both of the British Heavyweights to come to
Boston, and it looked that it was going to happen, but it was another failed deal.

There are several other proposed deals, that I cannot get complete confirmation on.
vs. Young Jack Johnson
vs. John Holman
vs. Ezzard Charles
vs. Bob Satterfield
vs. Zora Folley II
vs. Hubert Hilton

 

It would have been interesting, but I don't think that fight would ever get traction.

If Sonny beat Leotis Martin, he would have been in line, but Joe Frazier
already was signed to fight Jimmy Ellis.

And Mr. Ali was just around the corner,,,,,$$$$

 

Tito,,,,

'Pep' Barrone was Sonny Liston's (listed Manager) in early 1961, but their was a transitional period between Barrone and George Katz.

Somebody brokered a deal with Associated Booking, to get Sonny Liston to fight
either or both Dick Richardson and Brian London, in the United Kingdom.

When an over-seas trip to England was scrubbed, bouts in Boston were
attempted, to get the '2' British fighters to agree.
But both declined any bouts in the U.S.

His next bout was in Miami Beach, April 1961 against Howard 'Honeyboy' King.
I don't think that was the originally scheduled opponent, as Sonny already beat Howard King.
Young Jack Johnson may have been the original opponent.

 

Tito,

I found it, with the miscellaneous files.

February 21, 1961

Young Jack Johnson, to fight Charles 'Sonny' Liston, top ranked heavyweight.

33 year-old California Heavyweight, and veteran fighter, Young Jack Johsnon, has agreed to battle Mr. Liston in Miami Beach, scheduled for March 8th (1961).

Young Jack, a one-time top Ranked Heavyweight (#9, 1955), has several victories over top quality fighters, including former Heavyweight Champion Ezzard Charles, Top-Ranked Heavyweight Zora Folley, and Marty Marshall (who has a victory over Mr. Liston).

Johnson, a one-time California Heavweight Champion, just posted a win only 3-days ago, an upset decision over Willi Besmanoff.

Johnson,, who is hoping to re-enter the heavyweight rankings, is predicting a win over the heavy-punching
29-year old (?) Liston.

Johnson boasts a credible record of 21-13-1, with 11 inside the distance wins.
The tall 6' 3" west-coast banger has been guaranteed $7000, to take on Sonny,
something many of the other fellows are not.

 

Tito,

Yes a 1956 Sonny Liston versus Bob Satterfield just might have been interesting.

But, after May 1956, it could not have happened in 1956,, Sonny was in Missouri making license plates.
And in 1957, he was banned from Boxing.

I'm guessing, but if Sonny didn't get into trouble, the fight with Bob Satterfield would have happened in
late-1956 or early-1957.

 

TechDude,

I think you're on the button with that one.

Inter-Continental Promotions (Robert A. Nilon) had promised Sam Michael (Arena A.A. Inc.), the Lewiston, Maine promoter, the first option on a Liston vs. Chuvalo fight for October/November 1965, if Sonny had won.
Most likely in Portland, Maine.

Of course I-C-P, was promising everybody alot of things,,,,:roll:

 

Actually the problem with Sonny Liston after the Miami Beach fiasco, is that
no State Boxing Commission in the United States or National Boxing Commission in other countries would license him or santion his bouts.

In August 1964, only the State of Massachusetts would sanction a bout.
After the November 1964 bout was postponed, to May 1965, the only other
states that would license Sonny Liston were Maine and Alaska.

The State of Massachusetts pulled out on May 8, 1965.