Barney Felix (3rd Man the Ring; Liston vs. Clay)

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Il Duce, Jan 16, 2011.


  1. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    At the 2:10 mark of Round 4, while Cassius Clay was near the ropes, Sonny landed a good straight right and quick left hook.

    You can hear the sound of those punches on the replay.
    Those are the '2' punches that Barney Felix was talking about, that made Cassius
    get cross-eyed.
    Cassius was back-pedaling pretty good for the next 25-seconds, as Liston was trying
    to measure him.

    That is what must have stuck in Referee Felix's mind, as the round ended, and
    Clay's corner protested, and tried to delay Round 5.
     
  2. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    After that fight,
    Sonny Liston was suspended by 48 of the 50 State Boxing Commissions.
    Including, by his own home state of Colorado, who had the most disparaging things to
    say about him.

    Only the State of Michigan and Kentucky did not suspend his boxing license.

    So a rematch was not going to happen, unless the Boxing Commissions re-instated Sonny Liston.
     
  3. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Colorado Boxing Commissioner, Edward Bohn, had direct contact with
    Referee Barney Felix, a few weeks after the fight, to discuss his overall
    view and opinion.

    Edward Bohn, was the most crucial in his views, and never believed the
    Miami Beach Boxing Commission report on Sonny Liston's injured shoulder.

    Bohn had believed, that Sonny Liston pulled a 'B'-Rated acting performance, and
    performed a 'theatrical affair' in the ring with Cassius Clay.

    Edward Bohn had suspended Sonny Liston immediately after the fight, and his
    suspension was indefinite.

    Barney Felix did give Mr. Bohn an honest view, which was Sonny seemed off on his timing, and his power was diminished.
    As for Sonny's left shoulder, Barney Felix said, at no time in the fight, did Sonny
    gesture to him that he was having problems with his shoulder, or winced when he
    threw the punch.
    And, that at no time, did Listons corner mention a shoulder injury, until after the
    bout ended.
     
  4. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Doubtful that Liston's corner would volunteer that shoulder info to anyone during the fight. If overheard, Clay would have just taken advantage of the situation.
     
  5. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    longhorn,,,,,

    Probably,,,,, but Sonny Liston was a piece of work.

    Neurotic, paranoid, hypochondriac and extremely superstitious.

    That shoulder never required surgery either.
     
  6. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Barney Felix in his interview with famed sportsjournalist Jimmy Cannon.

    'Sonny Liston in no way acted like a World Heavyweight Champion. A champion
    is supposed to give 100% of himself, no matter what the circumstances.
    For God's sake, this is the most prestigous honor bestowed upon man. You don't
    treat the Heavyweight Belt like some trinket that you buy in a 5 & 10 (five and dime) store.'

    'This is not good for boxing, in any way, shape or form. I don't blame the State
    Boxing Commisions for pulling his license. Sonny Liston has just thrown his career
    in the garbage, and he held the trash can for the boxing commisioners while they
    dumped his license in the bucket.'
     
  7. Legend X

    Legend X Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    I agree with Felix.
    Liston's 'defence' of the title was absolutely disgraceful.

    Modern fans might not appreciate how awful his performance was, in this day and age where the title 'world champion' has been devalued beyond all recognition.
     
  8. frankenfrank

    frankenfrank Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    did Liston really have a super chemical jab ?
     
  9. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Well according to Referee Barney Felix and the physician at ringside
    Dr. Alexander Robbins.

    The answer was,,,,,,NO

    Why would they lie, what was there motive, they had none.

    My theory, Cassius Clay was shaken a bit in the 4th round and
    Angelo Dundee was trying to buy him a little time.

    Just a theory,,,,,,,
     
  10. frankenfrank

    frankenfrank Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    fits d pattern of Ali vs Cooper #1 (torn glove = smelling salts + extra recovery time)
    and d pattern of Ali's usual stalling by holding behind d head (vs Foreman 4 example)
     
  11. frankenfrank

    frankenfrank Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    which fits d pattern of "Ali" trying 2 quit vs Frazier , 11 yrs later , and Dundee forced him 2 carry on
     
  12. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    February 25, 1964

    Round 4

    Sonny Liston bounces a solid left jab off of Cassius Clay's forehead,
    as Cassius lands right hand to the left upper section of Sonny's rib cage.

    Apparently Cassius Clay can see, and Sonny Liston has no problem with
    his left shoulder.

    This content is protected
     
  13. johnmaff36

    johnmaff36 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    im not being funny here but im confused. Is it bein inferred that Liston threw the fight? If so, why all the hoo-haa about how much he hurt Clay in the 4th? Why would he try and knock a guy out if he was throwing the fight?

    Honest question
     
  14. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    John Maff,

    I really don't think anyone could come up with a 100% answer for that fight.

    So many variables,,,,,,,:think

    One moment Sonny Liston is trying to take Cassius Clay's head off,
    the next moment he stops trying.

    Something was going on,,,
     
  15. johnmaff36

    johnmaff36 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I know this has been done to death but heres my 2 cents. Liston tried to win, soon found out he wasnt going to and quickly lost heart after a last hurrah of a 5th.