http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=16864&more=1 "...Many moons ago, the erudite Dave Anderson wrote a fascinating article on Liston and told of the time when Sonny was shooting dice and Clay came along to bait him. Cassius started by grabbing a handful of Listons chips and then got brave by snatching the dice. It was a step too far and the Bear bit. Motioning Clay to a nearby corner, Liston roared, Get the hell out of here. Get out now or Ill whip you right here. It is unclear whether the slap in the face accompanied this little lecture or was part of another clash between the two men. In any event, as Dave Anderson wrote, Clay got out. Horseplay? Mr Anderson didnt get that impression and revealed what Clay later said of the incident: That was the only time since I have known Liston that he really scared me. People tell me how he was a cop fighter and beat up tough thugs. I believe it now. That time I saw that streak in him."
Very good article and what people dont realize is just because most thought Liston was indestructible and impervious to pain, he was not. Liston was careful and knew this was a myth. Still Sonny Liston put fear in people and he was the before Foreman and Tyson in doing this and may still be # 1 in the area of physical intimidation
Good points and it reminds me of something Foreman related once about Sonny. George also had only seen what Sonny had projected about himself, impervious to pain, indestructable, nothing could bother him, but after he was knocked out by Leotis Martin George went to Sonny's dressing room and saw Sonny crying, he knew then also that it was a myth. It sounded at the time like it messed George's head up a little as he was trying to emulate Liston early on.
