Leotis Martin,fresh from putting to rest the monster

Oscar Bonavena beat him by decision in '66, '67 or '68.

 

IN Argentina. You know how that goes sometimes. I've read that it was a competitive bout with a little controversy.

 

By all means, please do review it, and let us know what you think with your updated analysis. I've watched it a number of times in recent years. Sonny was actually dominant through the first seven rounds, much as he was with Henry Clark. Leotis stayed in the match with retreating mobility, but it was a survival strategy for buying time, not one which was winning him rounds on the end of Liston's jabs.

Late in round eight, Cosell barked up excitedly as Sonny faded against the ropes in seemingly abrupt fatigue, wounded by a severe cut on the nose. One of the most dramatic moments of 1960s boxing, well captured by Howard as it happened live.

Sonny spent himself a bit in attempting to follow up that round four knockdown, at a stage in his career where he couldn't afford to expend adrenaline like that in futility. It was actually worse than if he hadn't knocked down and hurt Leotis at all.

 

Martin may have gotten a title shot after Frazier-Ellis. Against a 1970 Joe Frazier, I do not think he would have lasted past the middle rounds. I cannot see him victorious over Frazier, Ali, or Foreman but Martin may have had a chance against Ellis or Quarry. He would have been a solid contender for a few years. He might later have become a stepping stone for such rising stars as Norton, Shavers, Mac Foster, or Lyle.