[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx09VITq6GM&playnext_from=TL&videos=hOxJfCCGzUg[/ame] Uploaded by primeboxers. Serious Clay presence in this film.
Patterson actually tried to use movement in this fight, but Liston had figured out that Patterson would attempt to duck the jab with his patterned bobbing & weaving style which gave Liston an opportunity to land the uppercut. He landed three of them in a span of 3 seconds, and whatever gameplan Patterson may have had went out of the window at that point. Credit to him for calling out Liston for a third fight though. People say he was scared but I don't know. On hindsight Liston should have tried to fight Ali, then Clay, earlier than he did. Ali was trying to break Patterson's record of being the youngest champ, but he hadn't quite matured yet until the first Liston fight. By the time they fought, Ali had all the necessary experience to deal with Liston.
Sonny really thought Clay was just a matter of sweeping up. I think he really thought that. Turn up. Take a cruise. Go home.
I think so too. After watching Clay struggle with the likes of Cooper and Jones, a lot of other people felt that too. There were some who knew Clay's movement would trouble a disinterested Liston though.
It would have been good to see the second bout of Liston-Ali before it was called off due to Ali's illness. The accounts of the time tell of a much better prepared Liston who hit a groove and was mentally and physically ready for the rematch. The accounts afterwards also tell of a Liston who became old overnight when training resumed for the rescheduled match. Reporters and those regularly in the training camp told of a Liston who was having a hard time jump roping, couldn't land or avoid punches, stumbling over his feet thoughout his sparring. There were those who wanted the fight called off due to just how badly Sonny had fallen apart.
