Author, Paul Gallender has written a new book about Sonny Liston. It will be on sale this July. SONNY LISTON (The real story behind the Ali-Liston fights), promises to unveil the mystery of the Phantom Punch. Here's part of the blurb: [FONT=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]In meticulous detail the author shows why the outcome of Sonny’s two bouts with Muhammad Ali had far more to do with what took place outside of the ring than in it. The truth about their one-round fight in Lewiston, Maine, will shock you. ... [/FONT][FONT=Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif]Gallender introduces you to a man you would have been proud to know - a man whose integrity, sense of fairness and depth of character was acknowledged for the most part only by his family, friends and children of every race. Once you start reading this book you won’t want to put it down. I'll probably buy it. Liston has always fascinated me. There might be something new in it. I kinda doubt it, but I'll read it and see. http://www.sonnyliston.net/ [/FONT]
Be sure to post your opinion after ward. the truth has been pretty clear to me since I have read Night Train but every Liston book ought to be something.
Looks like it may be an interesting read,,,,,,,,, Maybe the author can add a few more 'found' details about the back room dealings of both Sonny Liston Championship bouts in 1964 and 1965. Also, maybe shed more light on the originally scheduled rematch for Monday, November 16, 1964 in Boston - That bout is the one, that requires a little more in depth review - because after the cancellation of that bout (Cassius Clay hernia) - Sonny went into a the 'proverbial tank', boozing it up in Denver in December 1964 thru June 1965.
Well, there are three decent Liston bio's, all from the last ten years...another will get read of course. Senor Pepe, have you read Bob Mee's book? He has a good look at the collapsed fight.
Mc G,,,,,, No,,,, I'll have to check that book out. Found an old New York Times article in February 1965. Rating Muhammad Ali #1 followed by, #2 Ernie Terrell #3 Sonny Liston #4 Floyd Patterson #5 Eddie Machen #6 George Chuvalo The article suggested that the Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston rematch will be a 'shambles' no matter when, where or why. As stated, there wasn't a place in America that wanted to have this bout, other than Louisville, Kentucky or Boston, Massachusetts - and Boston was looking to dump it. Muhammad Ali should fight Floyd Patterson for his 'first defense', while Ernie Terrell should battle Eddie Machen for the rightful challenger for the 'second defense'. And that, if Sonny Liston wanted to 'prove his worth' and a be a legitimate challenger for the crown, as well as show the boxing public that he wants to take this game seriously, he should battle the 'tough Canadian' George Chuvalo first, before getting a rematch for the 'World Championship'.
It won't hold anything you didn't know, but it does have a dig around the abandoned fight, and there are some nice posters/artwork associated with that fight, from memory. It probably is the weakest of the three Liston books, hwoever. Interesting to see The Times continued to rank Liston at that time.
Mc G,,,,, I think the New York Times was 'on to' Sonny Liston at that time,,,,, They coined the phrase, 'Sonny and Money, that is all that matters.' 'Mr. Liston cares not one bit for the Heavyweight Championship Belt, as he has no use for that 'Crown'.
Mc G, I think Sonny was dropped from the Heavyweight Rankings in 1965 and 1966. Believe, he re-surfaced again, back in April 1967 - after stopping 'fringe contender' Elmer Rush. Somebody ranked him #10 back then.
