2164 - Cassius Clay v Sonny Liston – Fight poster 25 Feb 1964

Cassius Clay v Sonny Liston – Fight poster 25 Feb 1964

Item Number:  2164

This super item of memorabilia is a digital reproduction of the original poster for the fight where Muhammad Ali won the Heavyweight Championship of the World for the first time.

It measures as very large and impressive 30” by 20” and is printed on high-grade, fade resistant photo paper. A really super item of boxing memorabilia.

Cassius Clay versus Sonny Liston – 25 February 1964 – Miami- Cassius became the number one contender for Sonny Liston's title after beating all the main challengers including England’s Henry Cooper. Liston was greatly feared, and some have said that he was the Mike Tyson of his era. Almost no one gave the young boxer a chance of beating Liston.

During the weigh-in, the boisterous Ali declared that he would "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee," and to sum up his defence he quoted, "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see."

Clay, however, had a plan. Misreading Clay's exuberance as nervousness, Liston was over-confident, and unprepared. By the third, Clay was clearly on top, and had opened a cut under Liston's eye. By the sixth, he was looking for a finish and dominated Liston.

Then Liston shocked the world when he didn't come out for the seventh round to continue the fight; he later claimed to have injured his shoulder. It is widely accepted that Liston knew he was beaten and gave up, but knew he had to give a legitimate reason for the rematch clause in the their contract to hold, ensuring a second fight and a chance for redemption. Clay overcame all odds to become heavyweight champion of the world.