Phantom Punch,does this need explaining?

Question

Just what is meant by the strange knockdown of Sonny Liston when people refer the punch as the 'phantom'punch,Ive read all the explanations including Ali's and what Joe louis thought of it,and I believe it needs putting to rest as many people,including myself,may continue to think the 2 Liston fights were fixed.I believe the murderous nation of Islam were behind the 2 fights and even Listons strange death.what do you think of this over 40yr old issue?

Answer 1

Liston quit in the first fight, he was the big betting favorite again in the second fight.

He wasn't hurt by the punch and said he lost his balance.

His connections to criminals made many think he took a dive so they could win their bets.

His death is also a strange end to his life.

No one thought the black muslims were behind it, but they thought the mob was.

It is like the JFK assassination no one will ever know for sure.

Answer 2

My grandfather saw this fight live and i have watched replays of this fight.one mistake alot of people make is they don't understand how big Ali was he was 6'3" and 220 Lbs.Liston was a short fighter who other than patterson who he beat to become champ didn't fight anyone.rocky had retired there was no one to fight.If you watch the punch the punch hits him square in the face.you can see listons head fly backwords.liston never saw the punch coming and then watch the rest of the fight liston tried to get up.they almost continued the fight.they only stoped it when the the guy doing the count on the outside of the ring said that liston was down 10 seconds.if liston was trying to fix the fight don't you think he would have stayed down the whole time.I am a fighter and this is a real punch.it was just great timing and for your information liston died from a drug overdose.

Answer 3

I agree. Ali never made contact with that punch. Even Ali couldn't keep a straight face while trying to explain it in the movie 'When We Were Kings'.

Answer 4

I've often thought the same myself,the fight shows Sonny actually making some sort of decision as t whether to fall or not,it looks to me like he and Walcott the ref didn't know what to do as he (Liston)got up to quick.Joe Louis was at the ring side and made the comment that the punch couldn't have knocked anyone down,let alone out for the count!Ive seen Ali's interview about this and he appears embarrassed,unable to look at the camera.The other fight was just as odd,crying in the corner because of shoulder injury???Yes Adam,he died of an apparent heroin overdose,but read the whole story and you'll find no previous habit with heroin whatsoever.The whole lot is very odd!