Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, the RPA will be highlighting Arkansas’ Black Leaders, this week we are highlighting professional boxer Sonny Liston. Competing from 1953 to 1970, he was a dominant contender of his era.
He became the world heavyweight champion in 1962 after knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round, repeating the knockout the following year in defense of the title; in the latter fight he also became the inaugural WBC heavyweight champion.
Often regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, Liston was particularly known for his immense strength, formidable jab, long reach, toughness, and is widely regarded as the most intimidating man in the history of the sport.
Liston was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.
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