Who was Charles L. "Sonny" Liston?
Q: Who was Charles L. "Sonny" Liston?
A: Charles L. "Sonny" Liston was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight championship from 1962 to 1964.
Q: Why was Liston disliked by much of the public?
A: Liston was disliked by much of the public because of his criminal history and rumored association with organized crime characters.
Q: What crimes did Liston commit?
A: Liston served prison sentences for armed robbery and assaulting a police officer.
Q: How did Liston gain the world heavyweight title?
A: Liston gained the world heavyweight title by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round in 1962.
Q: Did Liston defend his title against Patterson?
A: Yes, Liston defeated Patterson by another first round knockout in their rematch in 1963.
Q: How did Liston lose the title?
A: Liston lost the title to Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) when he quit in his corner before the start of the seventh round in their 1964 fight. He was then knocked out in the first round during their second fight, which happened in 1965.
Q: How did Liston die?
A: Liston died from a drug overdose in 1970 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
