Sonny Liston Record & Stats
In a career spanning 16 years and nine months, Sonny Liston fought 54 times with 50 wins and 4 losses. By his last professional fight on June 29, 1970, Liston's boxing record stood at 50-4 (39 KO wins, 3 KO losses).
- Born
- May 8, 1932
- Died
- Dec 30, 1970 (38 years)
- Debut
- Sep 2, 1953
- Record
- 50-4
- Rounds
- 264
- KOs
- 39 (72.2%)
- Height
- 185 cm
- Reach
- 213 cm
- Ape Index
- 28 cm
- Stance
- Orthodox
- Last Fight
| WBA | WBC | TheRing |
|---|---|---|
| HV w1 d1 | HV w1 d0 | HV w1 d1 |
Featured Opponents
Sonny Liston (The Big Bear) was an American professional boxer. He was born in Sand Slough, Arkansas, U.S. on May 8, 1932. Liston made his professional boxing debut at the age of 21, on September 2, 1953. He was a heavyweight world champion. He died on December 30, 1970 at the age of 38 years. Liston is a Hall of Famer.
Fight Record
| Total Fights | 54 |
|---|---|
| Wins | 50 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No-Contests | 0 |
| KO Wins | 39 |
|---|---|
| Total Title Wins | 4 |
| Title Defenses | 1 |
| Title-Fight KO Wins | 2 |
| Losses via KO | 3 |
| # | Date | Age | Opponent | Result | Via |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | Jun 29, 1970 | 38 | Chuck Wepner | Win | RTD9 |
| 53 | Dec 6, 1969 | 37 | Leotis Martin | Loss | KO9 |
| 52 | Sep 23, 1969 | 37 | Sonny Moore | Win | KO3 |
| 51 | May 19, 1969 | 37 | George Johnson | Win | TKO7 |
| 50 | Mar 28, 1969 | 36 | Billy Joiner | Win | UD |
| 49 | Dec 10, 1968 | 36 | Amos Lincoln | Win | KO2 |
| 48 | Nov 12, 1968 | 36 | Roger Rischer | Win | KO3 |
| 47 | Nov 3, 1968 | 36 | Willis Earls | Win | KO2 |
| 46 | Oct 14, 1968 | 36 | Sonny Moore | Win | TKO3 |
| 45 | Jul 6, 1968 | 36 | Henry Clark | Win | TKO7 |
| 44 | May 23, 1968 | 36 | Billy Joiner | Win | RTD7 |
| 43 | Mar 16, 1968 | 35 | Bill McMurray | Win | TKO4 |
| 42 | Apr 28, 1967 | 34 | Elmer Rush | Win | TKO6 |
| 41 | Mar 30, 1967 | 34 | Dave Bailey | Win | KO1 |
| 40 | Aug 19, 1966 | 34 | Amos Johnson | Win | KO3 |
| 39 | Jul 1, 1966 | 34 | Gerhard Zech | Win | KO7 |
| 38 | May 25, 1965 | 33 | Muhammad Ali | Loss * | KO1 |
| 37 | Feb 25, 1964 | 31 | Cassius Clay | Loss * | RTD6 |
| 36 | Jul 22, 1963 | 31 | Floyd Patterson | Win * | KO1 |
| 35 | Sep 25, 1962 | 30 | Floyd Patterson | Win * | KO1 |
| 34 | Dec 4, 1961 | 29 | Albert Westphal | Win | KO1 |
| 33 | Mar 8, 1961 | 28 | Howard King | Win | TKO3 |
| 32 | Sep 7, 1960 | 28 | Eddie Machen | Win | UD |
| 31 | Jul 18, 1960 | 28 | Zora Folley | Win | KO3 |
| 30 | Apr 25, 1960 | 27 | Roy Harris | Win | TKO1 |
| 29 | Mar 21, 1960 | 27 | Cleveland Williams | Win | TKO2 |
| 28 | Feb 23, 1960 | 27 | Howard King | Win | RTD7 |
| 27 | Dec 9, 1959 | 27 | Willi Besmanoff | Win | RTD6 |
| 26 | Aug 5, 1959 | 27 | Niño Valdés | Win | KO3 |
| 25 | Apr 15, 1959 | 26 | Cleveland Williams | Win | TKO3 |
| 24 | Feb 18, 1959 | 26 | Mike DeJohn | Win | TKO6 |
| 23 | Nov 18, 1958 | 26 | Ernie Cab | Win | RTD7 |
| 22 | Oct 24, 1958 | 26 | Bert Whitehurst | Win | UD |
| 21 | Oct 7, 1958 | 26 | Frankie Daniels | Win | KO1 |
| 20 | Aug 6, 1958 | 26 | Wayne Bethea | Win | TKO1 |
| 19 | May 14, 1958 | 26 | Julio Mederos | Win | RTD2 |
| 18 | Apr 3, 1958 | 25 | Bert Whitehurst | Win | PTS |
| 17 | Mar 11, 1958 | 25 | Ben Wise | Win | TKO4 |
| 16 | Jan 29, 1958 | 25 | Billy Hunter | Win | TKO2 |
| 15 | Mar 6, 1956 | 23 | Marty Marshall | Win | UD |
| 14 | Dec 13, 1955 | 23 | Larry Watson | Win | TKO4 |
| 13 | Sep 13, 1955 | 23 | Johnny Gray | Win | TKO6 |
| 12 | May 25, 1955 | 23 | Calvin Butler | Win | TKO2 |
| 11 | May 5, 1955 | 22 | Emil Brtko | Win | TKO5 |
| 10 | Apr 21, 1955 | 22 | Marty Marshall | Win | TKO6 |
| 9 | Mar 1, 1955 | 22 | Neal Welch | Win | PTS |
| 8 | Sep 7, 1954 | 22 | Marty Marshall | Loss | SD |
| 7 | Aug 10, 1954 | 22 | Johnny Summerlin | Win | SD |
| 6 | Jun 29, 1954 | 22 | Johnny Summerlin | Win | UD |
| 5 | Mar 31, 1954 | 21 | Stanley Howlett | Win | PTS |
| 4 | Jan 25, 1954 | 21 | Martin Lee | Win | TKO6 |
| 3 | Nov 21, 1953 | 21 | Bennie Thomas | Win | SD |
| 2 | Sep 17, 1953 | 21 | Ponce de Leon | Win | PTS |
| 1 | Sep 2, 1953 | 21 | Don Smith | Win | TKO1 |
* World-title fight
World Titles
Liston was a heavyweight world champion. He held three world titles at the heavyweight weight division, all three of which were lineal championship wins.
| Weight Division | World Titles Held |
|---|---|
| Heavyweight | WBA, WBC, The Ring |
Statistics
Sonny Liston was 185 cm tall (6' 0.83") with a reach of 213 cm (6' 11.86"). He used to fight out of the orthodox stance and presented an ape-index of 28 cm (11.02").
Liston had a 72.2% KO rate. Of his total 39 KO wins, 25 were in the early rounds, 13 in the mid rounds, and one in the later rounds. He had eight first-round KO wins.
Career Summary
Sonny Liston's professional boxing career spanned more than 16 years — from 1953 to 1970.
Liston made his professional boxing debut against Don Smith at the age of 21 on September 2, 1953, defeating Smith via 1st round TKO. He went on to win 6 more consecutive fights after the debut, which included 1 wins via stoppage.
Liston had his first world title fight at the age of 30 on September 25, 1962 after 34 professional fights, against Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight NYSAC, WBA, and The Ring titles. He defeated Patterson via 1st round KO to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
He was a one-time undisputed heavyweight world champion, and won three world titles at heavyweight. For all the details about Liston's world title wins and defenses refer to "Sonny Liston World Titles".
Some of Liston's best fights and notable victories include wins over Hall-of-Famer Floyd Patterson, Cleveland Williams, Roy Harris, Zora Folley, Willi Besmanoff, Niño Valdés, and Eddie Machen.
Liston had a total of four losses in his professional boxing career.
His last professional fight was a non-title bout against fellow American boxer Chuck Wepner at 38 years of age, on June 29, 1970. Liston won the fight via 9th round RTD.
Career Highlights
Liston fought a total of 54 times during his professional career, which includes 4 world-title fights at the heavyweight division. He put on some very good performances in these fights. These four fights are the highlight of his career.
April 15, 1959: Sonny Liston puts on the first remarkable performance of his career, defeating Cleveland Williams via 3rd round TKO.
March 21, 1960: Sonny Liston beats Cleveland Williams via 2nd round TKO.
September 25, 1962: Liston wins his first world titles by defeating Floyd Patterson via 1st round KO. He is now the NYSAC, WBA, and The Ring heavyweight world champion.
July 22, 1963: Liston becomes the undisputed heavyweight world champion by defeating Floyd Patterson via 1st round KO. He now holds the NYSAC, WBA, The Ring, and WBC heavyweight world-champion belts.
Sonny Liston Fights
The following is a fight-by-fight progression of Liston's boxing career; all the way from his debut, to winning world-titles, to his last fight against Chuck Wepner, and all the other wins and losses of his career.
Sonny Liston vs. Chuck Wepner
Fight page: Liston vs. WepnerOn June 29, 1970, a 38-year old Sonny Liston (49-4, 38 KO) fought fellow American boxer Chuck Wepner, who was 31 years old with a record of 21-5-2. Wepner was on a two-fight win streak with 7 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 11 cms but Liston had a 17 cm reach advantage over Wepner. Coming into this fight, Wepner had five losses, three of which were via stoppage.
Liston defeated Wepner via 9th round RTD, making a successful comeback from his last loss. This was the last professional fight of his boxing career.
Sonny Liston vs. Leotis Martin
Fight page: Liston vs. MartinOn December 6, 1969, a 37-year old Sonny Liston (49-3, 38 KO) fought fellow American boxer Leotis Martin, who was 30 years old with a record of 30-5. Martin was on a four-fight win streak with 18 KO wins. Liston was the taller of the two by 1 cm and also had a 20 cm reach advantage. Coming into this fight, Martin had five losses, two of which were via stoppage.
Liston lost to Martin via 9th round KO. His 14-fight win streak comes to an end with this loss.
Sonny Liston vs. Sonny Moore II
On September 23, 1969, in their 2nd fight, a a 37-year old Sonny Liston (48-3, 37 KO) fought Sonny Moore in his 52nd professional fight. He defeated Moore via 3rd round KO. He is now on a 14-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. George Johnson
On May 19, 1969, a 37-year old Sonny Liston (47-3, 36 KO) fought George Johnson in his 51st professional fight. He defeated Johnson via 7th round TKO. He is now on a 13-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Billy Joiner II
On March 28, 1969, in their 2nd fight, a a 36-year old Sonny Liston (46-3, 36 KO) fought Billy Joiner in his 50th professional fight. He defeated Joiner via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 12-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Amos Lincoln
On December 10, 1968, a 36-year old Sonny Liston (45-3, 35 KO) fought Amos Lincoln in his 49th professional fight. He defeated Lincoln via 2nd round KO. He is now on a 11-fight winning streak, with 11 back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Roger Rischer
On November 12, 1968, a 36-year old Sonny Liston (44-3, 34 KO) fought Roger Rischer in his 48th professional fight. He defeated Rischer via 3rd round KO. He is now on a 10-fight winning streak, with 10 back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Willis Earls
On November 3, 1968, a 36-year old Sonny Liston (43-3, 33 KO) fought Willis Earls in his 47th professional fight. He defeated Earls via 2nd round KO. He is now on a nine-fight winning streak, with nine back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Sonny Moore
On October 14, 1968, a 36-year old Sonny Liston (42-3, 32 KO) fought Sonny Moore in his 46th professional fight. He defeated Moore via 3rd round TKO. He is now on a eight-fight winning streak, with eight back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Henry Clark
On July 6, 1968, a 36-year old Sonny Liston (41-3, 31 KO) fought Henry Clark in his 45th professional fight. He defeated Clark via 7th round TKO. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak, with seven back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Billy Joiner
On May 23, 1968, a 36-year old Sonny Liston (40-3, 30 KO) fought Billy Joiner in his 44th professional fight. He defeated Joiner via 7th round RTD. He is now on a six-fight winning streak, with six back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Bill McMurray
On March 16, 1968, a 35-year old Sonny Liston (39-3, 29 KO) fought Bill McMurray in his 43rd professional fight. He defeated McMurray via 4th round TKO. He is now on a five-fight winning streak, with five back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Elmer Rush
On April 28, 1967, a 34-year old Sonny Liston (38-3, 28 KO) fought Elmer Rush in his 42nd professional fight. He defeated Rush via 6th round TKO. He is now on a four-fight winning streak, with four back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Dave Bailey
On March 30, 1967, a 34-year old Sonny Liston (37-3, 27 KO) fought Dave Bailey in his 41st professional fight. He defeated Bailey via 1st round KO. He is now on a three-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Amos Johnson
On August 19, 1966, a 34-year old Sonny Liston (36-3, 26 KO) fought Amos Johnson in his 40th professional fight. He defeated Johnson via 3rd round KO. He is now on a two-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Gerhard Zech
On July 1, 1966, a 34-year old Sonny Liston (35-3, 25 KO) fought Gerhard Zech in his 39th professional fight. He defeated Zech via 7th round KO, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
Sonny Liston vs. Muhammad Ali II
Fight page: Liston vs. Ali IIOn May 25, 1965, in their 2nd fight, a 33-year old Sonny Liston (35-2, 25 KO) faced an undefeated Muhammad Ali again, who was now 23 years old with a record of 20-0. Liston was challenging Ali's NYSAC, WBC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. Liston had lost to Ali in their last fight, and was the taller of the two by 6 cms but Liston had a 15 cm reach advantage over Ali.
Liston lost to Ali via 1st round KO. He is now on a two-fight losing streak, with two back-to-back KO losses.
Sonny Liston vs. Cassius Clay
Fight page: Liston vs. ClayOn February 25, 1964, a 31-year old Sonny Liston (35-1, 25 KO) faced an undefeated fellow American boxer Cassius Clay for the first time, who was 22 years old with a record of 19-0 in an undisputed heavyweight championship bout. Clay was on a 19-fight win streak with 15 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 6 cms but Liston had a 15 cm reach advantage over Clay.
Liston lost to Ali via 6th round RTD and lost the NYSAC, WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. His 28-fight win streak comes to an end with this loss.
Sonny Liston vs. Floyd Patterson II
Fight page: Liston vs. Patterson IIOn July 22, 1963, in their 2nd fight, which was an immediate rematch, a 31-year old Sonny Liston (34-1, 24 KO) faced Floyd Patterson again, who was now 28 years old with a record of 38-3 in an undisputed heavyweight championship bout. Patterson had lost to Liston in their last fight. Liston was the taller of the two by 2 cms and also had a 33 cm reach advantage. Coming into this fight, Patterson had three losses, two of which were via stoppage.
Liston defeated Patterson via 1st round KO to win the WBC heavyweight title and retain the NYSAC, WBA, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. He is now on a 28-fight winning streak, with four back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Floyd Patterson
Fight page: Liston vs. PattersonOn September 25, 1962, in his 35th professional fight, a 30-year old Sonny Liston (33-1, 23 KO) had his first world title fight against fellow American boxer Floyd Patterson for Patterson's NYSAC, WBA, and Ring Magazine heavyweight belts. Patterson was 27 years old with a record of 38-2. Patterson was on a three-fight win streak with 29 KO wins. Liston was the taller of the two by 2 cms and also had a 33 cm reach advantage. Coming into this fight, Patterson had two losses, one of which was via stoppage.
Liston defeated Patterson via 1st round KO to win the NYSAC, WBA, and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles. He is now on a 27-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Albert Westphal
On December 4, 1961, a 29-year old Sonny Liston (32-1, 22 KO) fought Albert Westphal in his 34th professional fight. He defeated Westphal via 1st round KO. He is now on a 26-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Howard King II
On March 8, 1961, in their 2nd fight, a a 28-year old Sonny Liston (31-1, 21 KO) fought Howard King in his 33rd professional fight. He defeated King via 3rd round TKO. He is now on a 25-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Eddie Machen
On September 7, 1960, a 28-year old Sonny Liston (30-1, 21 KO) fought Eddie Machen in his 32nd professional fight. He defeated Machen via 12th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 24-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Zora Folley
On July 18, 1960, a 28-year old Sonny Liston (29-1, 20 KO) fought Zora Folley in his 31st professional fight. He defeated Folley via 3rd round KO. He is now on a 23-fight winning streak, with nine back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Roy Harris
On April 25, 1960, a 27-year old Sonny Liston (28-1, 19 KO) fought Roy Harris in his 30th professional fight. He defeated Harris via 1st round TKO. He is now on a 22-fight winning streak, with eight back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Cleveland Williams II
Fight page: Liston vs. Williams IIOn March 21, 1960, in their 2nd fight, a a 27-year old Sonny Liston (27-1, 18 KO) fought Cleveland Williams again, who was now 26 years old with a record of 45-3. Williams was on a two-fight win streak with 37 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 3 cms but Liston had a 10 cm reach advantage over Williams. Coming into this fight, Williams had three losses, two of which were via stoppage.
Liston defeated Williams via 2nd round TKO. He is now on a 21-fight winning streak, with seven back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Howard King
On February 23, 1960, a 27-year old Sonny Liston (26-1, 17 KO) fought Howard King in his 28th professional fight. He defeated King via 7th round RTD. He is now on a 20-fight winning streak, with six back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Willi Besmanoff
On December 9, 1959, a 27-year old Sonny Liston (25-1, 16 KO) fought Willi Besmanoff in his 27th professional fight. He defeated Besmanoff via 6th round RTD. He is now on a 19-fight winning streak, with five back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Niño Valdés
On August 5, 1959, a 27-year old Sonny Liston (24-1, 15 KO) fought Niño Valdés in his 26th professional fight. He defeated Valdés via 3rd round KO. He is now on a 18-fight winning streak, with four back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Cleveland Williams
On April 15, 1959, a 26-year old Sonny Liston (23-1, 14 KO) fought fellow American boxer Cleveland Williams for the first time, who was 25 years old with a record of 43-2. Williams was on a 12-fight win streak with 35 KO wins, and was the taller of the two by 3 cms but Liston had a 10 cm reach advantage over Williams. Coming into this fight, Williams had two losses, one of which was via stoppage.
Liston defeated Williams via 3rd round TKO. He is now on a 17-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Mike DeJohn
On February 18, 1959, a 26-year old Sonny Liston (22-1, 13 KO) fought Mike DeJohn in his 24th professional fight. He defeated DeJohn via 6th round TKO. He is now on a 16-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Ernie Cab
On November 18, 1958, a 26-year old Sonny Liston (21-1, 12 KO) fought Ernie Cab in his 23rd professional fight. He defeated Cab via 7th round RTD. He is now on a 15-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Bert Whitehurst II
On October 24, 1958, in their 2nd fight, a a 26-year old Sonny Liston (20-1, 12 KO) fought Bert Whitehurst in his 22nd professional fight. He defeated Whitehurst via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a 14-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Frankie Daniels
On October 7, 1958, a 26-year old Sonny Liston (19-1, 11 KO) fought Frankie Daniels in his 21st professional fight. He defeated Daniels via 1st round KO. He is now on a 13-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Wayne Bethea
On August 6, 1958, a 26-year old Sonny Liston (18-1, 10 KO) fought Wayne Bethea in his 20th professional fight. He defeated Bethea via 1st round TKO. He is now on a 12-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Julio Mederos
On May 14, 1958, a 26-year old Sonny Liston (17-1, 9 KO) fought Julio Mederos in his 19th professional fight. He defeated Mederos via 2nd round RTD. He is now on a 11-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Bert Whitehurst
On April 3, 1958, a 25-year old Sonny Liston (16-1, 9 KO) fought Bert Whitehurst in his 18th professional fight. He defeated Whitehurst via 10th round PTS. He is now on a 10-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Ben Wise
On March 11, 1958, a 25-year old Sonny Liston (15-1, 8 KO) fought Ben Wise in his 17th professional fight. He defeated Wise via 4th round TKO. He is now on a nine-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Billy Hunter
On January 29, 1958, a 25-year old Sonny Liston (14-1, 7 KO) fought Billy Hunter in his 16th professional fight. He defeated Hunter via 2nd round TKO. He is now on a eight-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Marty Marshall III
On March 6, 1956, in their 3rd fight, a a 23-year old Sonny Liston (13-1, 7 KO) fought Marty Marshall in his 15th professional fight. He defeated Marshall via 10th round unanimous decision. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Larry Watson
On December 13, 1955, a 23-year old Sonny Liston (12-1, 6 KO) fought Larry Watson in his 14th professional fight. He defeated Watson via 4th round TKO. He is now on a six-fight winning streak, with five back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Johnny Gray
On September 13, 1955, a 23-year old Sonny Liston (11-1, 5 KO) fought Johnny Gray in his 13th professional fight. He defeated Gray via 6th round TKO. He is now on a five-fight winning streak, with four back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Calvin Butler
On May 25, 1955, a 23-year old Sonny Liston (10-1, 4 KO) fought Calvin Butler in his 12th professional fight. He defeated Butler via 2nd round TKO. He is now on a four-fight winning streak, with three back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Emil Brtko
On May 5, 1955, a 22-year old Sonny Liston (9-1, 3 KO) fought Emil Brtko in his 11th professional fight. He defeated Brtko via 5th round TKO. He is now on a three-fight winning streak, with two back-to-back KO wins.
Sonny Liston vs. Marty Marshall II
On April 21, 1955, in their 2nd fight, a a 22-year old Sonny Liston (8-1, 2 KO) fought Marty Marshall in his 10th professional fight. He defeated Marshall via 6th round TKO. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Neal Welch
On March 1, 1955, a 22-year old Sonny Liston (7-1, 2 KO) fought Neal Welch in his 9th professional fight. He defeated Welch via 8th round PTS, making a successful comeback from his last loss..
Sonny Liston vs. Marty Marshall
On September 7, 1954, a 22-year old Sonny Liston (7-0, 2 KO) fought Marty Marshall in his 8th professional fight. He lost to Marshall via 8th round split-decision.
Sonny Liston vs. Johnny Summerlin II
On August 10, 1954, in their 2nd fight, a a 22-year old Sonny Liston (6-0, 2 KO) fought Johnny Summerlin in his 7th professional fight. He defeated Summerlin via 8th round split-decision. He is now on a seven-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Johnny Summerlin
On June 29, 1954, a 22-year old Sonny Liston (5-0, 2 KO) fought Johnny Summerlin in his 6th professional fight. He defeated Summerlin via 8th round unanimous decision. He is now on a six-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Stanley Howlett
On March 31, 1954, a 21-year old Sonny Liston (4-0, 2 KO) fought Stanley Howlett in his 5th professional fight. He defeated Howlett via 6th round PTS. He is now on a five-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Martin Lee
On January 25, 1954, a 21-year old Sonny Liston (3-0, 1 KO) fought Martin Lee in his 4th professional fight. He defeated Lee via 6th round TKO. He is now on a four-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Bennie Thomas
On November 21, 1953, a 21-year old Sonny Liston (2-0, 1 KO) fought Bennie Thomas in his 3rd professional fight. He defeated Thomas via 6th round split-decision. He is now on a three-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Ponce de Leon
On September 17, 1953, a 21-year old Sonny Liston (1-0, 1 KO) fought Ponce de Leon in his 2nd professional fight. He defeated Leon via 4th round PTS. He is now on a two-fight winning streak.
Sonny Liston vs. Don Smith
On September 2, 1953, a 21-year old Sonny Liston successfully debuted against Don Smith. He defeated Smith via 1st round TKO.
FAQs
How many KOs does Sonny Liston have on his record?
Liston knocked out 39 of his 54 opponents. By his last fight, his KO ratio was at 72.2%. Of his total 50 wins, 39 of them were via KO (78%).