Sonny Liston

American boxer (c. 1930–1970) This article needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: "Sonny Liston" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (November 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Sonny ListonListon in 1962Personal informationNicknameThe Big BearBornCharles L. Listonc. 1930Sand Slough, Arkansas, U.S.DiedDecember 30, 1970 (aged c. 40)Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)WeightHeavyweightBoxing careerReach84 in (213 cm)StanceOrthodoxBoxing recordTotal fights54Wins50Win by KO39Losses4 Medal record Men's amateur boxing Chicago Golden Gloves Chicago 1953 Heavyweight Intercity Golden Gloves Chicago 1953 Light-heavyweight Charles L. "Sonny" Liston (c. 1930 – December 30, 1970), nicknamed "the Big Bear", was an American professional boxer who competed from 1953 until his death in 1970. A dominant contender of his era, he became the undisputed 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 becam