In the spring of 1965, the world of boxing<\/strong> was buzzing with anticipation. Muhammad Ali<\/strong> was preparing to defend his title for the first time against the formidable Sonny Liston<\/strong>. This showdown held even more significance, as Ali had defeated Liston to capture the WBC belt in an unexpected upset just over a year earlier in Miami. The rematch was set to take place in the small town of Lewiston<\/strong>, Maine, on May 25, 1965<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Sports Illustrated decided to send two photographers to capture this monumental event: the seasoned Herb Scharfman<\/strong>, who positioned himself by the referee’s table, and a young 22-year-old Neil Leifer<\/strong>, who took a spot on the opposite side of the ring. As the fight unfolded, both photographers were eager to document the action and drama that awaited in the ring.<\/p>\n Reflecting on their first encounter, Liston had controversially quit in the sixth round, citing a shoulder injury. Ali himself questioned whether Liston was genuinely hurt, pondering this in his autobiography, "The Greatest." Ali had been renowned for his brash trash-talking leading up to the fight, and it was now time for him to prove his mettle in the ring once again. The rematch saw Liston determined to reclaim his title, but Ali was ready to showcase his skill.<\/p>\n The match began with Liston attempting a series of jabs while Ali danced around him. Then, out of nowhere, Ali landed a right hook that seemed somewhat tame, yet Liston collapsed to the canvas<\/strong>. This incident initiated the now-infamous term, the "phantom punch." <\/p>\n As Liston lay on the ground, Ali raised his fists and shouted, \u201cGet up and fight, sucka!\u201d The referee, Jersey Joe Walcott<\/strong>, had to push Ali away to ensure order while Liston struggled to regain his footing. By the time the match resumed, about 25 seconds had passed since the punch. Unfortunately for Liston, even the extra time didn’t help his situation. Walcott ultimately called an end to the fight at the end of the first round, and Ali had secured his victory once again.<\/p>\n One major question emerged from the aftermath of the fight: Did Ali’s punch even land effectively? Many spectators were puzzled, and even some analysts speculated whether the punch had truly connected. Ali himself addressed this in his book, stating he did not want any ambiguity about the nature of the fight and the legitimacy of his victory. <\/p>\n His coach, Angelo Dundee<\/strong>, remarked that Ali’s speed was unparalleled; he was hitting so quickly that the cameras couldn\u2019t capture the moment effectively. The quickness and precision of Ali’s punches made it almost impossible for Liston to see what was coming next.<\/p>\n One of the most iconic images in sports history emerged from this match: Ali standing triumphantly over a defeated Liston, with a raised fist. Leifer had two nearly identical shots\u2014the black-and-white version captured by John Rooney<\/strong> and his own colorful capture for Sports Illustrated. <\/p>\n Leifer recalled using a Rollei camera loaded with Ektachrome 64 film, which allowed for vibrant colors, but it also posed a challenge. He had to wait three seconds<\/strong> for the flash to recharge after each shot, allowing only one opportunity to capture the critical moment after the "phantom punch."<\/p>\n Despite this being a challenging situation, Leifer’s positioning and timing were serendipitous. Following the event, Rooney’s black-and-white shot received wide distribution, overshadowing Leifer’s color photograph, which Leifer thought was better suited to express the fight’s drama.<\/p>\n After the match, Rooney\u2019s photograph won the World Press Photo Award<\/strong> for the Year\u2019s Best Sports Image. While Leifer’s photograph initially wasn\u2019t deemed worthy of even the cover of Sports Illustrated, its recognition grew over time, coinciding with Ali’s increasing fame and legacy. <\/p>\n In 1999, Sports Illustrated published a special edition featuring the best sports images of the century, and Leifer\u2019s iconic capture of Ali dominated the cover. Leifer expressed immense pride in being recognized for what he believed to be a moment that told the entire story of the legendary fight.<\/p>\n Over six decades later, the Ali vs. Liston bout remains one of history\u2019s most talked-about moments. The phantom punch<\/strong>, debates surrounding its legitimacy, and the iconic photographs associated with the fight continue to capture the imagination of boxing fans and historians alike. The events of that night solidified Ali’s legacy in the sport and the eternal essence of sporting drama. <\/p>\n As one looks back at this historic matchup, it’s evident that boxing is not just about physical prowess but also about the narratives that unfold within and outside the ring. This legendary encounter continues to inspire and provoke discussions, evidencing the timeless nature of sports and its profound impact on culture.<\/p>\nThe Phantom Punch<\/h2>\n
Did It Even Land?<\/h2>\n
Capturing History<\/h2>\n
Legacy and Recognition<\/h2>\n