"A Rueful Dream Come True" (continued)

"A Rueful Dream Come True" (continued)

Sonny Liston before fighting Cassius Clay

The picture to the right is of Charles L. “Sonny” Liston, who won the heavyweight championship in 1962 from Floyd Patterson. However, in 1964, he lost his title to Cassius Clay in a fight that rocked the boxing world. Liston dominated, with his extreme punching power and intimidating appearance. The deliberate decision to include a picture of a formidable boxer laughing at his opponent with tears in his eyes, contrasted with the knowledge of the outcome of the fight, further defines Clay’s masculinity and athletic prowess. Clay dared to talk a big game and delivered, proving that he was the king in the ring.

Toni Cuevas

Sports Illustrated

Time Inc.

November 18, 1963

Huston Horn