61 years ago
Sonny Liston vs Floyd Patterson
Date: 22nd July 1963
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Title: World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: International Boxing Club
Tv: Closed circuit TV
Sonny Liston
(
34
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 215½ lbs
Floyd Patterson
(
38
-
3
-
0
)
Weight: 194½ lbs
The rematch between Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson, held on July 22, 1963, at the Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, was a highly anticipated sequel in the heavyweight boxing world. Following their first encounter, which saw Liston overpower Patterson in a first-round knockout, the stakes were high as Patterson sought redemption. At the same time, Liston aimed to solidify his dominance as the World Heavyweight Champion.
Leading up to the fight, both boxers faced challenges. The bout was initially scheduled for April 4, 1963, in Miami Beach, Florida, but had to be postponed due to Liston injuring his left knee. The match was rescheduled for June 27 in Las Vegas, Nevada, but was delayed once more when Patterson required surgery to remove a benign tumour from his hand. Finally, the fight found its footing on July 22.
Financial terms dictated by the contract from their first fight ensured that Patterson and Liston each received 30% of the gate and 20% of the closed circuit revenue. This rematch attracted widespread interest, being shown on closed-circuit TV in 143 locations across 109 cities. Despite the hype, the Las Vegas Convention Center crowd numbered 7,816, generating a gross gate of $286,190.
Liston entered the ring as a heavy favourite, with odds of 4-1 in his favour. This sentiment was echoed in a UPI poll of 64 sports writers, 51 of whom predicted Liston's victory, against 13 siding with Patterson.
The fight mirrored their first encounter, with Patterson unable to withstand Liston's overwhelming power. Patterson was floored three times, with the referee counting him out at 2:10 of the first round, making the rematch last just four seconds longer than their initial bout. This outcome was not just a repeat victory for Liston but a reaffirmation of his status as one of the most formidable heavyweight champions of his time.
A notable moment occurred shortly before the fight began when a ringside vendor exclaimed, "Last round, folks," an eerie prelude to the swift conclusion that would unfold. Like their first, this fight was over almost as soon as it began, leaving no doubts about Liston's superiority in the ring.
The aftermath of this rematch had a significant impact on boxing regulations. On August 21, 1963, the World Boxing Association (WBA) voted to suspend any member state that approved a contract with a return bout clause, citing the contract Liston was compelled to sign for his title shot against Patterson as a damaging precedent. This regulation aimed to prevent similar contractual obligations from influencing the sport's integrity.
Sonny Liston vs Floyd Patterson on YouTube
