Top 5 best moments in boxing history

2. Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston 1

Many unique boxing moments made an impact, but Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston 1, was the launching pad of the most fantastic boxing legacy in boxing history.

There were bigger moments in boxing in terms of impact, but many of those moments proved to be negative or damaging in one form or another. For example, the 1910 “Fight of the Century” between Jack Johnson vs. James J. Jeffries got a lot of attention but showed the ugliest side of the U.S. and its lack of humanity with the race riots that followed.

Mike Tyson biting off Evander Holyfield’s ear might be one of the most shocking instances in the ring, but it is also horrifying. Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney 2 produced the long count, which is one of the most controversial situations in the ring, but it marred Tunney’s win.

Ali vs. Liston 1 made Ali into a star and elevated his status to new heights. Liston was the heavy favorite despite Ali’s Olympic gold medal background. Liston’s intimidating looks, aloof manner, and ferocious punching power made him the picture of intimidation.

Ali’s answer to Liston’s aura was to use his mouth to intimidate the champion. Ali proved to be a poet and made the phrase created by cornerman Bundini Brown “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” one of the most famous taglines in sports history.

During the fight, Ali confirmed that footwork, speed, and endurance were more important tools than raw punching power. Ali beat up Liston for most of the match before he quit in his corner after round 6.

Ali talked the talk and walked the walk. He put the world on notice that he had arrived, and he became the biggest star the sport has ever seen.