Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
March is Women's History Month!

Remembering One Of Boxing's Storied Bouts

ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST:

One final note on that famous title fight between Liston and Ali. The legendary anchor punch that Mike mentioned is also known as the phantom punch. That's because many in the crowd didn't see it land and certainly didn't think that one quick punch could have dropped a man Liston's size. Even Ali seemed surprised. To this day, many wonder if the fight was fixed. After the fight, Ali headed over to broadcaster Steve Ellis and asked to see a replay.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED AUDIO)

SIEGEL: With Ellis, Ali narrated as they watched.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED AUDIO)

SIEGEL: And then came the famous anchor punch.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED AUDIO)

SIEGEL: Muhammad Ali on May 25, 1965, moments after shocking the country by knocking out Sonny "The Big Bear" Liston in the first round.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:

You're listening to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.