Sonny Liston
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Estados Unidos de América
Nació en Arkansas · Falleció en Las Vegas, Nevada
Charles L. "Sonny" Liston, nicknamed "the Big Bear," was one of the most feared and controversial heavyweight boxers in history. Born around 1930 (likely May 8, 1932, though his exact birth date remains uncertain) in rural St. Francis County, Arkansas, into a large sharecropping family, Liston endured a harsh childhood marked by poverty and abuse. He ran into trouble early, serving prison time for armed robbery and assault, where he first learned to box.Turning professional in 1953, Liston compiled an impressive record of 50 wins (39 by knockout), 4 losses, and dominated the heavyweight division with his devastating power, intimidating presence, and punching strength. His career peaked when he knocked out Floyd Patterson in the first round in 1962 to claim the world heavyweight title, defending it once before losing controversially to Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) in 1964—stopping before the seventh round—and again in a first-round knockout rematch in 1965. Despite his ring success, Liston's associations with organized crime figures and a tough, intimidating persona made him a polarizing figure in boxing. He continued fighting sporadically until 1970.
Obituario
Sonny Liston was found dead in his Las Vegas home on January 5, 1971, with his death officially dated to December 30, 1970. The Clark County coroner ruled the cause as natural, citing lung congestion and heart failure due to his hardened arteries and other health issues. He was approximately 38–40 years old. Liston was discovered days after his passing by his wife Geraldine, amid reports of a decomposing body and scattered newspapers piling up outside. Gossip and Controversy Surrounding His Death Liston's death has fueled endless speculation and conspiracy theories for decades. Though officially natural causes, trace morphine (from heroin breakdown) and fresh needle marks were found on his arm, sparking rumors of a heroin overdose—accidental or otherwise—despite his well-known fear of needles. Many believe it was no accident: persistent gossip points to a mob hit, possibly an "enforced overdose" (a forced or hotshot injection of heroin/cocaine mix) ordered by organized crime figures he had long ties to. Theories suggest punishment for refusing to throw a fight (including against Chuck Wepner, the real-life inspiration for Rocky), dealing drugs against mob rules in Las Vegas, or other debts/disagreements. Some accounts claim involvement by a jazz musician associate or even a corrupt cop hired for the job. While no hard evidence ever proved murder, the murky circumstances, his criminal connections, and the era's mob influence in boxing keep the whispers alive that Liston's end was far darker than the official record suggests.