Featured Exhibit
Sonny Liston's Death
After his second loss to Muhammad Ali in May 1965, Sonny Liston’s boxing career never fully recovered. Though he remained active in the ring, he was no longer seen as a legitimate heavyweight title contender, and he never fought for the title again. Despite his continued efforts, Liston struggled with age, declining skills, and personal issues. His exact birth date was never confirmed, but most believe he was in his mid-to-late 30s during his comeback, and it became apparent that his age was causing his skills to decline.
Outside the ring, Liston battled legal troubles, financial instability, and continued rumors of involvement in organized crime. He had longstanding ties to criminal figures and was often the subject of police surveillance. His public image, already damaged by the controversial fights with Muhammad Ali, never fully recovered.
On January 5, 1971, Liston was found dead in his Las Vegas home by his wife, Geraldine. The official cause of death was listed as heart failure, though traces of narcotics were also found in his system. This led to speculation that he may have been murdered, possibly due to unpaid debts or underworld connections. No foul play was ever officially proven, and his death remains shrouded in mystery. Sonny Liston was buried in Paradise Memorial Gardens in Las Vegas, where his gravestone reads: “A Man.”
Though his life ended in uncertainty, Liston remains a significant and tragic figure in boxing history.
