Featured Exhibit
A plastic keychain with a black and white image of Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston during their rematch fight.
Donated by Butch Zurbriggen in 2023.
Today's Speculation
The rematch between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston remains one of the most controversial and debated fights in boxing history. The strange ending, compounded by Liston's slow, awkward fall and confusion by referee Jersey Joe Walcott over the count, continue to rouse suspicion of boxing historians to this day.
Over the decades, the fight has become a symbol of the ugly side of boxing and event that still raises questions about mob influence, integrity, and the pressures facing fighters behind the scenes. Though no official "fix" was ever proven, speculation persists that Liston may have taken a dive either to pay off debts or out of fear for his life.
Outside of the negatives, the fight’s legacy is also often shared through Neil Leifer’s famous photograph of Ali standing over Liston, yelling at him to get up, has become one of the most iconic images in sports history — often interpreted as a symbol of confidence, defiance, and a new era in American culture.
Today, boxing historians continue to analyze the footage, testimonies, and context surrounding the fight. While some insist the knockout was clean and legitimate, others see it as an unsolved mystery. Regardless, the rematch remains a defining moment in the careers of both men and a lasting flashpoint in the narrative of American sports.
