8 Muhammad Ali Opponents Who Suffered Tragic Fates

Sand Slough, Arkansas native Sonny Liston was a former world champion who is often listed among the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time. The heavy handed pugilist’s greatest achievement came in September of 1962 when he knocked out the legendary Floyd Paterson in the 1st round of their bout and became the undisputed champ.

Liston faced Ali on two separate occasions in 1962 and 63 respectively. Muhammad Ali won the first contest when Liston quit on his stool before the start of the 7th round. Ali also won the 2nd bout via 1st round KO, though many believe the second fight was fixed.

Following his controversial 2nd loss, Liston continued to fight and won 15 of his next 16 bouts. His next opponent was supposed to be Canadian champ George Chuvalo. In fact, Chuvalo had even signed the contract before he received some unsettling news. The Canadian recalled; “A day or so later a news report flashes up saying former heavyweight champion of the world Sonny Liston found dead at his Las Vegas home. I’d actually signed a contract to face a dead man.”

Sonny Liston died of what had been officially ruled a heroin overdose on December 30, 1970. However, many friends and family members publicly stated that the former champion was deathly afraid of needles.

For years after the incident, several conspiracy theories have surfaced regarding Liston’s death.

Boxing promoter Harold Conrad suggested that Liston was killed by a Vegas loan shark which he had become involved with.

One of the most popular theory’s among boxing insiders was that the mob hadn’t paid him for taking a dive in the 2nd Ali fight and Liston threatened to go public with the information and was killed as a result.

The circumstances surrounding Sonny Liston’s death remains one of boxing’s great mysteries.