Former heavyweight champion and boxing legend Muhammad Ali was responsible for quite possibly the most controversial and famous punch thrown in boxing history. In the clash between Ali and his fiercest rival Sonny Liston, the former shook the world after he dropped ‘The Big Bear’ in the first round in front of 4000 fans in Lewiston, Maine.

However, Ali’s performance was not the thing that would make the headlines but rather the punch he threw. Many fans and critics believe that ‘The People’s Champ’ did not land the punch cleanly or well enough to knock Liston down. Moreover, these claims only led to accusations about match-fixing that forever haunted Liston’s career and life after boxing as well.

Joe Rogan slams Sonny Liston for fixing his fight against Muhammad Ali

UFC commentator Joe Rogan was also one who was critical of Liston and suggest that he might have fixed the fight. On his podcast, he explained how Ali’s punch still haunted him due to its mysterious nature.

“You know that was the thing that always haunted me. Sonny Liston in the second fight he had with Muhammad Ali because Muhammad Ali dropped him with like this real short right hand and a lot of people call it the phantom punch and you see Liston’s head sink in like a guy will sometimes when they get KO’d,” he said.

Read More: Muhammad Ali’s Death: What Happened to Him?

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He then went on to accuse Liston of match-fixing and that he was ‘acting’ after being knocked down. Moreover, he also revealed Liston’s connections with the mafia at the time, which raised his suspicion even stronger. “The acting that went down afterwards was so ridiculous like you could tell he wasn’t really trying to get up. He was like pretending he was trying to get up. I think there was probably a bet because Liston was in deep ties with the mob and ended up being a doorman in mob-owned casinos and died on drugs.” He added.

Rogan’s suspicions are not something new, as many have claimed that the match was fixed. However, it still has never been proven and will probably remain a mystery.

What did you think about Rogan’s take on the punch? Let us know in the comments.

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