Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston 1 & 2 was one of the greatest heavyweight rivalries in boxing history. That said, here are five facts you need to know about their first fight and rematch.
The pair first clashed on February 25, 1964. At that time, Ali didn't change his name as he still used his birth name Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. Before their rematch on May 25, 1965, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali.
Sonny Liston was coming off demolishing former champion Floyd Patterson via a first-round KO. Furthermore, he was considered one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the world. Thus, Ali was going into their first fight as the underdog.
Ali knocked Liston out in the first round of their rematch and stood next to him yelling - "Get up and fight, sucker!" The moment was captured by ringside photographer Neil Leifer in what would become the most iconic photo in boxing history.
Ali also used to go by the moniker "Louisville Lip" during his fights against Sonny Liston.
Ali became the champion for the first time in his career at the age of 22 after defeating Liston in their first fight, claiming the WBA, WBC, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles.