My sketch of Muhammad Ali standing over a fallen Sonny Liston.
This iconic 1965 photograph is one of the most famous sports images ever captured. Taken just 104 seconds into the first round of their rematch on May 25, 1965, in Lewiston, Maine. This photo depicts Ali shouting “Get up and fight sucker!” as Liston lay stunned on the canvas.
The image, photographed by Neil Leifer for Sports Illustrated became known as the “Phantom Punch” moment. Named because the knockout punch was delivered so quickly that many in the crowd, including ringside reporters didn’t see it.
The fight’s controversial nature was fuelled by Liston’s prior mob ties, the assassination of Malcolm X just days before, plus Liston didn’t rise for the count. That lead to widespread speculation about a fixed match.
Despite initial rejection by editors, Leifer’s photo later earned recognition as the greatest sports photo of the century. It was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s “Century’s Greatest Sports Photos” issue and included in TIME’s 100 Photographs collection. The dramatic lighting, cigar smoke, and powerful composition give the image a studio-like quality, making it timeless and instantly recognisable.
Today, the photo is celebrated not just for its visual impact, but for capturing a pivotal moment at the intersection of sports, race, and politics in 1960s America.
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