JOE FRAZIER vs SONNY LISTON
PHILADELPHIA, PA. WORLD HEAVYWEIGTH CHAMPION
SAINT LOUIS, MI. FORMER WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
15 – ROUNDS – 15
TWO OF THE GREATEST PUNCHERS IN HEAVYWEIGHT HISTORY
ON A WINTER’S night at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Joe Frazier, world champion as recognised by the New York State Athletic Commission, defended his title against Oscar Bonavena. It was his second win over the Argentine, having beaten him over 10 rounds two years previously. In a heavyweight landscape without Muhammad Ali, Frazier was on his way to proving himself the best in the division.
Meanwhile, just over 100 miles away in Baltimore, Maryland, there was another heavyweight in action. His win, by second round knockout, over Amos “Big Train” Lincoln, was the 11th straight stoppage win of his comeback. The heavyweight on the comeback trail was Sonny Liston.
When asked about the possibility of fighting the winner of the Frazier-Bonavena fight happening that same evening, Liston
