By Tom Donelson / Author, Member Boxing Writers Association of America / Contributor to dmboxing.com since 2008

Showtime special on Sonny Liston, Pariah: The Lives and Deaths of Sonny Liston, reveals the various controversy and conspiracy theories surrounding Liston career and death.  Liston, like Joe Frazier, George Foreman and even Larry Holmes were overshadowed by Muhammad Ali and his talent has often been ignored and never truly appreciated.   He was not just a powerful puncher or brawler, but he had good boxing skills to go with that awesome power. 

The problem with Liston is that the truth about his life often overshadowed his skills in the boxing ring and often led to various conspiracy stories.  There is no doubt of his connection to organized crime and his rise to prominence occurred during the time in which Mob controlled boxing and he did work for the mob as an enforcer outside the ring.

During the 50’s, mob control of the boxing became part of congressional investigation and Liston connection to the mob became part of the hearing.  This did two things.  It first delayed his shot at a title as Cus D’Amato had a good reason to keep Liston from fighting Patterson despite Liston defeating top contenders. The second thing is that reinforce Liston as a villain.

As the 1950’s ended and the 60’s begin, the Civil Rights movement was in full swing, challenging the racism existed and the documentary made it clear that many in the Civil Rights movement didn’t want Liston as a representative of their movement, a man perceived as a thug by much of American. Floyd Patterson was the polite gentleman who many viewed as a role model plus he was the heavyweight champion.