Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston: A Young Cassius Clay Shocks the World in 1964

Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston 25 February 1964 At just 22 years old, the man still known as Cassius Clay stepped into the ring with the fearsome Sonny Liston for the World Heavyweight Championship. Few gave the brash young challenger much of a chance, but Clay’s speed, movement and confidence proved too much. After six rounds, a battered and frustrated Liston remained on his stool and Clay had shocked the world. At 22 years, 1 month and 8 days old, Ali became one of the youngest heavyweight champions in history. More than 60 years later, he still sits 3rd on the list: Mike Tyson — 20 years, 4 months Floyd Patterson — 21 years, 10 months Muhammad Ali — 22 years, 1 month Tonight, has the chance to knock Ali down to 4th.