This photo of an imperious Ali (then Clay) and Liston on the canvas is the perfect metaphor for football in Glasgow right now. Ali went on to set records, entertain, and become one of the world’s sporting greats. Whereas this is the best known photo Liston; flattened two minutes into a match against his then rival.
The world had already changed for both boxers before this fight, although Liston only realised it that day, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Now Clay swings with a right, what a beautiful swing!
And the punch raises the Bear clear out of the ring.
Liston is still rising, and the ref wears a frown,
For he can’t start counting till Sonny comes down.
—Muhammad Ali