The Story
Ali vs. Liston II was originally scheduled for November 16, 1964, but was postponed just 3 days before the fight because Ali had to have a hernia operation. After a 6-month delay, the fight took place in a small auditorium in Lewiston, Maine.
On May 25, 1965 an audience of only 2434 people witnessed Muhammad Ali's first fight under his new name. The day after his first victory over Liston, the very day after the young phenom from Louisville had become champion of the world, Cassius Clay announced that his name would now be Muhammad Ali.
During the one round fight in Maine, Ali landed three quality punches, the last of which sent Liston to the canvas. Ali called the blow an "anchor punch." It worked.
It took Muhammad Ali only one minute and 42 seconds to retain his title. His reputation as the Greatest of All Time was marching forward.
This photograph, one of the most famous in sports history, records the moment.
