Birth Name: Charles L. Liston
Nickname: “Sonny”
Birthplace: St. Francis County, Arkansas, USA
Weight Class: Heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Record: 50 – 4 (39 KOs)
Years Active: 1953 – 1970

Biography

Sonny Liston was the embodiment of intimidation — a cold, destructive force who dominated the late 1950s and early 1960s. After overcoming a turbulent past, he captured the World Heavyweight Title in 1962 by crushing Floyd Patterson in the first round, then repeated the feat in their rematch.

Liston’s long jab, crushing hook, and physical presence made him nearly unbeatable until his 1964 loss to Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), which ushered in a new era. Despite his mysterious decline and tragic death, Liston’s aura and menace remain unmatched.

Sonny Liston in the Hobby

Liston’s cards coincide with boxing’s shift into full-color, television-era production — his early Panini and Topps issues are cornerstones of 1960s collecting.

Rookie & Early Issues

1960 – Hemmet Journal (Sweden): Widely accepted as Liston’s true rookie card, issued as he rose to contender status.
1965 – Panini Campioni dello Sport (Italy): First Panini appearance, depicting Liston as former champion.
1966 – Panini Campioni dello Sport Series 2 (Italy): Follow-up portrait edition, scarce in high grade.
1979 – Panini SuperSport Retrospective (Italy): Posthumous tribute card, honoring his career.

Registry Metadata

Earliest Issue: 1960 Hemmets Journal (Sweden)
Rookie Year: 1960
First Mainstream U.S. Card: Topps did not produce a dedicated Liston card during his prime; Panini issues remain the accepted standard.
Key Sets: 1960 Hemmets Journal, 1965–66 Panini Campioni dello Sport
Grading Rarity: Hemmets PSA pop ≈ 30; PSA 8–9 examples exceptionally scarce
Recent Notable Sales: 1960 Hemmets Journal (PSA 8) — $4,800 (2024)

Legacy

Sonny Liston’s reign was brief but seismic. His image — stone-faced, gloved fists hanging low — remains one of boxing’s most iconic visuals.

For collectors, the 1960 Hemmets Journal rookie stands as the definitive artifact of boxing’s pre-Ali transition — raw power frozen in print.