The photograph of Muhammad Ali standing triumphantly over Sonny Liston is one of the most iconic sports images ever. Taken during their rematch on May 25, 1965, the image captures Ali towering over Liston, yelling at him to “get up and fight.”
This moment came just moments after Ali landed a powerful punch that sent Liston to the canvas in the first round. The image encapsulates Ali’s dominance, charisma, and brash confidence, cementing his legacy not just as a boxer but as a cultural icon.
The 1960s were a time of social upheaval and transformation in the United States. The civil rights movement was at its height, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. advocating for racial equality and justice. Muhammad Ali, formerly Cassius Clay, had recently converted to Islam and aligned himself with the Nation of Islam.
This was a move that generated significant controversy and made him a polarizing figure. His defiance of social norms and outspoken personality made him a symbol of empowerment for the oppressed. It also made him a target for criticism from the establishment.
Neil Leifer’s photograph was first published in “Sports Illustrated” shortly after the fight. The image became instantly iconic and is still celebrated as one of the greatest sports photographs in history.
The shot’s perfect composition, with Ali standing over Liston like a victorious warrior, made it more than just a snapshot of a boxing match. It became a symbol of Ali’s unmatched confidence and determination.
The photograph may appear to depict a triumphant moment, but in reality, the young boxer—renowned for his taunts and sharp comments toward opponents—was actually shouting: “Get up, you loser! Nobody’s going to believe it! Get up!” A closer look reveals the audience and photographers frozen, their expressions neutral, merely awaiting the continuation of the match. No one anticipates a knockout.
The referee, preoccupied with positioning Ali in a corner while he taunts his opponent, neglects to start the count. By the time he notices, Liston has been down for 17 seconds instead of the standard 10. Following this still moment, the crowd begins chanting “Shit! Shit! Shit!” and then “Rigged! Rigged! Rigged!” The fight even prompted an FBI investigation.
Initially, this photo did not gain immediate acclaim. It didn’t grace the cover of Sports Illustrated but was featured on the fourth page. Although it received an honorable mention in the Encyclopedia Britannica competition, it didn’t secure a top spot. Over time, however, it achieved worldwide recognition, partly because of the fame that followed Muhammad Ali.
Neil Leifer captured the iconic image using a Rolleiflex medium-format camera. Unlike the 35mm cameras that many photographers were using at the time, the Rolleiflex allowed for larger negatives and, consequently, higher-quality images. Leifer’s choice of equipment, coupled with his strategic positioning, played a significant role in creating the sharp, perfectly composed photograph that has stood the test of time.
Photographer: Neil Leifer
Date: May 25, 1965
Location: St. Dominic’s Arena, Lewiston, Maine
The rematch between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston was already highly anticipated after Ali’s upset victory in their first fight in 1964. The fight ended in just over a minute when Ali landed what is now known as the “phantom punch”. This controversial blow many claimed didn’t seem powerful enough to knock Liston down.
Neil Leifer, a 22-year-old photographer at the time, had positioned himself on the opposite side of the ring from most other photographers. This strategic placement allowed him to capture the now-famous low-angle shot of Ali standing over Liston. The image is perfectly framed, with Ali’s clenched fist and shouting expression contrasting with Liston lying on the canvas.
The fight’s controversy added to the image’s mystique. Many spectators believed Liston had dived, either out of fear, age, or external pressures from organized crime. The debate over the legitimacy of the “phantom punch” continues to this day.
The photograph remains one of the defining images of Ali’s career and the sport of boxing. It embodies Ali’s charisma, dominance, and larger-than-life persona. Beyond sports, the image has become a cultural touchstone. It symbolizes triumph over adversity and the boldness to defy the odds.
Neil Leifer’s photo is now part of the Smithsonian Institution and has been reproduced countless times in books, posters, and galleries. For Ali, the image immortalized him not just as a champion in the ring but as a figure of empowerment and resistance who transcended sports.
Full Name: Neil Leifer
Birth: December 28, 1942, in New York City, USA
Neil Leifer began his photography career as a teenager, capturing sporting events in New York. Known for his striking compositions and ability to capture decisive moments, Leifer’s work has graced the covers of “Sports Illustrated,” “Time,” and “Life” magazines. His photograph of Ali vs. Liston remains his most famous image.
Leifer credits his success that night to being in the right place at the right time, as well as his deep understanding of the sport. He continued to photograph memorable moments in sports history and remains one of the most celebrated sports photographers of all time.