LISTON, SONNY AMATEUR OFFICIAL PROGRAM (1953)

Charles "Sonny" Liston became Heavyweight Champion after destroying Floyd Patterson in one round on September 25, 1962. He defended it once before losing it to Cassius Clay in 1964. Often in trouble with the law Liston remained a figure of controversy throughout his life which mysteriously ended on December 30, 1970. Barely literate he only learned to write his name late in life (around the time he won the title). Always a difficult signature to find and the subject of many secretarial signatures done by his wife Geraldine. Presented here is an amateur program from the 1953 Golden Gloves International Bouts. Liston was the International Golden Glove Heavyweight Champ.
This Golden Gloves program is 8" x 11" and is 44 pages in length. The front and back covers are separated from the binding except for the top staple. The program is clean on the inside with the exception of some writing on 1 page and has not been scored. There is some light soiling on the front and back covers.