LISTON, SONNY-FLOYD PATTERSON I SIGNED CONTRACT (1962)

On September 25, 1962, at Comiskey Park in Chicago World Heavyweight Champion Floyd Patterson defended his title against number one contender Sonny Liston in a long anticipated fight. Liston had demolished the major contenders, but because of his suspected underworld ties there was reluctance to give him a title shot. The NAACP opposed it concluding if Liston won it could derail the civil rights movement. Public demand and media pressure helped create the fight. Liston entered the ring as the favorite and lived up to it shocking many former champions by stopping Patterson in the very first round. Offered here is the original contract for the fight signed by both fighters.
This is an original legal size, ten page contract which includes all the particulars about this fight. Signed on the last page by both fighters in bold ink signatures, Liston with the rare signature, "Charles Liston." The blue cover jacket has some edge wear. Pages are generally clean. 8 1/2" x 12 3/4." Extremely rare contract for Sonny Liston's ascension to the world heavyweight championship throne. From the collection of Floyd Patterson and comes with a letter of authenticity from the daughter of Floyd Patterson.