The rematch between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston on May 25, 1965, is one of the most controversial fights in boxing history. Held in a small venue in Lewiston, Maine, the fight was a rematch from their first bout in 1964, where Ali shocked the world by defeating Liston, the 7-1 favorite.

From the start, the rematch was filled with drama. Ali, now a household name, had become an outspoken figure, embracing his identity and converting to Islam, while Liston remained silent but menacing. The fight was initially set for Boston, but legal troubles and security concerns caused it to be moved last minute to Maine. The tiny venue was an odd choice, and it only added to the strange atmosphere surrounding the bout.

When the fight finally began, it only took a few moments for the controversy to kick in. Early in the first round, Ali landed what became known as the “Phantom Punch”—a quick, short right hand that caught Liston on the side of the head. Almost immediately, Liston fell to the canvas, rolling onto his back and trying to get up but looking dazed. Ali stood over him, shouting, famously yelling, “Get up and fight, sucker!” while the referee struggled to control the situation.

But the chaos didn’t end there. Referee Jersey Joe Walcott, a former champion himself, seemed unsure about the count. He tried to send Ali back to his corner but was visibly confused as to whether the fight should continue. Meanwhile, Liston got up, seemingly ready to fight again, but then Walcott suddenly waved the fight off, declaring Ali the winner by knockout in the first round. Fans and experts alike were stunned.

There are many theories and conspiracies surrounding this fight, some think Liston gave up, others think he was paid off by the mob to throw the fight. Throughout Liston’s career he was associated with mafia figures such as Frankie Carbo and Blinky Palermo, who managed him and had deep connections to organized crime.

While we will never know what happened exactly, it remains one of the eeriest moments in boxing history..