Neil Leifer’s Legendary Shot: Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston (1965)
Few photographs in sports history capture the raw power and emotion of athletic competition quite like Neil Leifer’s image of Muhammad Ali towering over a defeated Sonny Liston during their rematch on May 25, 1965. This iconic shot has transcended boxing, becoming a symbol of determination, dominance, and confidence.
In this blog, we’ll explore Neil Leifer’s life, the story behind this unforgettable photograph, its cultural impact, and how it immortalized one of the greatest moments in sports history.
Who Is Neil Leifer?
Neil Leifer was born on December 28, 1942, in New York City. Leifer’s passion for photography began at a young age, and by his teens, he was already capturing sports events with a borrowed camera.
Leifer’s career took off when he began working for Sports Illustrated, where his ability to capture decisive moments in sports history made him one of the most celebrated photographers of his time. His portfolio includes iconic images of legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Namath, and Pelé.
The Story Behind the Photograph
The rematch between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston took place in Lewiston, Maine, in 1965. Ali, who had controversially won their first fight in 1964, was defending his heavyweight title.
The fight ended just 1 minute and 44 seconds into the first round, when Ali landed a powerful right hand, famously referred to as the "Phantom Punch." While controversy surrounds whether the punch was strong enough to knock Liston out, the moment when Ali stood over Liston, shouting at him to “get up,” became the defining image of the fight.
Neil Leifer was in the perfect position to capture this historic moment. Positioned ringside, Leifer instinctively shot the now-iconic image with a Hasselblad camera, which delivered unparalleled sharpness and detail. His photo captures Ali’s intensity, Liston’s defeat, and the crowd’s stunned reaction—all frozen in time.
The Camera and Technique
Leifer used a Hasselblad 500C with an 80mm lens and Kodak Ektachrome color film. This medium-format camera was known for its precision and image quality, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced action in vivid detail.
Leifer’s keen eye and impeccable timing resulted in a perfectly composed shot, with Ali’s towering figure at the center of the frame, exuding dominance.
The Cultural Impact
This photograph became much more than a snapshot of a boxing match—it symbolized Muhammad Ali’s greatness, his defiance, and his larger-than-life personality. Ali was not just an athlete; he was a cultural icon, a civil rights advocate, and a global ambassador for the sport of boxing.
The image has been reproduced countless times, appearing on magazine covers, posters, and even as a centerpiece in art galleries. For many, it represents the epitome of sports photography and storytelling.
Neil Leifer’s Legacy
Neil Leifer went on to have a prolific career, photographing 17 Olympic Games, 15 Kentucky Derbies, and countless Super Bowls. His work has appeared on over 200 Sports Illustrated covers, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest sports photographers of all time.
Leifer’s ability to anticipate and capture moments of peak emotion has left an indelible mark on photography and sports journalism. His 1965 image of Muhammad Ali remains his most famous work.
Muhammad Ali and Neil Leifer
Years later, Muhammad Ali and Leifer hold the iconic Ali-Liston photograph from 1965. Photo from Relentless: The Stories behind the Photographs, by Neil Leifer with Diane K. Shah (University of Texas Press, 2016)
Courtesy of Neil Leifer
Why This Photo Still Matters
Neil Leifer’s photograph of Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston endures as a symbol of confidence, resilience, and triumph. It immortalized one of the most memorable moments in sports history while showcasing the power of photography to transcend the event itself and become part of cultural memory.
For both Ali and Leifer, this moment represented the pinnacle of their respective careers.
