PICTURE(S) OF THE DAY

HAPPY ANNIVERASAY. Yesterday was the 45th anniversary of the world famous Cassius Clay v. Sonny Liston heavyweight fight. Liston came in as the champ with a 35-1 record, while the upstart Clay was 19-0. Clay won when Liston did not answer the bell for the seventh round.

The rematch produced one of boxing’s biggest controversies – and that ‘s saying something for a sport like boxing which thrives on dust ups. The fight was won again by Clay after what became known as “the phantom punch” dropped Liston in the first round. Eventually, slow motion replay would show Ali/Clay connecting with a short, quick punch.

Clay/Ali did not retreat to his corner – which led to more controversy about when and how the referee (fomer boxer Jersey Joe Walcott) counted Liston out. Instead, Clay/Ali stood over Liston, and famous photographer Neil Leifer captured one of the most famous iconic photos in sports.

(Photo by John Dominis/Life Magazine and Neil Leifer)