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professordp · 11-06-2009, 11:27 AM

St. Louis Sentinel
February 11, 1958

Liston Wins Parole!

By Billy McKeever

Former heavyweight contender Charles "Sonny" Liston won what could be the biggest fight thus far of his boxing career when the state parole board granted his request for parole.

For more than a year, Liston had been incarcerated in the Missouri State Penitentiary after being sentenced to a five year prison term for assaulting a law officer.

Last month, the state supreme court revisited Liston's sentence and directred the state to give him a parole hearing.

Prior to his conviction, Liston appeared to be on track to a shot at the world heavyweight title. Cus D'Amato, manager of then champion Floyd Patterson, unsuccessfully petitioned that the Universal Boxing Organization ban Liston for life on the gounds of moral turpitude.

While it is generally expected that Liston will resume his boxing career, he could face several roadblocks. The details of his parole have yet to be released, and his ability to travel could be restricted to Missouri. If that is the case, it is unclear whether the state would issue him a license to box given his criminal backgound.

The parole board's decision has created a major buzz in the boxing world. Current champion Rocky Marciano has yet to announce his next opponent. There is general consensus that he'll meet Floyd Patterson in a rematch, but in recent weeks there has been increasing talk about veteran Bob Baker as an alternative opponent.

A possible title shot for Liston would be somewhat down the road, assuming he clears away some of the initial roadblocks. Under UBO rules, titleholders can only defend gainst those ranked in the top five in their division.

It's questionable whether Liston could work his way into the heavyweight division's inner circle in less than a year.
He's seen as a the division's hardest puncher, and insiders say that few if any top ranked heavyweights would be willing to jeopardize their standing to fight him.

Below: Heavyweight boxer Charles "Sonny" Liston prior to the decision of the Missouri Parole Board.

11-06-2009, 11:27 AM	#584 (permalink)
professordp All Star Starter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,664 Thanks: 84 Thanked 246x in 145 posts	The Other Shoe!!!! *St. Louis Sentinel* February 11, 1958 Liston Wins Parole! By Billy McKeever Former heavyweight contender Charles "Sonny" Liston won what could be the biggest fight thus far of his boxing career when the state parole board granted his request for parole. For more than a year, Liston had been incarcerated in the Missouri State Penitentiary after being sentenced to a five year prison term for assaulting a law officer. Last month, the state supreme court revisited Liston's sentence and directred the state to give him a parole hearing. Prior to his conviction, Liston appeared to be on track to a shot at the world heavyweight title. Cus D'Amato, manager of then champion Floyd Patterson, unsuccessfully petitioned that the Universal Boxing Organization ban Liston for life on the gounds of moral turpitude. While it is generally expected that Liston will resume his boxing career, he could face several roadblocks. The details of his parole have yet to be released, and his ability to travel could be restricted to Missouri. If that is the case, it is unclear whether the state would issue him a license to box given his criminal backgound. The parole board's decision has created a major buzz in the boxing world. Current champion Rocky Marciano has yet to announce his next opponent. There is general consensus that he'll meet Floyd Patterson in a rematch, but in recent weeks there has been increasing talk about veteran Bob Baker as an alternative opponent. A possible title shot for Liston would be somewhat down the road, assuming he clears away some of the initial roadblocks. Under UBO rules, titleholders can only defend gainst those ranked in the top five in their division. It's questionable whether Liston could work his way into the heavyweight division's inner circle in less than a year. He's seen as a the division's hardest puncher, and insiders say that few if any top ranked heavyweights would be willing to jeopardize their standing to fight him. Below: Heavyweight boxer Charles "Sonny" Liston prior to the decision of the Missouri Parole Board. Attached Images __________________ A Partial Eclipse of the Sonny Laszlo Papp: The Lost Years The Spice O' Life Teofilo Stevenson Pro Simulation Last edited by professordp; 11-08-2009 at 11:47 AM.