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Sonny Liston vs Amos Johnson 19.8.1966 (Highlights)

3,126 views · Published 31 March 2017 · 1:52 · Indexed 23 September 2026

Channel: Classic Boxing Matches · 2017 · Sports

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The dethroned Sonny Liston, proves he's still a serious heavyweight threat with this 3 round demolition of Amos Johnson.  More info below...

Sonny Liston returned to the ring in 1966 following his embarrassing 1st round knockout loss to Muhammad Ali in 1965.  Liston embarked on a 4 fight tour of Sweden promoted by former World Heavyweight Champion, Ingemar Johansson.  He started well with a 7th round KO of German Heavyweight Champion, Gerhard Zech, but the 14 month hiatus from the ring had taken a slight toll with Liston struggling to land the knock out shot.  For his next fight against Amos Johnson however, Liston was far better prepared and in better shape much more fitting of his 36-3 record.

Amos "Atom" Johnson was a talented boxer who lacked the size and power to be a real standout threat in the heavyweight boxing scene.  Amos turned pro in 1959 following an amateur career record of 63-2 which included beating a young Cassius Clay. Johnson had a busy schedule during his first 2 years as a pro racking up an 8-1-1 record.  Throughout 1962 Johnson didn't compete but he made a return to the ring in late 1963.  Although Johnson lost a unanimous decision in his 2nd fight back to undefeated Billy Joiner, he was able to turn things around in his 3rd fight with a strong showing against German import, Willi Besmanoff.  Bemanoff was knocked down 3 times in round 6 earning Johnson a TKO stoppage and prompting Besmanoff to retire from the sport (for 3 years at least...)  Following a few more easy wins against local nobodies and a shocking 1st round KO loss to unheralded Chip Johnson, Amos Johnson got the opportunity to face old foe and still undefeated Billy Joiner, for the USA Ohio State Heavyweight title in 1964.  Johnson would win a hard fought split decision having to come off the canvas 3 times to do so.  Johnson traveled to Germany at the end of 1964 and challenged European Heavyweight Champion, Karl Mildenberger, putting up a spirited effort that resulted in a draw.  In 1965 Johnson traveled to the United Kingdom and earned the biggest win of his career when he outpointed BBBofC British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, Henry Cooper, over 10 rounds.  Amos returned to the UK in 1966 to face former World title challenger Brian London, but was disqualified after 7 rounds for repeated use of his head in unsportsmanlike like fashion.  Johnson entered the fight with Liston holding a still respectable 22-4-2 record.

Liston took his time in this fight and stalked his opponent around the ring in classic Liston fashion.  He used his superior reach to keep Johnson at a distance but pounced when he had him against the ropes.  In round 2 both Liston and Johnson threw haymaker lefts at each other however only Liston's was able to find the mark and Johnson dropped to all fours for the first knockdown.  Johnson took a full 8 count before rising but was granted an extra 11 seconds to recover when the referee decided he needed his forehead wiped off before he could continue!  Liston tried to end it immediately once fighting was allowed to resume with a quick straight right but Johnson was able to duck under it and tie Liston up.  If Johnson was hoping he would be safe on the inside against Liston he was sorely mistaken as a hard left right combo put him down again just a short time later dropping him face first this time.  Johnson once again took an 8 count before rising and survived the rest of the round.  In round 3 Liston picked up the work rate and although he looked a bit sloppy in doing so, he eventually finished Johnson off with a big left uppercut as Johnson was trying to get off the ropes.  Johnson struggled back to his feet but he was a second too slow and counted out.  

Liston still had 2 more fights left during his tour of Sweden and he would not disappoint, proving to the world he was still a dangerous contender.  Amos Johnson's career went downhill fast following his loss to Liston.  Before 1966 was out Johnson would also suffer losses to Oscar Bonavena and Leotis Martin.  Following his 6th loss in a row, Johnson initially retired from the sport in 1968 only to make a short lived return in 1973 for a final 3 fights.  Johnson retired for good in 1974 following a split decision loss to Danny Lee, who held a measly 5-4-1 record.  Johnson's final professional record stood at 24-10-2 and is just another example of a great amateur who failed to make it as a pro.

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