Ali-Liston II, 50 years later

Ali-Liston II, 50 years later /

Ali, who was 20-0 at the time, projected a calm intensity in his dressing room before the fight.

A playful champ checked on the seemingly bashful challenger's weight.

Canadian crooner Robert Goulet famously mangled the national anthem.

Ties on press row? Red Smith (left) and Jimmy Breslin got to work.

Photographer Neil Leifer's remote captured the oddly intimate setting shortly after the bell.

Ali managed to dodge most of Liston's punches.

Knockout shot: Leifer captured Ali's fury as he yelled at Liston to get up.

Was there something fishy about the fight? The view from above.

Referee Jersey Joe Walcott struggled for control following the knockdown.

Entering the bout, Liston had never been KO'd.

As Ali held forth, future foil Howard Cosell lurked behind the TV camera.

Liston stands defeated after suffering only his third loss in 38 bouts.

Published May 22, 2015