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The fascinating life story of Sonny Liston, the controversial heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

The story of World heavyweight champion boxer Charles L. "Sonny" Liston, who was knocked down 2 minutes into a championship fight by a seemingly harmless right hook from Muhammad Ali. It would forever be known as the "Phantom Punch". Liston later died under mysterious circumstances.—Anonymous

From a Missouri jail cell to the heights of the world heavyweight boxing championship, Phantom Punch traces the turbulent life of Sonny Liston, chronicling his ties to the mob, run ins with the law, and the circumstances surrounding his mysterious death.—Nadia Sandhu

"Before Tyson, There was Liston" www.phantompunchmovie.com

Sonny Liston, the controversial former world heavyweight boxing champion is brought back to vivid life by actor Ving Rhames in the Robert Townsend directed biopic Phantom Punch.

From his discovery by a priest while serving time at the Missouri State Penitentiary to the infamous Phantom Punch by Cassius Clay which effectively ended his career, the movie spans the years from 1950 to his mysterious and untimely death in 1971. His run ins with racism, the mob and the law are all examined, as are his personal relationships with his wife and lover, as the film shares his triumphant and tragic story.

From the lows of poverty and jail to the heights of a world championship, Phantom Punch provides audiences with a compelling portrait of the man behind the headlines.