BoxRec

Having resurrected a previous interest in Liston I had cause to once again watch on youtube his fight with Leotis Martin.

The camera position is excellent for the knockout - you could almost feel the power when it landed and the shuddering impact of the blow.
What I forgot however was how long Liston was out cold with not a medic in sight to administer any aid. While Howard Cosell was climbing into the ring and interviewing Martin, Liston was still flat out on his back with a trainer wiping the blood off his cut. As the interview was coming to a close ( Martin was incoherent, I couldn't make out a word said) someone from Liston's corner was trying to revive him with smelling salts!!!Liston was still on his back unconscious with no one other than his corner showing any interest.
Liston for all intents and purpose was not a good human being. He'd bullied a few down through the years including some of his own team, and sexually assaulted several women including his bodyguards wife. But, I couldn't help but feel a little sad, in boxing terms, seeing a former champion and formidable heavyweight lying on the deck like that.

Boxing was very basic up until 1991 when Michael Watson nearly died in the ring.

It was only then that paramedics were made mandatory at all pro events.

Up until that time, if you were knocked out, you took ya chances.

Best up till then was a local doc with a pen light to shine in ya eyes !