Sonny Liston vs. Billy Joiner (1st meeting)

Sonny Liston 222 lbs beat Billy Joiner 190 lbs by RTD in round 7 of 10

• Date: 1968-05-23
• Location: Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, USA
• Referee: John Thomas

"He's not the big bear that smashed Patterson twice, but Sonny Liston, 222, still has enough growl to handle many of the younger heavyweights. Making his first appearance in a California ring Liston wore down Billy Joiner, 189. Sonny was declared the winner when Joiner retired in his corner after seven rounds. The massive-shouldered former champ dumped Joiner in the 3rd for a brief count. From that point on, Sonny was content to get in a good workout while Joiner was glad to last until the 7th. Liston said he needed the work. Joiner and his handler, George Gainford, admitted that the overweight Liston still had plenty of fight in him." -Ring Magazine, September 1968 issue

• Attendance - 9,750
• Gate - $48,653