Live radio network coverage of Cassius Clay's 6th round defeat of Champion Sonny Liston is broadcast. There are pre-fight interviews and color commentary by Howard Cosell. The outcome predictions of the fight are heard from a dozen sports columnists, all but one, predicting a Liston slaughter. They include Walter Red Smith, Mel Durslag, Charles McCabe, Lyle Smith, Frank Gibbons, Cy Burick, Hal Abrams, Shirley Povich, Murray Kempton, Jack Cutty, Jack Hand, Arthur Daly and John Carmichael.
The legend of Liston's invincibility is also expressed by former champ Joe Louis to Howard Cosell. Also, comments from heavyweight Liston opponent Marty Marshall, trainer Cus D'Amato and from Sonny Liston and Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), who states to Cosell that he will KO Liston in round eight. We hear from blow-by-blow commentator Les Keiter at ringside, along with Cosell, former heavyweight Champion Rocky Marciano and Jim Brown of the Cleveland Browns.
After the upset Clay victory, Cosell interviews Clay and Liston in the ring. Keiter interviews Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis. Howard Cosell recaps the fight; he interviews Dick Young of the Daily News and Clay's trainer Angelo Dundee.
Cassius Clay is heard live during an extended News Press Conference in its entirety from Cassius Clay's dressing room. He gets justice from the press who mostly downplayed his ability and his chances of winning this fight. Clay asks all, "Who's The Greatest?"
There is a wrap-up with Les Keiter and comments from UPI sports editor Leo Peterson. In addition, on the following day, CBS Sports With Frank Gifford is heard. Frank Gifford recounts the fight. There is a brief interview with fight physician Alexander Robbins, who stopped the fight giving Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), his first championship.
NOTE: This original direct line recording by Phil Gries is considered the most complete and the most qualitative audio version of all other extant existing versions of ABC Radio's broadcast of this championship fight.
