Cassius Clay's showdown with Sonny Liston saw him arrive on the boxing scene with more than the odd shout. But surely once that bell sounded, the huge favoruite would put the challenger in his place - and shut him up. We look back at the fight, 50 years ago...
Tuesday 25 February 2014 11:36, UK
Sonny Liston sat brooding on the press conference stage while Cassius Clay whooped his pre-fight patter.
Liston claimed a shoulder injury had forced his retirement from the fight, but few were listening. Clay leaned over the ropes and urged the assorted sports writers to "eat your words!" before repeating the phrase which would ring true through the ages, and remain just as legitimate 50 years on: "I am the greatest!"