Title Challenge Delay
After years of being ducked Liston was indisputably the number-one contender, but the handlers of world heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson further stalled a match for the title, ostensibly because of Liston's links to organized crime. Civic leaders were also reluctant, worrying that Liston's unsavory character would set a bad example to youth, Jack Dempsey spoke for many when he was quoted as saying Sonny Liston should not be allowed to fight for the title. Liston angrily responded by questioning whether Dempsey's failure to serve in World War I qualified him to moralize. Frustrated, Liston changed his management and applied pressure through the media by remarking that Patterson (who had faced only white challengers since becoming champion) was drawing the color line against his own race.
Read more about this topic: Sonny Liston
Famous quotes containing the words title, challenge and/or delay:
“I wish not to be given a title or an appointed position. I can and will do more good if I were made a Federal Agent at Large, and I will help best by doing it my way through my communications with people of all ages. First and Foremost I am an entertainer but all I need is the Federal Credentials.”
—Elvis Presley (1935–1977)
“Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail their failure must be but a challenge to others.”
—Amelia Earhart (1897–1937)
“Face troubles from their birth, for ‘tis too late to cure
When long delay has given the evil strength.
Haste then; postpone not to the coming hour: tomorrow
He’ll be less ready who’s not ready now.”
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso)