The Historic Fight: Ali vs. Liston
During an era when boxing was revered as the sport of kings, Muhammad Ali made history by knocking out Sonny Liston in under two minutes in an unconventional championship match. This fight, occurring on a Tuesday night in May 1965, resonated beyond the ring, marking Lewiston, Maine, as a place of global interest for the first time.
Local Reactions to the Match
Witnesses like Platz recalled the decisive punch, while others speculated on whether Liston, favored to win, had intentionally thrown the fight. Regardless of these debates, the excitement among Lewiston locals transformed that night into a memorable phenomenon.
Preserving Lewiston’s Legacy
To commemorate this significant moment in history, Platz and artist Hewitt sought to immortalize it in bronze. They approached Zenos Frudakis, a renowned Philadelphia sculptor, to create a ten-foot statue of Ali and rallied their community to support the initiative.
The Symbolism of the Statue
On May 31, just after the 60th anniversary of the fight, the statue will be unveiled at Bates Mill No. 5. The mill symbolizes the city’s industrial history, which once thrived in attracting thousands of French Canadians to its textile and shoe factories.
The Fight’s Impact on Lewiston
As the mills began closing in the 1950s, the city faced economic decline. Platz played an active role in redeveloping these old factories. He emphasized that Lewiston, built by immigrants, had to continue reinventing itself in the face of adversity.
A Legacy of Resistance
Ali’s journey echoed this narrative of resilience. Known for his defiance against the Vietnam War and the racial tensions of his time, he symbolized hope and strength to many. Just 17 days before the fight, the event was relocated to Lewiston, bringing attention and energy to the community.
Embracing Change
The statue’s unveiling comes at a poignant time for Lewiston, following a tragic mass shooting. Yet the community’s resilience and solidarity continue to inspire, serving as a reminder that, like Ali, they rise after every setback. As they move forward, they honor both their past and the diverse community that now thrives in Lewiston.
