LEWISTON — In 1965, Lewiston became the unlikely stage for one of the most iconic moments in sports history, the heavyweight championship boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston.
Sixty years later, on Saturday, the city will gather to commemorate the event and the characteristics of the man behind it with the unveiling of the first full-body bronze statue in the United States honoring Ali.
Ali knocked Liston down in 1 minute and 44 seconds into their bout at the Central Maine Youth Center on Birch Street, now The Colisee, with what became known as the phantom punch.
Tom Platz of Platz Associates, artist Charlie Hewitt, sculptor Zenos Frudakis and Lewiston officials will unveil the statue at 56 Main St. at 2 p.m. Organizers of the unveiling say the statue honors “courage, conviction, and the power of rising above. This tribute reminds all of what Lewiston strives for each day: strength through unity and pride in unexpected triumphs. Stand with Lewiston as we honor a legacy that still moves us today.”
The statue will become part of the city’s growing public art trail.
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