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The Ville, Northside, Riverview
Sonny Liston
4708a Labadie Avenue
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Charles "Sonny" Liston (1932–1970) was a World Heavyweight Champion and an Arkansas native who moved to St. Louis as a child. At age 18, he was arrested for robbing a service station and imprisoned at the Missouri State Penitentiary, where he learned to box. Upon his release, he was placed in the custody of Frank Mitchell, owner of the St. Louis Argus, who lived on Labadie Avenue.
Liston won the 1952 Golden Gloves title and soon turned professional. However, his boxing career was often overshadowed by a growing police record and alleged ties to organized crime, which made it difficult for him to secure fights.
In 1962 and 1963, Liston famously defeated Floyd Patterson twice to become the World Heavyweight Champion. He later lost the title to Muhammad Ali in two controversial bouts.
Liston died in 1970 in Las Vegas of a reported drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy as one of boxing’s most complex and enigmatic figures.
SOURCE: The historical information presented on this page is adapted with permission from Discovering African American St. Louis: A Guide to Historic Sites by Dr. John A. Wright, Sr. We are honored to share his invaluable research and historical insights, made available through the generous consent of Dr. Wright and the Missouri Historical Society Press. Their dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Black St. Louis is a gift to our community—a testament to those who came before us and a guide for those who walk the path forward.
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4708a Labadie Avenue
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