High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Charles L. "Sonny" Liston (May 8, 1932 (uncertain) December 30, 1970) was a professional boxer who became world heavyweight champion in 1962 by knocking out Floyd Patterson in the first round. Liston was one of the most powerful punchers and jabbers in the history of boxing. He was number 15 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.