Muhammad Ali flattens Cleveland Williams: Neil Leifer's best photograph

When I was in college there was no TV available and I don't even know if these fights were on TV at that time. I listened to the Ali (Cassius then) bouts on my radio with buddies. The only visual connection we had was the next days paper or SI magazine the next week. I remember both of Neil Leifer's famous photos very well.

Thanks for remembering this photographer.
 
What a great shot! ...on so many levels.

I don't think I've ever seen this one. Love the square framing and symmetry: tables, seating, people; the shadows of Ali and the Ref against the canvas. The balanced prone position of Williams. Wow!

I remember watching Ali on ABC's Wide World of Sports (televised Saturday afternoon's in USA). Great memories of an amazing fighter, athlete, and person.
 
I have to agree with Leifer -- it's a marvel of composition, and dramatic. (How did he possibly know what it would look like from directly above? He was lucky -- but as the article points out, he was a fanatic for preparation; he knew exactly what the framing would look like, and "the harder you work, the luckier you get," as the saying goes.)

The Liston picture was of course perfectly timed. Watching the movie reel of the moment, Ali swung his right arm across his chest in a really quick move -- Leifer nailed the peak moment.
 
Did not realize there were wireless remotes for pro cameras back then (and with quite a range, it seems). I wonder if the drone he used was gasoline powered or diesel.
 
I'm sure it was broadcast.
BTW, I was a kid in Europe when
the Clay/Listin(?) title was the
first time before he became Ali,
I think right after the fight.
Anyway, the broadcast was the
first trans atlantic one everl
 
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