The Maine city that hosted an historic boxing match featuring Muhammed Ali will be receiving a statue in honor of the boxer.
Lewiston hosted the May 25, 1965, match between Ali, who was still known then as Cassius Clay, and Sonny Liston in the second bout of the World Heavyweight Championship.
The move that Ali used to take out Liston became known as the “phantom punch,” taking Liston out within 1 minute and 42 seconds of the first round of the match.
Lewiston will be receiving a full-body bronze statue of Ali, which will be raised on May 31, according to city officials. The statue was created by Philadelphia-based artist Zenos Frudakis.
“Ali is part of our story,” community leader Tom Platz said. “This statue honors our roots — immigrant, working class, tough, and our belief that something great can come from even the most unexpected places.”
The statue will be placed at 65 Main St. at Bates Mill No. 5, according to city officials.
