Phantom Punch (2008)

The fascinating life story of Sonny Liston, the controversial heavyweight boxing champion of the world.

Director:

Robert Townsend

Writers:

Ryan Combs, Rob Steen (book)

Stars:

Ving Rhames, Stacey Dash, Nicholas Turturro

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ving Rhames	...	Sonny Liston
Stacey Dash	...	Geraldine Liston
Nicholas Turturro	...	Ceasar Novak
Bridgette Wilson-Sampras	...	Farah
David Proval	...	Savino
Rick Roberts	...	Father Alios
Alan Van Sprang	...	Nico Orso
Egidio Tari	...	Bobby Zazo
Andrew Hinkson	...	Muhammad Ali / Cassius Clay
Troy Amos-Ross	...	Floyd Patterson
Brian Paul	...	Police Chief Greensburg
Gord Rand	...	Bill Macky
Phillip Jarrett	...	Bishop Knight
Brian Frank	...	Officer Mellow
Philip Williams	...	St. Louis Cop

Storyline

The story of World heavyweight champion boxer Charles L. "Sonny" Liston, who was knocked down 2 minutes into a championship fight by a seemingly harmless right hook from Muhammad Ali. It would forever be known as the "Phantom Punch". Liston later died under mysterious circumstances.

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Plot Keywords:

boxing | heavyweight champion | boxer | thrown fight | 1950s | 

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Taglines:

"Before Tyson, there was Liston".

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive language, sexual content and some violence involving a sexual assault

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

El gancho fantasma

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Access Motion Pictures, Byron A. Martin Productions, MP Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally, the theme song to the film was titled 'No Love in the Game' and was produced, wrote and performed by Cleveland rapper turned director Boogieman (Kenny Latimer).

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Soundtracks

"If You Want My Love"
Music by Stacey Hersh
Lyrics by Robert Townsend

User Reviews

Phantom Punch

Phantom Punch is directed by Robert Townsend and written by Ryan Combs. It traces the life and times of Sonny Liston, the World heavyweight boxing champion who over his career fought the likes of Muhammad Ali and Floyd Patterson. Townsend biopic traces Liston's career from 1950 to his death in 1971.

Ving Rhames, is perfectly cast as Charles L 'Sonny' Liston. Rhames gives a stellar performance depicting the boxer's tumultuous life, where dealing with the rampant racism of the day, the heavy hand of the mob, and the heavier hand of the law was part and parcel of the job. And touches on the controversy surrounding his mysterious death.