Worst "Unsolved" Boxing Death Mystery?

[smeck]

I can think of a Top Three:

1. Alexis Arguello. Political murder?

2. Arturo Gatti. Murder by purse? Suicide by purse?

3. Hurricane Carter: at this point, does even Bob Dylan think Ruben was innocent of the murder charges?

I know people generally don't care too much about boxing, but the deaths of Alexis and Arturo slipped off the news page AND the sports page pretty fast.

[Anthony342]

Arguello pretty sure it was political, we're just not sure who did it. Gatti from what we've heard it seemed pretty clear it was his wife from that Real Sports report, maybe also a male accomplice, unless she drugged him beforehand? And Carter was most likely guilty. The guy had a record for violent crime and was a known wife beater.

What about Sonny Liston's death? It was from IV drugs, even though it has been said by those who knew him that he was afraid of or didn't like needles. The prevailing theory is he pissed off the wrong mobster or drug dealer who made it look like a suicide and that his wife cleaned up the scene before calling the cops, which made it difficult to gather evidence.

[smeck]

What about Sonny Liston's death? It was from IV drugs, even though it has been said by those who knew him that he was afraid of or didn't like needles.

Yes, that's another strange case. I forgot how the Showtime documentary played it, but I don't think they bought it as an accidental overdose.

Liston wasn't that far gone that he was into such a heavy scene, and the whole circumstance of him being alone and vulnerable was too convenient. Also too many suspects nearby with motives.

I guess it helps if crimes are committed in fairly lawless parts of the world, or under the jurisdiction of the inept or the corrupt. That would explain why nobody got locked up for what happened to Alexis, Arturo and Sonny.

[OctoberRed]

I can think of a Top Three:

1. Alexis Arguello. Political murder?

2. Arturo Gatti. Murder by purse? Suicide by purse?

3. Hurricane Carter: at this point, does even Bob Dylan think Ruben was innocent of the murder charges?

I know people generally don't care too much about boxing, but the deaths of Alexis and Arturo slipped off the news page AND the sports page pretty fast.

The Gatti one is a toss-up. Way too many variables there.

[Eff Pandas]

Sonny Liston.

[Beercules]

Sonny Liston.

I don't know about his death or personal life. I've only seen clips on YouTube.



What happened ?

[Eff Pandas]

I don't know about his death or personal life. I've only seen clips on YouTube.



What happened ?

Here's a short 8 minute YT video about his life & some theories on his death.

https://********/jyh1ItMCwak

[_Rexy_]

How is Liston not even on your list?

[_Rexy_]

Arguello pretty sure it was political, we're just not sure who did it. Gatti from what we've heard it seemed pretty clear it was his wife from that Real Sports report, maybe also a male accomplice, unless she drugged him beforehand? And Carter was most likely guilty. The guy had a record for violent crime and was a known wife beater.

What about Sonny Liston's death? It was from IV drugs, even though it has been said by those who knew him that he was afraid of or didn't like needles. The prevailing theory is he pissed off the wrong mobster or drug dealer who made it look like a suicide and that his wife cleaned up the scene before calling the cops, which made it difficult to gather evidence.

The thought is that Liston was given a hot shot by his mob buddies. They wanted him to throw the fight against Wepner. Ref stopped the fight due to cuts.

Apparently Liston‘a medical checks would take hours. He didn’t just “dislike” needles. He was deathly afraid of them.

[The Old LefHook]

Liston was afraid of needles because he always ended up stoned around them.