Lewis

Neil Leifer

When it comes to Sports Photography Neil Leifer has to be in the discussion of taking one of the most iconic photos in the history of Sports. That photo was that taken of Muhammad Ali after knocking out Sonny Liston in 1965 at the St. Dominic’s arena. This fight was one of the most anticipated fights of its time and when Ali had knocked on Liston in just the first round it was a shock to the whole world. The photo that Neil Leifer captured at the end of the fight which showed Ali pounding his chest as Sonny Liston lay on the ground was a photo that would be later known as the photo that depicts this fight.

Neil Leifer was born in the year of 1942. Growing up in the great city of New York Neil had always had an interest in Sports. As a young kid he was able to get into local sporting games for free. In return he had to push handicap patrons in wheelchairs around the stadiums. With his free ticket he often found himself close up to the sports action, so he soon started to bring his camera to the games and would take photos whenever he had the opportunity too. He was fortunate and took some photos at an NFL game that happen to be the first game ever to go to overtime. He sold those photos to Sports Illustrated. By 1962 at the age of 19 he was now taking Cover Photos for the magazine company.

Neil Leifer would later on also begin to work with Time Magazine who he produced 40 covers for. Leifer has taken several of sports photos many famous sports athletes such as, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Magic Johnson, and other iconic Sports players.