Civic leaders were also reluctant , worrying that Liston 's unsavory character would set a bad example to youth . The NAACP had urged Patterson not to fight Liston , fearing that a Liston victory would hurt the civil rights movement . Many African-Americans disdained Liston . Asked by a young white reporter why he was n't fighting for freedom in the South , Liston deadpanned , " I ai n't got no dog-proof ass . " However , in the aftermath of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing , Liston broke off a European boxing exhibition tour to return home and was quoted as saying he was " ashamed to be in America . " United States President John F. Kennedy also did not want Patterson to fight Liston . When Patterson met with the president in January 1962 , Kennedy suggested that Patterson avoid Liston , citing Justice Department concerns over Liston 's ties to organized crime
16th Street Baptist Church bombing
16th Street Baptist Church bombing
Sonny Liston