Would a prime Sonny Liston KO the 1971 Ali who fought Frazier?

Sonny is being insanely overrated here, Any version of Ali before the Thrilla in Manilla whoops Liston just like he did in real life.

 

I agree with your forecast. I do think that Liston was a very good fighter,though.

 

Ali would stop Liston at some point imo. He'd sit down on plenty of punches and soak up anything Liston landed. His jab and speed would largely nullify Listons jab. Liston would be hell tho, he packs a prodigious whallop in both hands and can fight.

 

how much better was a prime Liston from the 1964 Liston?
he flat out quit against clay in miami. would he have ever done anything other than that? i think its impossible to say.

 

I think Listons weakness, and that is slow feet, always come back to haunt him against Ali.

Prime or not prime, Green Ali, Prime Ali, or past it Ali, I don't see Liston able to cut off the ring enough to knock him out or outscore him, and Ali is perhaps one of the 2 or 3 heavyweights ever who could outjab Sonny enough to avoid getting set up for big shots.

 

I would consider him much better. He had much better stamina in his prime, threw better combinations, and had a much better jab too.

 

He would have done beter but no way he ko's Ali.

 

No. Hell no. No version of Liston KOs Ali. Certainly not the 71 Ali who was still really good. Ali had too much speed and footwork and defense and chin. Even if Ali was having an off night, he could still duck and lean and clinch and cover, and he'd still have those fast hands.

 

Ali wins a decision. Too much character to be stopped by any version of Liston.

 

no ali would always have beaten liston .

 

Prime Joe Frazier of 1971 against Prime Sonny Liston?

 

That is exactly my sentiment.

 

:thumbsup

 

Prime Sonny and Prime Foreman are the largest nightmares out there for Joe at heavyweight. It doesn't get any worse.

 

'71 Ali KO or TKO prime Sonny by Rd 5.