Ali was just fast enough to beat Liston. Holmes wasn't. If you're not stronger than Liston, you're running away. If you're not as fast as prime Ali, you won't escape!
just fast enough ?? Liston couldn't cut the ring down on Ali and get near.he was throwing his jab out of range and it was failing short, it wouldn't have helped his shoulder any.
Ali had to muster everything to escape those jabs. It was the opposite of effortless. Liston caught him with some powerful punches. One being a huge left hook that would have knocked down many fighters. And Liston wasn't trying to cut the ring down. Aside from Ali, I'm not confident in anyone else beating Liston that night.
i know Liston wasn't trying to cut the ring down, he had the wrong style to do it anyway. Liston probably peaked between 58 and 60 but i don't even that version of Liston gives Ali a close run. im a fan of Listons and think he got shafted by all sorts of people but Ali and Holmes both have his number
No fighter can take too many shots from Liston. Holmes will get hit by Liston. Shavers downed Holmes, but couldn't do the same to an older Ali. That's the difference in their speed. That difference is enough for Sonny to do what Sonny does.
We'll have to disagree on this then as i have Holmes as a top 5 heavy of all time and Liston in at about 8 or so. Id take Holmes to win on points in this fight.you know as well as i do that Shavers dropping Holmes but not Ali doesn't mean much. Henry cooper dropped Ali but not Patterson who sparked our Henry.
It is a good argument. But maybe holmes had a good combination of enough speed and strength? Just maybe. Btw. You are the youtuber reznick right? I liked your videos
You're right, Holmes power could compensate for his speed. It's a very good matchup, but I'd put my money on Liston! Yep, thats me. Thanks!
Forman 74,tyson88,holmes,vitali klitscko,and maybe lewis, jack johnson,dempsey and joe Louis could beat him but you never know
Both guys can be underrated but generally I see people overrate or underrate Liston more. Liston had a great jab that was powerful but at times he would overreach with it giving his opponent the ability to counter which is what happened in the second Ali fight. He also had a good left hook and good right hand. He had a chin but could be put down. Holmes also had a great jab but sometimes would try to put to much power into it and be off balance. He would also get a little to cocky and end up getting clipped. He was a top 5 mover in the heavyweight division and I'd put him number 2. He had a tendency to slug it out if he was hurt which could save him or kill him. I see the early rounds going to Holmes using his movement and possibly scoring a knockdown similar to how Ali did in the 2nd fight. Holmes tires a bit and stops moving as much and Liston is able to get his offense going and land bombs to the body. Holmes is able to defend well but he is unable to get anything offensive going besides a couple right hands. Holmes begins to move again but BOOM big right clocks him sending him to the canvas. Holmes gets up but he is groggy. Holmes begins running and clinching as Liston tries to finish him. Holmes survives. The championship rounds go to Holmes as he begins his offense and he busts liston up. Liston is able to land some good punches but they have dont do enough to win the rounds Holmes wins a decision with one judge having wide and the others having it close.
I would pick Larry Holmes to stop Sonny Liston late but it’s not a given. Liston despite his shorter height had longer arms, a comparably good jab and a brutal right hand. Holmes stamina, chin and footwork is what might save him
I strongly disagree with this. Sonny was in 3 round shape. He he got soft, thought he could get an early KO. He was complacent. His weight 218lbs is a good indicator he wasn't in top form. His best fighting trim was probably 212.