Liston learned a lot from Louis. Believe it or not, much of his style was modeled after Louis. Sonny was naturally bigger, by about 15 lbs. and his jab was as close to a carbon copy of Louis' as one could ever have, esp. at that time. Both Louis and Liston were forward moving boxers. People mistake Liston for a poorly skilled boxer with no heart because of his series with ALI. But if you watch his fights with Cleveland Williams, you'll see that's clearly not the case. Liston would trouble Louis with his jab in the early going. It would be almost like when Larry Holmes fought Carl Williams. Holmes faced a younger version of himself. The difference is that that younger version lacked things that you can't put your hands on. He lacked Holmes' intelligence and heart. Larry dug deep and took the victory. Louis would do the same here. Liston would match him jab for jab. Louis is a bit quicker but Sonny has greater reach and more power. The difference, which Louis would discover around round 6, is that Sonny can't put combinations together the way Louis can. Joe would begin to land two/three punch combinations, busting up Sonny's face and sapping the air out of his lungs. Louis was very patient, unlike nearly every other boxer who ever held the title. He KNEW the way to beat nearly any man. It was just a matter of knowing how to execute the plan and be patient enough to carry it out. You are NOT going to beat a man like Sonny Liston easily. Forget that first round KO loss to ALI. EVERYTHING was wrong with that fight. Louis would pick apart Liston's "armor" and begin breaking down his game plan, little by little. With Liston's left eye swollen shut, he would never see the thunderous right that puts him on ***** street. Liston is strong enough to remain upright. However, NO MAN can take too many of Louis' punches, in a row, without tasting the canvas. One punch will not do it but Louis will "create" the openings he needs and put together a better "finishing touch" than I could ever describe here. One well placed "five piece". and the fight's over. Louis by KO in 13. Source:Yahoo.com
Funny but it is a fight where liston has a good chance to win.he got better chin than Louis and the power to take him out
https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110325151529AAZzwW3 At least credit where your post comes from.
Honestly I'm probably biased, but I tend to pick the bigger fighter if either the skill level or the power level is close. I think Louis is the most technically skilled heavyweight ever, and I actually rate him number one in terms of career accomplishments combined with technical skills, but I still think the skilled SHW's such as Foreman, Lewis, Bowe, Vitali, beat him. The smaller fighters such as Tyson and Liston is harder for me to pick, but believe it or not I think this is where Liston's 84" reach and his jab come into play to make a difference. So I would pick Liston in this fight, but wouldn't bet a lot on either fighter.
One punch will not do it as Liston seemed to be immune to pain, but I believe a prime Louis CAN put Liston down with a single punch.
