Switch their eras. What if Liston turned pro in 1968, while Foreman rules the late 50s-early 60s when Liston did. Does Liston submit to a rope-a-dope in 1974? Does Liston lose to Jimmy Young? Does Foreman lose to Cassius Clay in 1964? I want to hear thoughts on this one.
Foreman was just a kid when he fought Ali, only 25 and not even close to his prime yet. Throw him back against a young Ali in 1964 and he would have killed him. Liston was an old man when he fought Ali, listed at around 32 but everyone knows he was more like 37. Put him up into the 1974 fight with Ali and now both are older fighters, I believe Liston would have won that fight.
I don't either. But it's interesting to analyze which opponents each guy would have trouble with. Their careers would have turned out different in some aspects.
Agree. Maybe Foreman beats Ali though. Think about that. Of course, Liston versus Zaire Ali is an interesting one...
Ironically I think Liston beats the 1974 Ali Foreman was unable to beat and Foreman beats the 1964 Ali, Liston was unable to beat.
I know l'm in the minority but l still think had those ropes been tighter Foreman wins that fight. And had Liston been 4-5 years younger he likely win that fight as well. Ali's a great great fighter but in many ways he was also fortunate. Not sure what l think about the 2nd Liston fight other than giving the fiasco with the count that probably should have been a no decision. Switch them around and l'm not sure. '64 Ali was certainly faster than Zaire Ali but not as smart. I think he wins a decision. Liston would likely beat the slower Ali in Zaire and would have been smart enough to pace himself.He also beats Young and Lyle. Had Foreman won in Zaire then no way does he lose to Young. It's certainly connected.
Ali still beats Liston and Foreman. The Cassius Clay of '64 has a few scary moments but decisions Foreman. Ali of '74 is still a way lot faster than '64 Liston - Ali wins the Zaire battle by late rounds tko. Liston beats Frazier,Norton and Roman. Has a tougher one with Lyle but still wins. Foreman beats Patterson,Williams etc. Young has a chance against Liston.
young makes liston looks stupid and lyle hurts badly, foreman never would lose to the bum marshal. foreman kills liston. end of the history
Let's not forget that just about everyone thought Liston would MURDER Ali in 1964. Had they not fought, all of us would be left with that same impression. Foreman dominates in Liston's era but loses to Ali. Ali was stylistically a terrible match up for George who had terrible footwork. Boxer vs Brawler at it's finest.
Ali beats Foreman prime for prime. Liston might not fall for the rope a dope but Ali still finds a way to win.
An interesting question. Let's say Foreman losses the title to Ali in 1964, maybe drops a stunning upset to Jimmy Ellis or somebody, retires. Comes back in the ' 80s. Could the Foreman that beat Moorer beat Michael Spinks?
