Would Jersey Joe Out Fox The Bear??

It is very plausible.

 

If a peak Charles Sonny Liston had to travel the full 12 rounds against Eddie Machen on Sept 7 1960, then Jersey Joe Walcott with his crafty shifty moves could have outfoxed the Big Ugly Bear, maybe for the full 12 rounds. Walcott was a wily crafty veteran who had been in the ring against the likes of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, and Rocky Marciano. The thing that might trouble Jersey Joe was that Liston had a very stiff long left jab that could keep Joe off balance while setting up the left hook. It could turn into a really good fight, but the element of surprise is always there in this fight, the longer it goes.

 

Did Machen do alot of running?

 

I don't see it.

Jersey showboating in front of a snarling Liston who is cutting the ring off with every step, getting closer with every punch.

Ending one way this fight.

 

Is Liston that good at cutting off the ring?

 

Yes.

 

I don't know, it always seemed to me that he was clearly worse at that than someone like Foreman or Louis. I could be wrong of course.

 

Sonny is going to be reaching all night and walked into some big shots.

Fun bit of trivia for you Walcott actually beat up Sonny's trainer Willie Reddish in 1936.

 

Sonny could be lead on a chase rather than his independently cutting off the ring. As Richard stated, Liston’s long, long powerful jab is all important here, As a hurtful punch, as a set up for the hook etc, and to keep Walcott at bay. That one punch could make all the difference but if it’s not as effective as assumed due to Joe’s slippery manoeuvres, then a pretty tough fight for Charles Sonny. I don’t see Walcott being as reluctant to engage as Machen though Joe employed some very nice, slick evasive moves with offence smoothly integrated.. Very interesting fight to process.

 

No. Liston isn't the type to be outboxed near or in his prime. Walcott doesn't have Ali length or speed.

 

Showboating against Louis wasn't smart, neither was showboating against Rocky.

He just can't help himself imo.

 

It's an interesting fight.

I am not sure if Walcott could survive like Machen. Eddie Machen was a pretty good, slick and elusive fighter and would be surely one of the very strongest top contenders in the late 40s / early 50s too. Walcott at his best was even stronger. His footwork was even better, he was at least as cagey as Machen and a harder and more dangerous puncher. Walcott had a decent chin but he carried his hands lower than Machen and that could be pretty risky against Liston.

Anyway, I think Machen lost nearly every round against Liston (left out the low blows). There were 2 or maximum 3 rounds which were closer because Liston fought a bit low paced and lazy and Machen brave and smart. When Liston put pressure on him, he dominated with ease.

So, all in all, Walcott would have to fight way better than Machen. Getting through the fight is one thing. The other thing is to win the fight. If he looks for the brawl, he would lose most likely. Thus, he would have to keep the distance and fight cautiously to avoid the brawl. I think that wouldn't be active enough to win on points, especially against Liston's long, battering jab.