Between George foreman and sonny liston who would do better against today's heavyweights

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Grapefruit, Aug 2, 2019.

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  1. 70sFan865

    70sFan865 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Mike DeJohn
    Cleveland Williams
    Nino Valdes
    Gerhard Zech
    Elmer Rush
    Henry Clark
    Chuck Wepner

    Yeah, bunch of small CWs...
     
    70sFan865, Dec 8, 2021
    #46
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  2. Pugguy

    Pugguy Ingo, The Thinking Man’s GOAT banned Full Member

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    Claw, Sonny had a reach of about 80 1/2” at the least (lowest listing I’ve seen - Leotis Martin fight). I would say his reach was prob more like 82” to 82 1/2”. Where is the 77” fig. from? Thanks.
     
    Pugguy, Dec 8, 2021
    #47
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  3. Claw4075

    Claw4075 Ezzard Charles GOAT Full Member

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    They were fringe contenders, who fought exclusively to appear on and boost up other's resumes.

    It was my estimation, also seeing some of his fights, I do not notice insanely long arms either, so it's just a guess.
     
    Claw4075, Dec 8, 2021
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  4. Barrf

    Barrf Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Fury gives them both issues. They otherwise do real well.
     
    Barrf, Dec 8, 2021
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  5. Alexandrow Vids

    Alexandrow Vids Active Member Full Member

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    That's complete nonsense.
    His outstanding reach can be seen in almost every one of his fights.
     
    Alexandrow Vids, Dec 11, 2021
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  6. Alexandrow Vids

    Alexandrow Vids Active Member Full Member

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    This content is protected
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2021
    Alexandrow Vids, Dec 11, 2021
    #51
  7. Alexandrow Vids

    Alexandrow Vids Active Member Full Member

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    why are no images displayed on this website?
     
    Alexandrow Vids, Dec 11, 2021
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  8. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Isn't it amazing how some posters spout nonsense without
    even once taking the time to do a little research on the
    subject. Then they cover their mistaken assumption with
    "But they were only fringe contenders".
    I'll counter it with " The vast majority of world class fighters
    in the heavyweight division today would be "Fringe contenders".
    In certain era's.
     
    Flash24, Dec 11, 2021
    #53
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  9. Gazelle Punch

    Gazelle Punch Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Very true. Amazing how underrated solid contenders like Zora and Machen are today. Because they were cruiser sized. Meanwhile the best Hw is the former cruiser champ.
     
    Gazelle Punch, Dec 11, 2021
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  10. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Some don't get skills trump size if the fighter is over 205-210 lbs and taller than 6'
    And in special cases like Frazier or Tyson shorter than 6'.
     
    Flash24, Dec 11, 2021
    #55
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  11. Oddone

    Oddone Bermane Stiverne's life coach. Full Member

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    This.
     
    Oddone, Dec 11, 2021
    #56
  12. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    Foreman, because we've actually seen a version of him against modernish guys. Liston is more of an unknown quantity despite more polished looking skills.
     
    cross_trainer, Dec 11, 2021
    #57
  13. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I was going to knee jerk Foreman but...no.

    Liston just plain had more boxing skill than Foreman, and really wasn't terribly far from George in terms of power. And his jab was probably even better. He also had the kind of reach that could compete today, for sure.

    So, though I'm positive both would be champs today, I give Liston the edge here.
     
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Dec 11, 2021
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  14. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    Sonny for sure .. he'd weigh in at about 235 , while not tall he had the mammoth reach of 82" or so .. he had much better skills to go with his power .. George was all strength and power ..
     
    he grant, Dec 11, 2021
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  15. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Both Liston and Foreman were far better finishers than Wilder, with WORLDS better jabs. Liston was a far better boxer overall than Wilder ever dreamed of being.

    Both men stop Fury in 4.
     
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Dec 11, 2021
    #60
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