Who was the better fighter, Sonny Liston or Evander Holyfield?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Rakesh, Jan 8, 2022.



  1. Pugguy

    Pugguy Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    You said it! I’m often too lazy to be so thorough in presentation, and this is one of those instances.

    I will say Liston’s pre title resume is formidable and the stalling of a shot has to be factored.

    However, there is a measure of counter balance re the due and extra credit afforded for successful title defences. It’s often said it’s easier to win the title than it is to hang on to it. This is true at several levels, not the least being that challengers will often bring their A game for the big prize, some even rising above their substantive rating.

    But another spanner is that Liston was old and beyond prime and shortly thereafter faced no less than Muhammad Ali who went on to reign acutely supreme.

    I do think that Evander was more mentally committed in uber tough fights but then that’s mainly comparing him to the Liston who lost to Ali and a few fights of Sonny’s going forward - that’s not necessarily the last word on a prime Liston however.
     
  2. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 I’m become seeker of milk Full Member

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    Evander Holyfield is a league above Sonny Liston there is no true debate.
     
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  3. Kell Macabe

    Kell Macabe I don’t know s*** about boxing Full Member

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    1.Holyfield, Holy has beaten bow, Tyson, Foreman ect.

    2.Liston, Liston was an absolute monster.

    3.Liston, Cleared out his division

    4.Though one to call but I’ll go with Liston

    5.Holyfield

    6.Probably Holyfield because he has bigger names under his belt.
     
  4. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Liston was the better fighter
     
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  5. Ali Holmes

    Ali Holmes Active Member banned Full Member

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    Show your work!!!
     
  6. BUDW

    BUDW Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Liston was a better boxer
     
  7. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    I don't need to show anything. In my opinion Liston was a better fighter. That's it.
     
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  8. Furey

    Furey EST & REG 2009 Full Member

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    1. Evander
    2. Evander
    3. Evander
    4. Evander
    5. Evander
    6. Evander
     
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  9. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Sonny Liston in a head to head matchup kills Evander Holyfield. He can't mix with Sonny and he's not a fast mover like a young Ali. I have Sonny solidly in the top 10 alltime around 5 or 6 at least and in head to head matchups there's not many who could take him.
     
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  10. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Hmm? he was wobbled by a 42 year old Foreman who moved like an oil tanker and who he hit a bazillion times and couldn't get him outta there and he lost the 12th round to an ancient Larry Holmes and you think he'd beat a prime Sonny Liston? Holyfield was good for his time but talking about beating ,all time greats? No
     
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  11. Gazelle Punch

    Gazelle Punch Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Liston imo was the more dominant and better fighter. Better offense better defense more stamina more power.
     
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  12. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 I’m become seeker of milk Full Member

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    You’re holding it against him because George Foreman managed to wobble him and an old pro stole round 12? Sonny Liston beat Floyd Patterson and guys like Williams lol please stop just look at Holys resume you know old Larry would be arguably the best win on Listons resume.
     
  13. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    You only reached the count of 6, go all the way to 10 because that's what Evander would hear against Liston as he tries to get to his feet.
     
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  14. George Crowcroft

    George Crowcroft Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Holyfield was better, greater and would win head-to-head.
     
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  15. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 I’m become seeker of milk Full Member

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    Anywhere but here this would be a no brainer.
     
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