A Lightheavy That Could Defeat Foreman or Liston??

That seems to be the common misconception with Foster.

Ultimately he failed at heavyweight but he beat Bert Whitehurst and Willie Besmanoff who were reasonable heavyweights and technically over a dozen more at heavyweight including guys up to around 205 pounds.

 

I know, I know, Someone wants us to say Roy Jones Jr

 

A huge fan mentioned him in post #14

 

Some light heavies could have defeated Lyle. I definitely would favor Charles over Lyle. Archie Moore as well.

 

But John, he lost to Ernie Terrell, Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.

 

Among others but that wasn't what i was replying to Rich.

 

say it aint so !!!!! you really back ?
is ihis you

 

I would give Gene Tunney a chance against both men. Liston famously had trouble with boxers who could move with agility and think on their feet. He was also susceptible to a well-timed right hand shot. Guys liked to try to time Liston's jab with a right counter. A couple succeeded. As for Foreman, we know that Tunney had the conditioning and stamina to go hard for 15 rounds. Foreman wilted multiple times in middle and late rounds. He got a little smarter about conserving his energy during his late career. I maintain that Tunney was crafty enough to stick around until the late rounds and knock Foreman out.

 

I'd give Archie Moore at his best a shot against Liston, but not the best version of Liston.

Foreman's chin is just too good no light heavy is going to be able to discourage him and withstand his return fire.

 

Byrd could beat both of them. He could have been a career LHW.

 

Untrue. The only one who he had genuine trouble with was the GOAT.... when passed his prime. He was an excellent adapter and handled movers very well aside from Ali.

Name them.

When did Tunney prove his durability against the likes of anyone near Foreman in power? And no a passed prime, rusty Dempsey (who very well might've knocked Tunney out had it not been for the long count) doesn't count.

 

Well,yes I have huge respect for Chris Byrd and I sort of get
why you think he might have a chance against Sonny or Big George.
However Liston and Foreman were probably the 2 most heavyfisted ATGs in heavyweight history.
Plus both these ATGs,especially Liston,had good/very good technical skills.This wouldn't bode
well for Chris.

 

Byrd was my first thought too but he's just not a light heavyweight for the same reason that rocky marciano isn't.

 

Byrd had an iron chin. He took punches from Wladimir who hit harder than Liston and Foreman.

Neither Liston nor Foreman were explosively quick. Byrd would be much more troubled by combination punching, see Ibeabuchi.

 

Many have mentioned Charles & Moore, they are the 2 that sprung immediately to mind for me. Slight chances to both.