Action-packed brutal fight; which probably ends relatively early, within 8 rounds. Liston was very strong with heavy hands and a good jab. Louis could be decked momentarily by strong guys like Liston. However, I think Louis was just too fast and explosive for Sonny. Prime Joe had underrated footwork and subtle head movement and counters, and I think Sonny was not exactly a defensive wizard. Joe would hit him sooner and more quickly than Sonny would hit him. So with Joe's speed edge, extremely accurate punching, and pulverizing power to the body and head, I think he's ultimately going to win by KO. But he might have some rough moments because Sonny was very strong and heavy handed. Sonny wasn't the type to kill the clock or stall. He is going to fight it out, which actually makes it end sooner.
Louis would have to have the fight of his career using the correct strategy. This couldn't be typical where his first fight he’s not prepared then does much better in the second. If that Louis shows up Liston knocks him out within 8. And maybe that’s what it would take the rematch version to come in focused and ready with exact game plan. Even in that scenario though would take the fight of his life to win but I do think it possible. If by some miracle the fight happened and I was forced to bet my life savings I’m going with Liston by KO in explosive fight.
Great post but this is one fight I wouldn't even bet a cent on ! So,so difficult to choose between these 2 ATGs.
I have to ask everyone- What is Listons strategy? There is not a man alive who wore boxing gloves, who should be advised to try and stay on top of Louis. He certainly won’t be outboxing Louis not even the most rabid Liston fan believes that truly.
There arguably hasn't been as good of a combination puncher at heavyweight since Louis to Listons heyday. Liston definitely isn't gonna give Louis fits in the footspeed department and even then Louis timing is still great. Liston had a weight advantage about 20 pds but again would he want to try to bully Louis to get ripped by body punches? I favor Louis by decision but can see a late rds stoppage win for him as well.
Sonny's reach and jab would be key in a victory for him, because he could easily mess up and get stopped by a Louis combo. However, I think he would eventually TKO Joe or win a decision. Prime Liston was a monster, as was Louis.
The gap is only about 10 pounds to Liston. Louis was supposedly an inch taller. They're more or less the same size, although Liston's arms are longer. They looked about the same when they stood together.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think of Louis being 193-200 and Liston being 205-215? At least at their peak forms.
Peak Louis of the Schmeling fight was 198, and peak Liston of 1960 was 212. That's, roughly, a 14 pound weight difference, a pretty big one for Sonny but also not one Louis hasn't overcome before.
That sounds about right why I gave an estimate of a 20 pd differential or a little less. Again, I am not looking at accounts of their prime weights while currently posting just going based off countless fights I've seen of both. Do think Liston should b the underdog but that part is my opinion.
They both fluctuated. If I was gaming it for Louis, I'd pick something like Buddy Baer 2 where he weighed 207, and one of Liston's 210 ish performances. Louis probably has something heavier than 207 out there; maybe Liston has something under 210 and prime. If I was gaming it for Liston, I'd pick Louis at his lighter weight of 198 against Schmeling, or a "drained" 200 pound Louis in Conn 1. And grab a heavier Liston in the 213-15(?)pound range. Or get old versions of both, who are heavier still. I'm fine with saying they're about the same size. Liston a little heavier and stockier; Louis a little taller and leaner. The amount of maneuvering that goes on over matters of a few pounds or an inch on this forum leads me to be fine with that rough yardstick.
Yup give or take Lol yeah I don't get too invested in pounds and height unless I felt it would b a huge detriment to an opposing fighter. Just don't see Liston pushing Louis around and walking through him. If anything I c an explosive chess match.