Could Liston beat Marciano in 1955

Liston would not beat Marciano until 1958, after that, the age would catch the great Rocky Marciano.
But if they fought in 1955 it would not end well for Liston due to Liston lack of experience in fighting, not even his physique was developed as much as when he fought Cleveland Williams.
When I see Liston fighting in AUUs and when I see his videos and photos from mid 50s, I can see that he was in his mid 20s not older, so he was not as old as people claim.

 

Yes. I would bet on Sonny, especially the version fighting by the end of that year.

 

I had always thought he was too inexperienced at the time. He only had about a dozen or so pro fights.

It’s kind of difficult to gauge due to the lack of footage of those early fights.

 

I really can’t see it as someone who gives Marciano an outside (but real) chance of beating Liston prime for prime. Marciano may’ve been near the end of his career, but he was not near being some old, washed up champion.

Liston gets knocked out here.

 

Liston was nowhere near peak form by the Marshall rematch

 

No, he would not beat Marciano in ‘55.

 

I agree. IMO Sonny didn’t make the leap into hyperspace, Wookie, until about 1958.

 

No, even with Marciano not being at his best in 1955, Liston was far too raw. Charles humiliated him in sparring around that time and said Marciano hit harder as well, iirc. Liston would go on to become much better

 

I wouldn't even pick Liston over Patterson at this point.

 

Liston is probably too inexperienced at this point to beat Rocky.

 

An inexperienced Liston is the only version that might lose to Marciano.

 

Sonny busts Rocky’s face up with his well timed jab and then gets him with uppercuts and hooks. Total annihilation. Sonny ain’t no Jersey Joe. He’s a Foreman before George was even conceived, and more.

 

He wouldn't have been ready for Marciano in 1955. He didn't exactly have an easy time with Marty Marshall