Would Sonny Liston rule the HW division now?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by catasyou, Dec 30, 2008.


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  1. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    He was matched to Summerlin, top 15 contender in his sixth fight. No amatuer pedigree. In his last fight, he was matched to Wepner, world title challanger. In between he lost 4 fights, cleaned out the division, was the most ducked challanger since the days of race. 16 years of matching top fighters.

    In his prime he cleaned out the HW division and lost twice, in suspicious circumstances, to the greatest HW in history. Compare this to Lewis, who also cleaned out a division but lost to McCall and Rahaman.

    Listin is #3 on my ATG HW list. A great fighter who would dominate today, without question.
     
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    #61
  2. catasyou

    catasyou Lucian Bute Full Member

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    :good
     
    catasyou, Dec 31, 2008
    catasyou, Dec 31, 2008
    #62
  3. Claus Holmen

    Claus Holmen Active Member Full Member

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    I think Liston peaked before he fought Patterson - around 1958/59.
    When he lost to Ali - he had only fought 6 rounds of boxing in three years. He was rusty. Ali was fast - yaeh ! But Liston had one of boxings best jabs, but Ali had no trouble avoiding Listons offense.
    Liston activity around 58, 59 and 60 saw him torture strong contenders. Cleveland Williams was KOéd twice, Zora Folley as well.
    I think Liston would´ve been among one of the greatest all-time if he had been given the chance for the title around 58. He had the tools, hardhitting and talented.
    A peak Liston would have KOéd all in TOP10 anno 2008. These guys can at their best be compared to the European TOP 10 in the early 60ties, when Henry Cooper, London and Johanson ruled.
     
    Claus Holmen, Dec 31, 2008
    Claus Holmen, Dec 31, 2008
    #63
  4. Sakura

    Sakura Boxing Addict banned

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    Peak Liston is 6'01/2 and 210 lbs according boxrec. Smaller than Chris Byrd
     
    Sakura, Dec 31, 2008
    Sakura, Dec 31, 2008
    #64
  5. WiDDoW_MaKeR

    WiDDoW_MaKeR ESB Hall of Fame Member Full Member

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    No, but he could cut a few pounds and give the Cruiserweights all they could handle.
     
    WiDDoW_MaKeR, Dec 31, 2008
    WiDDoW_MaKeR, Dec 31, 2008
    #65
  6. EL-MATADOR

    EL-MATADOR Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Absolutely
     
    EL-MATADOR, Dec 31, 2008
    EL-MATADOR, Dec 31, 2008
    #66
  7. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Here are Sonny's physical measurements with Lewis's in brackets following.

    Reach 84" (84")
    Chest Normal 44" (44")
    Chest Expanded 46" (46")
    Waist 33" (34")
    Biceps 16 1/2" (17")
    Neck 17 1/2" (18")
    Wrist 8 1/2 (8
    Calf 16 (18
    Fist 15 (12)
    Forearem 14 1/2 (15)


    Anybody who thinks that Sonny would fight as a modern HW carrying 210 is being deliberately stupid or is very stupid.
     
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    #67
  8. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Do you think David Haye is better than Sonny Liston?
     
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    #68
  9. Sakura

    Sakura Boxing Addict banned

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    Sonny Liston dont have speed enought to do anything to Klitchkos or Lewis..
    [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_cvyvIqNvU[/url]
     
    Sakura, Dec 31, 2008
    Sakura, Dec 31, 2008
    #69
  10. catasyou

    catasyou Lucian Bute Full Member

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    Just as a fact,Sonny didn't even bother to really train for the first Ali fight.
    And he is already an ATG.
     
    catasyou, Dec 31, 2008
    catasyou, Dec 31, 2008
    #70
  11. catasyou

    catasyou Lucian Bute Full Member

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    I believe his neck and biceps were bigger than that.
     
    catasyou, Dec 31, 2008
    catasyou, Dec 31, 2008
    #71
  12. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    So you've changed your mind about him being to small?

    Now he's to slow?

    Lightinging fast Vitali to fast for him...I think old Vitali is not a serious proposition for a primed fighter of Liston's chin and power. Wlad is another proposition allotogether, but presented with a powerpuncher with a really good chin and one that has a vulnerable chin, i'll take the good chin.

    You know you've posted past peak footage of Liston, right?
     
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    #72
  13. Sakura

    Sakura Boxing Addict banned

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    No. i didint chance my mind..i only look at his fights again. His small and his not very fast either..
     
    Sakura, Dec 31, 2008
    Sakura, Dec 31, 2008
    #73
  14. WiDDoW_MaKeR

    WiDDoW_MaKeR ESB Hall of Fame Member Full Member

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    Not only is Haye naturally bigger than Liston.... he also has attributes that better suit him towards fighting bigger guys. Liston is a slow, plodding, puncher. That was effective when he was considered pretty big during his time. However, at 6' tall.. 205-210... that isn't going to float too well these days. I also don't believe that David Haye will rule the division... so I am not quite sure why you are asking me this.
     
    WiDDoW_MaKeR, Dec 31, 2008
    WiDDoW_MaKeR, Dec 31, 2008
    #74
  15. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Ok, he's big, and he's quick enough to knock glass-jawed Wlad spark on his back.
     
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    McGrain, Dec 31, 2008
    #75
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