Which was the more impressive run: Liston 1958-1963 or Tyson 1986-1988?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Bokaj, Aug 9, 2008.


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  1. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Liston raced through the division during these years, crushing Bethea, De John, Williams, Valdes and Folley and ending the run with a double demolition job on Patterson. Machen was the only one to present him with any difficulties during this time period.

    Tyson destroyed Berbick, Thomas, Biggs, Tubbs and Holmes, topping it by taking out Spinks in 90 seconds. He was taken the distance by Tucker and Smith, but never given any real problems.

    Which run was the most impressive do you think?
     
    Bokaj, Aug 9, 2008
    Bokaj, Aug 9, 2008
    #1
  2. the cobra

    the cobra Awesomeizationism! Full Member

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    It's a close call, but I give it to Liston. Folley, Williams, Valdez, and Machen are all higher level of fighters than any one on Tyson's run (excluding Holmes and Spinks, but both were past it there). I rate Liston's one round demolitions of Patterson higher than Tyson's one round demolition of Spinks for two reasons: One, Patterson did some good work after these blow outs, beat a couple of world class guys, and while outclassed again and punished, probably did better against prime Ali than he did against Sonny, where as Spinks retired for good after Tyson. And Two, Spinks looked scared shitless when he was face to face with Tyson. Anyone who looks like that a few seconds before a fight isn't going to last long. Patterson was never afraid of Sonny, proven by his futile but brave efforts to beat Liston in a rematch.
     
    the cobra, Aug 9, 2008
    the cobra, Aug 9, 2008
    #2
  3. ironchamp

    ironchamp Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I give the edge to Tyson. Tyson's run was so dramatic and dominant that he remained a relevant figure at the top of the Heavyweight division for more than a decade after that run during the 80s. Additionally, I believe that the fighters he beat during that time period were better than Liston's comp.
     
    ironchamp, Aug 9, 2008
    ironchamp, Aug 9, 2008
    #3
  4. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    It's very very close. Max Baer should be factored in here too.
     
    McGrain, Aug 10, 2008
    McGrain, Aug 10, 2008
    #4
  5. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Ok. Let's hear a case for Max Baer.
     
    Bokaj, Aug 10, 2008
    Bokaj, Aug 10, 2008
    #5
  6. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    His run between September of 1931 and June of 1934 bore no losses and saw him lift the HW title. He destroyed Max Schmeling by knockout and Primo Carnera went the same way. He debunked the myth that he was vulnerable in a decision winning fights on points over 10 and 20 rounds.

    In all, there were 14 wins over good opposition.

    Max had taken life in the ring and was seen as an enormous puncher. He was almost impervious to punishment at this point himself, his destruction at the hands of Louis still ahead of him. He was perfectly capable of rendering an opponent unconcsious with one punch, like these other two men, and did so against Earnie Schaff.

    Interestingly, what happened to Liston appeared to happen to Max - once he came to the title he took his foot of the gas a bit.
     
    McGrain, Aug 10, 2008
    McGrain, Aug 10, 2008
    #6
  7. Holmes' Jab

    Holmes' Jab Master Jabber Full Member

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    Liston, not by a great deal, but I think his was marginally the more impressive overall. the cobra summed it up excellently.
     
    Holmes' Jab, Mar 5, 2009
    Holmes' Jab, Mar 5, 2009
    #7
  8. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    So your giving Liston a 5years period against a Tyson 2year period? I actually think Tyson's is better, which is high acclaim. I think Spinks and Patterson are comparable. But Holmes and Thomas are probably better than any Liston win. And Berbick and Tucker are up there
     
    PowerPuncher, Mar 5, 2009
    PowerPuncher, Mar 5, 2009
    #8
  9. ChrisPontius

    ChrisPontius March 8th, 1971 Full Member

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    Liston never fought the #2 (not counting himself) heavyweight during that period, Johansson, whereas Tyson literally ran out of opponents. And he did it in just 3 years, whereas Liston did it in 6. So, i'd go with Tyson on this account.
     
    ChrisPontius, Mar 5, 2009
    ChrisPontius, Mar 5, 2009
    #9
  10. jaffay

    jaffay New Orleans Hornets Full Member

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    Liston ducked Johanson?
     
    jaffay, Mar 5, 2009
    jaffay, Mar 5, 2009
    #10
  11. jaffay

    jaffay New Orleans Hornets Full Member

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    1958-1963 Liston 21 fights
    1986-1988 Tyson 20 fights

    No ****ing way!
     
    jaffay, Mar 5, 2009
    jaffay, Mar 5, 2009
    #11
  12. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I think Witherspoon can be seen as big an omission as Johansson. He never reached the same heights but he stayed near the top longer.
     
    Bokaj, Mar 5, 2009
    Bokaj, Mar 5, 2009
    #12
  13. ChrisPontius

    ChrisPontius March 8th, 1971 Full Member

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    He did not fight him.

    Witherspoon was knocked out in the first round in '86, right when Tyson came up, and did not score any significant victory any time afterwards during Tyson's reign. During 86-88, he was not anywhere close to how highly Johansson was regarded during 58-63.
     
    ChrisPontius, Mar 5, 2009
    ChrisPontius, Mar 5, 2009
    #13
  14. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    He was on the other hand KO'd twice by a guy that Liston KO'd twice.
     
    Bokaj, Mar 5, 2009
    Bokaj, Mar 5, 2009
    #14
  15. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    Suzie?!?! :lol:
     
    Russell, Mar 5, 2009
    Russell, Mar 5, 2009
    #15
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