Tyson in both. Liston didn't kill opponents as consistently and as devastatingly as Tyson did in his early pro-career.
Since almost everyone on ESB probably remembers Tyson's career and lived through that period, there's gonna be more people saying Tyson.
Inside the ring it has to be Tyson, but outside the ring I have no clue. I remember going on one site that showed Tyson's criminal record, it left me thinking why is this guy not still in jail? Though I'm sure Liston was no saint, and he must of kicked alot off ass for the mob, then again who in their right mind would try to get out line with a Sonny Liston unless they were well armed?
They where equal but got exposed to pure boxers. For Liston it was Ali, Ali was taller and faster and after 5 rds and cheating Liston wiltered. Much like Tyson did against Douglass except only hard core boxing fans knew Buster had a lethal jab, and could box and take a punch but he was a quitter until Feb 10, 1990 and SHOOK UP THE WORLD.
There is truly badass blood in both men and both were arguably the same type of menacing forces. Tyson bit Lewis's leg. Liston *****-slaped Ali in the Thunderbird casino. I go with Sonny cuz he won the title while my grandpa was getting his snack.
It was the first fight that Liston threw. That was the one where he quit on his stool complaining about a bum shoulder. Ali was still a rising prospect then and was a huge underdog going into the fight. The second fight is the one that everyone remembered.. The PHOTO. You know what photo I'm talkin about... the one with a young upbeat Ali looking down at Liston, who was just knocked down.. one of the most famous pictures in all of sports history..