Prime Charles vs Prime Liston

Sonny Liston was one of my favorites as a kid but he did have flaws.

I am not saying that I would bet the house on Charles, just that he would be the most complete fighter Liston would have faced and may have more of a chance that many on ESB give him here.

 

I completely agree! There is very little indication that Charles would employ a boxing strategy where he would stay out of Liston's punching range. In my opinion, mythical matchups require enough research to find patterns against opponents of similar size and style. Although Liston was bigger and his stance was more upright than Marciano, they both had relatively aggressive styles. As you stated, if Charles settles into exchanging punches w/ Liston its over early.

 

burt whitehurst hung with a peak liston. he may have lost the rounds but he made it tough. charles was ten times the fighter of whitehurst he could do evrything beter than burt who archie moore kayoed. as bummy says there is evidence charles beat bigger rated guys. obviously im speculating here but the evidence is that liston did not beat a single guy close to charles's talent. charles at least beat guys as big who were serious threats to the title.

 

I see your point when you compare Whitehurst to Charles in that way, but Charles generally did not fight the same way as a heavyweight. Of course I am speculating as well, but if Charles stood in front of Liston like he did in front of Marciano, he would be KOd quickly. If he chose to box and use all of his variety then the outcome might be different. I just do not think Charles could stay away from Liston all night or keep Liston off of him by boxing and moving. At some point I think Charles gets caught and overpowered by Liston.

 

What strategy would you have Charles use? Lots of movement and angles or his slower paced more tactical plan of punching then smothering and creating angles that way?

I would slightly favour the movement, as he could maximise his advantage over Liston's slow feet and take away part of the effectiveness of Liston's jab (sure, it was powerful but he needed to be set for it and a boxer isnt too troubled by it.) And establish his own one.

 

Machen was a very good defensive fighter with a top chin. Charles was more aggressive which means he was hit clean more often, and had a so-so chin at best. Charles would not last long with Liston based on the way he typically fought.

I'd go with Liston inside five rounds. This could be a quick fight.

 

Machen stayed with Liston by using his legs, Charles, at heavyweight engaged more, he would be stopped in this fight.
Harold Johnson landed, his jab numerous times against Charles ,because it was quick, and Johnson had immaculate timing,Liston's jab was slower but a lot more powerful and longer, he could win this outside or inside.
Charles gave Marciano a great first fight but Liston has two things Marciano did not have , size and a great jab, even old Joe Louis marked Charles up with the remnants of his rusty jab.Very decisive win for Sonny.

 

Bump.

I strongly suggest that level headed members read this.

All too familiar that Marcianos biggest Fans attempt to downplay Liston....again....
They fear him like no other.

 

Jesus LOL

 

I'm a Liston fan but I think clever boxers like Tunney, Charles and especially Walcott might have confused and outboxed him.

 

Walcott wouldn't have allowed Liston to get set. Every time Sonny would set up, Walcott would move. Jersey Joe was a good puncher and he was strong. I would give him an excellent chance vs Sonny.

 

Absolutely love Ezzard Charles. Unfortunately he'd be facing a prime Liston that takes him out within 10 in a tremendous battle. Ezz reminds me of Holyfield and this could be similar in ways to Bowe-Holyfield 1.

 

There is nothing wrong in this comparison. Evander did rather well against Bowe.

 

I have him above Cassius. Top 3 ever.

 

My money's on Sonny