sonny Liston vs Riddick Bowe

Ali's reach was also much longer than 79"

 

I strongly disagree. Can you name a fight or two where Bowe systematically uses his height and reach to his advantage against a good shorter fighter, neutralizing his opponents attempts to cut the distance and close the reach gap?

Bowe to me is the prototype of a big man who was UNABLE to use his reach and height advantages in a systematic manner. If a shorter opponent wanted to impose his will on Bowe for some reason Bowe usually complied.

To his credit Bowe had an above average infight ability that saved his neck more often than not, but considering his physical parameters he shouldn't have gotten into infight situations as often as he did.

 

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At times he brawled at close range when he didn't have to... but it was usually vs. guys that coudln't hurt him. Like you said, even at close range he fought well for a big man. I'm talking about once in a lifetime Bowe... Bowe vs. Holyfield I (1992).

 

Where did you get that picture? I only wore that shirt once I swear

 

gee

 

This thread has morphed another curious point about tale of the tape discrepancies - for the record I think Liston thrived against orthodox stand up boxers like Bowe - he was an excellent boxer and executioner against that type - it was more the either very fast or very unorthodox types that gave him fits so I'd say Liston in about 7 or 8 rounds

and about the tale of the tape Liston was a bit of a physical freak squeezed into a fairly standard height for a heavyweight in his time - but when you see Liston in there against all other fighter he does look much much bigger physically than all he fought against - Ali included - he does make Ali look quite skinny - it looks kind of unfair how much bulkier he is than everyone else and his gloves and hands always look miles bigger than everyone elses too so i can beleive the 84inch reach thing - Hasim Rahman had an 84 inch reach too and he was only 6'2" in height

another dodgy tale of the tape thing is Mike Tyson's real height - I have a friend who is 5'11" confirmed and he met Tyson when on holiday in Vegas 2 or 3 years back and he said Tyson was quite a bit shorter than him - my mate guessed maybe 5'8" max - he had a picture with him and that seems to confirm because I'm 5'7" myself and the top of Tyson's head probably came a shade higher than where mine comes to on him - I am digressing but it is an interesting point - like back in the day when Holyfield used to be listed as 6'1" when he was Cruiserweight champ but then after his scientific training he suddenly emerges not only as a 208lb heavyweight but also mysteriously is now listed as measuring 6'2" in height??? I remember some journalist making a sarcastic joke about that prior to the Buster Douglas match haha

 

I do NOT think that Liston could beat the Nov. 1992 version of Bowe in Las Vegas........ I think Bowe was too big, skilled and talented in late 1992 for the peaked version of Liston........ WORD!

MR.BILL:thumbsup

 

Liston did have unbelieveably large biceps for a boxer who has reasonable or better speed and skill. No homo. As far as I know, only Wlad edges him in that department (by half an inch).

 

Sonny beats Bowe up until ref stops the massacre,

 

Liston by close decision.

 

I'm always baffled when people say Bowe was a great outfighter, or knew how to fight big. He was a tall, mud-footed brawler, who was only too willing to stand his ground even when it wasn't in his best interests.

 

Bowe was the bigger man and could bully Liston which is something Liston would not be used to. But Bowe all too often gave up his advantages in height and reach and traded in close which could always be his undoing against any big puncher.

If Bowe allowed Liston to land as much as Holyfield did against him then Bowe get's KO'ed, if Hide could hurt Bowe and Golota could drop him then Liston should have the power to finish off Bowe for good.

I'm not sure who would win, Bowe was too hittable, though he had huge heart and would never quit and I'm not sure how Liston would deal with being against a bigger stronger opponent than himself. I give the slight edge to Bowe who wins a close fight and will have some very rough moments but it's not a confident pick.

 

I think this one is basically a pick em, but if forced to pick I'd take Bowe.

I think he'd survive Sonny's early on-slaught (while getting badly hurt/dropped in the process) and would rally back to wear Sonny down and stop him late.

But a Liston stoppage is not outta the question at all.

Like I said, basically a pick em.