What kind are you after? Ali was faster going back in a straight line, faster dipping out, had faster hands and quicker reactions. Obviously there are varying degrees of superiority depending upon which category you are interested in, but they are all to Ali, making him a grease-ball fast overall package.
I don't think he had faster hands particularly - I thought that's what you were talking about. He has an edge in effective foot-speed, though, I agree - which is probably the most significant point.
A prime Ali (24) put his punches together noticeably faster than a prime Holmes (31). Just my opinion. Holmes was quick but not that quick. The only heavyweights with similar hand speed to Ali are Patterson and Tyson at their peak.
I like Holmes in this one in what I think would be a classical tactical Heavyweight fight. I think he'd survive some rocky moments and earn a decision. I agree with the premise that the better jab wins this fight and I think Holmes outjabs Liston.
Yes Holmes isn't as fast as Ali, but hes perhaps technically better, more physically matured and plenty faster than Liston
Although Holmes did not have Ali's freakish speed, I certainly think that he was fast enough and plenty of tactical ability to stay out of harm's way against Liston.. Sure, he wouldn't be able to avoid Sonny's jab nor heavy right hand all night, and in fact would get tagged a fair number of times, but he also had the recuperative powers to deal with it.. Holmes might kiss the canvas once or twice, and be placed in jeopardy on a few occasions, but at the end of the day, I think he wears Liston down and stops him late... NOTE: I don't think that Holmes was as good of a fighter as a fully developed Ali was from 1967 to 1971, but I do feel that he was as good or slightly better than the 1964 version who faced Liston.. Of course, Liston was better in 1960, than he was in 1964 as well, but I don't think the difference would be enough to win a battle of both wits and attrition against Holmes.... Great fight though.
No ofcourse not,but good footwork is what it took to beat Liston,Holmesdid not have outsatnding footwork.
It seems like people are convinced that the better jab wins the fight. What about the other punches, Liston surely does hit a lot harder than Holmes, doesnt he? Although to counter that, HOlmes probably absorbs punishment better and can come back froma knock down, which i think both fighters may need to, to win this.
Holmes' jab was close to Ali's jabbing speed...... Holmes' jab was also harder..... All in all, Holmes' jab was more of a force than a tool...... It was the best ever......... Holmes jabs and crosses Liston to death....... UD for Holmes or even a late rd. TKO is also feesible....... HOLMES! MR.BILL:bbb
I'm leaning towards Holmes here, but only tentatively so. Holmes' speed, size and boxing skill would give Liston an awful hard time. But at the same time, I think Larry got sloppy at times or fought overconfident. Mike Weaver hit him with a lot of shots, as did Witherspoon and Norton.. Holmes' recuperative abilities are top notch, but I believe he took too many risks (ego) when he was hurt. Still, i'd pick him to beat the Bear 2 out of 3.
What it took to beat Liston is heart, and being able to have a good chin, which Holmes has. Give me another example where overwhelming speed is what beats Liston.
Makes little sense. He said he knew ALi would beat Liston and he thinks he's better than Liston so I don't see why he would say this. On the Brian Kenny radio show he said Marciano would've been his toughest opponent. Of course you lean toward Liston.
Holmes should be favored. If Liston can be competent in boxing for 15 rounds (A lot to ask for) then he could have moments slugging he has a chance. He's got to find the right hand and has to have an answer for Holmes jab. Otherwise he's done. I think he caves in toward round 10-12 personally.