I think the searing blazing handspeed and power would be the thing which would rattle Sonny Liston - big Sonny could really take a heavy shot - but the 22 year old skinny Clay rattled and shook Liston - it looked to me like it was the speed of the shots caught him a little unawares - if Dempsey could lash him with some lightning fast blazing counters a la the combo that put Willard down for the first time ever (and broke his jaw) then he could have Liston's eye's popping out and backing up very quickly - great fighter Liston but he could be and was rattled and KO'd by much lesser fighters and hitters than Dempsey so Dempsey no doubt about could do the same - I don't really imagine there isn't anyone Dempsey couldn't KO if he timed his shots right like he did against Willard (who himself had one of the greatest chins in history IMO)
Dempsey was light in the legs ,but had the same biceps as Liston , he was a man killer no question. As to his strength ? Anyone doubting it should view him picking a prostrate Firpo up off the canvas.
a hype ?? not on this board but by the common man sonny is one of the most under estimated HW champs ever. he should have gotten a title shot much earlier and wasn't it for ali he would have been champ for a few more years no other contender up untill the late sixties would have beaten sonny. i agree that dempsey had the power to ko sonny. but not likely i think. 8 out of 10 times sonny beats dempsey
imo cleve wiliiams was a harder hitter than dempsey,and sonny didin't even buckle on his left hooks..
T, Cleveland Williams was a "shot" fighter when he fought Clay[Ali]. He had a bullet in him that couldn't be removed. Williams was a shell of himself by then...
T, Cleveland Williams was a "shot" fighter when he fought Clay [Ali]. He had a bullet in him that couldn't be removed. Williams was a shell of himself by then,,,
Burt ,by definition you would have to have a bullet in you, to qualify as having been " shot". Only joking, we all know what you mean.
Jack dempsy was tougher than most and had REAL skill and could break BONES with his fists. the guy hit harder than most. Dempsy could knock anybody out, but could be outboxed. so yes Dempsey COULD knock out listion, especially if the fight lasts longer than 2 rounds. liston better finish it quick. dempsey KOed willard, who had a 70 pound weight advantage.