Over 15, who do you have winning? Liston of 59, or Holyfield or 91? I'd pick Liston in a thrilling fight.
Holyfield would win all battered and bruised. He handled Foremans jab which was one of the best in history. Liston was a great puncher but had one dimensional straight forward movement . Thats where Evander would get him. Too nimble and had superior circular movement.
Holyfield would k.o liston withing 5 rounds because its a fast paced Mercer like fight,excpet Liston is not mercer he is lighter and not as fluid or more chinned...Holyfield takes him to school new era style for a HW. a big argument has been with Holfields size at HW...guess what? Liston was 6'0 205/210 in his prime...Holy was 6'2 215 at his best..Check holyfield record of guys he lost to who he outweighed..need I say more? :yep Holyfield at cruiserweight would still most likely win,hes to fast /sharp and skilled overall....forget HW!
Liston would stop Holyfield in three or four rounds. Evander was too easy to hit and that would be disastrous against Sonny.
Good point - Liston would look "small" against Holy like he did against Clay/Ali, and the result would be generally similar IMO.
Liston`s jab and lefthook would be a problem for Holyfield. With that said I think that Evander had the speed and the coordination of a smaller man. He could bang with Liston enough to get his respect and even back him up enough to win a decision he could also box him just enough to keep Sonny off balance. Holyfield would have some facial damage but in the end I think he pounds out a UD.
Holyfield was greater in my opinion, maybe he could get the win. But the styles favour Liston. The way people talk about him these days you get the idea that he was some fancy boxer that would bewilder Liston with his movement. But he wasnt, he was a pressure fighter and warrior. More Frazier than Ali, and that would be to Listons liking. Liston by UD would be my bet, with his jab, reach, strength and infighting skills he brings some of the same qualities that Bowe used to trouble Evander.