I've got them next to each other with Dempsey at 10, Liston at 11. Liston with wins over Mike De John , Cleveland Williams, Folley, Machen and of course, Patterson twice. And Jack Dempsey with win s over Willard, Carpentier,, Firpo, Jack Sharkey etc. Two of the most respected punchers in heavyweight history.. Who do you rate higher?
Dempsey. He was a much bigger figure in the sport than Liston ever was. And, head to head, always go with the guy who DIDN'T take a dive or quit on his stool in world title fights.
The question needs more context. Sonny was the better fighter, the more powerful and skilled, the better head to head. Jack & Co. created the boxing match as the modern, big time entertainment event. In that way he was truly King of the Event. He certainly had more effect on the sport.
I think both were better than their resumes indicate. Both are also quite overrated by most fans. I think I might have Liston slightly higher due to his Patterson wins, but Dempsey was close to him. I don't think I'd have either one in top 10 heavyweights, but H2H they were monsters.
I think in a fight between the two Dempsey could explode some vicious punches on Sonny, but I don't think Sonny goes anywhere. Eventually he ko's Jack around 4 or 5
I like this explanation. People often confuse Dempsey’s “ contribution “ to boxing with his being “ better “ than other fighters. You’ve separated the two nicely.
Good Question as I can see cases being made for both fighters. Liston was bigger and more skilled while Jack was quicker and more athletic. Both were terrors on their run to the title. Both had good to great Chins. Both were intimidating. Dempsey ripped up Fulton, Willard, Firpo, Carpentier, during his run up and peak. Liston destroyed Patterson 2x, Folley, Williams, Machen, Valdes I wouldn’t argue to hard either way imo they are close together. Shame Dempsey didn’t face Wills a win or a loss would really crystallize his position.