I think this bout has been covered in previous threads. Have a search. You'll find some replies from much more knowledgeable posters than myself. Anyway, I'm a huge Liston fan, and fancy his chances against most. However, I think Holmes may eke out a decision with his superior movement.
I always presumed that this would be one of the tougher fantasy matches for Liston and probably that remains the way I see it. But there was an older gent who posted here up until around 2009, I think, who had quotes from Larry stressing that this would be one of the most difficult fights for him. That Holmes didn't much care for the footage he had seen of Liston as a potential opponent. Larry said a lot of stuff, but rarely ran himself down. This was interesting to me. I wish I could find that stuff again. Guy's name was Zivic and a year, Zivic1957 or something.
Close fight. I went with Holmes but without any confidence. Two of the best jabs ever (though both different) and both with solid though not impenetrable chins. I like Larry’s edge in speed and height but Liston had an edge in reach and power which may even things out. Anyway a great match up but I’ll back in prime Holmes by a tight decision.
Holmes by decision or late rounds stoppage. I think he had all of the tools to give Liston major problems. Speed, foot work, great conditioning, defense, toughness, and solid power.
This along with Holmes wins the jab duel IMO as he used his much more and was more versatile with it. Liston tended to overextend with his which Larry would capitalize on all night
Found this from 2007. https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/sonny-liston-vs-larry-holmes.16983/#post-451475
I like Larry in this. Great jab, I know liston s was prrety good too, but I rate Holmes as one of the best ever. Also the better chin, if he went down he always climbed back up. Pure fighting heart wins out here. Holmes, maybe having to drag him self up off the canvas, stops Liston suddenly in the 10 th. NOT an easy fight for either man imo.
Larry had the best overall jab in heavyweight history,, Liston had the second best and the hardest. Sonny's going to have to land his on Larry consistently and I think Larry's movement will carry the day. If he stops and fights like he did in front of Ken Norton though Liston takes Larry out by TKO. I lean towards Holmes but with zero confidence
Even Sonny Liston at his peak 1958 form would have a difficult bout against Larry Holmes. Both had great left jabs, Sonny was ponderous in the ring with boxers, the Eddie Machen fight in 1960 and of course Muhammad Ali in 1964. Larry in the title winning bout against Ken Norton in 1978 used lateral movement for 8 rounds, while sticking Ken with his left jab. Against Sonny, Larry would employ the same tactic, not allowing Liston to get close. Sonny will have his moments like Norton did as both fighters fight at a good brisk pace. Sonny like Ken begins a strong comeback late catching Larry with scorching blows but Holmes has put enough rounds away in his bank. Holmes takes them well as he has taken bombs from Shavers. Larry Holmes by close but unanimous decision.
