Holmes for pure technique and aesthetic. Effectiveness is a matter where it's much closer, but I still favour Holmes.
Holmes...faster ..more accurate..more versatile and he can also throw it very hard when he wants too.
Years ago, in a bookstore in Phoenix, I found a book about the heavyweight champions. It was a new book as Sonny Liston was the last champion profiled. What was of interest was that the book said that Liston had the best jab of any heavyweight since Gene Tunney.
I honestly don’t know. The jab was a signature weapon of both men, though I think Holmes relied on it slightly more than Liston did. Larry’s jab might have been a tad quicker, but sonny’s undoubtedly had more power behind it. A jab from Liston was the equivalent of a power punch for most men... don’t see that too often.
OK----all Holmes..., heavy, the man could fire it with precision. Without a doubt... the best jab in boxing history,,, Stop the arguments. Ali lovers====he was faster. And most ways better. But not the jab....
You're quite likely talking the two greatest jabs in the division (though Ali and Louis had terrific lefts as well...I'd include Foreman here, but it wasn't as much a dominant punch for him like the others). Liston had this way of walking through with his jab, it really emphasized his reach. He could close the distance, widen it...it was a fantastic tool. Larry's was more strategic, artful. Heavier than Ali's for sure, but not quite Bowe, Foreman, or Liston level of strength. He was often uncannily accurate with it, and it probably won him most of his fights. I give a tiny edge to Larry, but this was a TOUGH call.
I like Holmes jab, one of the greatest Heavyweight s ever. Liston s jab, a fantastic thing of power also.
