The best version of Tubbs could outbox the Liston that fought Leotis Martin. But a prime Liston scores a stoppage inside 5 rounds over any version of Tubbs.
Prime Liston eventually grinds down Tubbs. Would be quite lively early on - Tubbs was a good boxer and fast for such a Tubb-y guy.
Speed of Tubbs makes is difficult for Sonny. In fact, we have no idea how Sonny would do against the standard 6'3" 230lb "Ali Impersonators". Best guess is Tubbs goes 10 or 12 like Machen did, but Listons hands do more damage and win a decision for him.
This would be a short fight. Tony was a very clever fighter who could outbox almost any fighter for short periods within a certain distance and a certain pace. He could con good fighters to allow him a breather when he wanted one. I get how people are making Muhammad Ali comparisons here…but Tubbs would have needed the footwork and workrate of young Cassius. Tony didn’t have that. Even on his best night. The issue with Tubbs is he could be out worked by anyone once he would relax and slow to a plod. I studied the Tubbs vs Witherspoon fight to get a feel of how Tony coped up close with a puncher with his smothering and close range boxing. Tim still outworked him. Tubbs was too tired to maintain an early lead. If Tim can outwork Tubbs, Sonny can. Sonny was not as lazy as Tim. He’s not going to be satisfied to coast within all that sweaty milling up close when Tubbs wants a breather. Tubbs would outbox Sonny for short periods but when he wants to rest he’s going to be forced to trade with a killer. Like he was versus Tyson.
Angelo Dundee on Sonny Liston: "He's big...he's ponderous...and everyone of his movements are predictable!" "Only rarely does he punch in combinations!"...
While Tubbs was a good boxer he wasn’t on Muhammad Ali’s level of speed, skill or durability. And Ali didn’t even face the best version of Liston which I’m guessing was from about 1959-1962. If this is a prime for prime match up then I see Liston winning by knockout before the mid rounds. He had 84 inches of arm length which is incredible for a man who was only 6’1” and one of the best heavyweight jabs of all time. Not to mention a ton of power
I think Sonny stops Tony in 9 rounds. Tony had mad boxing skills, but really couldn't take a punch. And was out of shape most of his career. I could see him giving fits to Sonny for 6 rounds, then he catches Tony, and from then on, takes full control.
