Who thinks Max Baer beats Liston

Did not know that. Will check it out. Thank you!

 

There are psychological factors involved, too. "I went 20 rounds with Levinsky." That fact shouldn't be just brushed aside, regardless of Levinsky's skills or lack thereof.

 

Levinsky lost 1 out of 3 times he stepped in the ring and was knocked out in a round by Louis, in what was said to be his easiest fight ever (or at least up to that point). I haven't got around to watching the film just yet but if Levinsky was half as exhausted as he's said to be by the 12 round, Baer's finishing ability and/or stamina have to be called into question for not finishing the fight.

Levinsky wouldn't even make it to round 12, let alone another 8 rounds in the condition he was.

 

Liston avoided nobody. Williams was said to be the hardest puncher in the division, and a high risk- low reward type guy and Liston fought him twice. Once when he was unranked! Later in his career, when he was very likely in his 40s, he was chasing a fight with a prime Joe Frazier! Not to mention he used a powerhouse in Foreman as a sparring partner.

So no, I highly doubt a prime Liston would avoid Baer of all people.

 

Baer's best win is Schmelling IMO................Liston would go thru Schmelling like a hot knife thru butter

I am one of the most severe critic of Liston on this board.

Baer had to be dragged out vs Louis and folded like a house of cards quickly

Liston quit twice against Clay.

Liston was slow, powerful, well schooled and technically sound, he could not cut the Ring but is not required vs Baer.

On film Baer looks uncoordinated, stiff as board and wide open like a barn door................his overall skill level sucks......he can crack with a telegraphed haymaker and does have a good chin...............he was a "big" guy in his days , he aint big against Liston.

Liston will murder Baer, you cannot let your chin hang out to dry after a wild haymaker against Liston..............he will bust him up with the jab and will target practice with his right/left hook.

Again, Liston by murder, it will be hard to watch.

 

I want to echo @swagdelfadeel - though aware of @William Walker channel I must’ve missed the Baer - Levinsky upload. Thanks to @70sFan865 and thank you to William, great sharing ! The old 20 rounders - crazy stuff!

 

Baer 6'2.5" 190-226 lbs 81"
Liston 6'1" 198-223 lbs 80-84"

So these are both men's career listed numbers. I'd say they are pretty equal in size.

Weird to claim Baer wouldn't be big against Liston. If you believe the 80" wingspan listing of Liston as I do, he could be the smaller man here in every way.

 

Baer fought many times with weight disadvantage, much more than Liston in fact.

 

In fact Liston lost twice to one of the bigger guys he faced....

 

While this is true, the point remains that Baer wouldn't make Liston look small at all. Liston had a bulkier upper torso, a longer reach, bigger fists, and they were maybe 1 inch apart in height at best.

 

This is such a bizarre post.

Baer and Liston are roughly the same size, Baer may be slightly taller or Liston may have a slight reach advantage depending on which stats you believe. Neither man is making the other look small....so not sure why you are reaching to twist this into an advantage for Liston.

The original comment implied Baer was big for his day but wouldn't be big against Liston....Baer...like Liston is a big man in any era. And it was correctly pointed out that Baer might be more experienced than Liston against larger opponents. Baer actually is bigger than Cleveland Williams..


Big Cat 6'2" 79-80"
Baer 6'2.5" 80-81"
Liston 6'1" 80-84"

Big Cat was clearly bigger than Liston despite being overmatched.

 

I think there is bigger difference than 1 inch in height, but it doesn't really matter here.

 

Liston was a fighter. Max was a lover. He really didn't like to fight.

 

So Burt Whitehurst goes the distance...but Baer is dispatched in 3 rounds?...Really?