It all depends on personal taste or generation. Sonny Liston fought during the 1950's, 1960's, and into the early 1970's. His life and death were very controversy filled. Wlad is a much more modern heavyweight, good fighter, bigger size. but again depending on personal taste.
Pretty confusing opening post. I don't know anyone on planet earth who gave Vitali the nickname "Vlad". But I'll compare Liston to both brothers because why not. The criteria is to look at resume, h2h, and accomplishments. It goes: Resume: 1-Wladmir 2-Liston 3-Vitali Accomplishments: 1-Wladmir 2-Liston 3-Vitali H2h: 1-Vitali 2-Liston 3-Wlad Wladmir is somewhat ahead of Liston in resume/accomplishments based on sheer longevity, becoming a 2x champ, the gold medal, etc. It's not a lot, but it helps. He's light years ahead of Vitali who would be lucky to make top 20. What Liston has over the Ukrainian brothers is he was the clear #1, cleared out his division, and his signature wins over Patterson are probably better individual wins than anyone the brothers actually beat (Byrd, Haye, and Povetkin are the only ones who come close to Patterson in terms of p4p skills, achievements, and ability). As for h2h, in general I would say Vitali shines in this department. He has a bit more dog and fight in him than Liston and especially Wladmir despite his thin resume. Vitali was strong as an ox with good fundamentals and knew how to use his size to his advantage. Liston in his prime I rate very highly, arguably top 5, but the Ali matches and Martin disasters make me question his heart at times. With Wladmir he was a major threat to lesser opponents and one dimensional shorter boxers who attacked him linearly with his classic jab and grab strategy. However, Wladmir's h2h ability depends heavily on what the referee will allow and the rules of the era in question. On average Wladmir is above average due to his sheer size, annoying strategy, and crushing power, but depending on the matchup/rules he may end up losing badly. His weaker chin also hinders him.
Excellent post, I just have a hard time with either Klitschko being ahead of Liston h2h. Talking prime Liston...I'm not sure Lewis, Fury, Tyson, Holyfield, or Marciano could beat him. I don't see either Klitschko making it, either, though it might go to decision. And that's an extraordinarily tough crew. He had boxing skills on top of his huge punch.
Just call him Vitali. That's the name we all know him by. Liston might be the most fundamentally sound heavyweight next to Joe Louis. He cleaned out the division before the Clay upset, something Wlad didn't do and Vitali was far from doing. However, Wlad ranks higher for longevity purposes. Wlad Liston Vitali
The longevity factor is what makes me pick Wlad over Liston as well, though the latter was ducked both before and after becoming champion (correct me if I'm wrong, please). Being ducked like that means he could have had a bit more longevity, of course.
If the "Vlad" referred to is meant to be Vitali, then I would pick Sonny, in resume as well as head to head. On the other hand, if that's Wladimir, then I think Wladimir wins in resume and would also outbox Sonny head to head. Others have said the same, and I agree with them.
If we’re talking purely on achievement then I have to say Wladimir Klitschko. His longevity at the top alone placed him above a lot of people
