Bigger Genetic Freak of Nature: Liston or Tyson?

In terms of genetics, easily Tyson.

I believe Liston became the way he was through working as a child on the farm which sounded like torture.

 

Both were genetic outliers but to split them, I’d say Liston based just on a few specific, static and stand alone physical stats - reach and fist size.

As to application of their physical attributes in the sport of boxing - which calls in deeper physiological attributes such as speed, reflex etc., I’d probably say Mike.

 

We all know Tyson was a freak of nature and he had attributes that Liston didn't have, like speed and quickness, but Liston's enormous reach and fist size would be enough to classify him as freak of nature in his own right IMO.

 

Long arms and big power combined isn't all that unique in the world of boxing. Deontay Wilder, Lennox Lewis, Max Baer, Gerry Cooney, etc.

Blinding speed combined with big power in both hands, with a solid chin thrown in to boot? Who else has ever had that at HW?

Tyson, by a mile here.

 

Tyson didn't have the frame of a SMW/LHW.

Look at Tyson and Lennox Lewis. Lewis was a lean 245, and when you look at them, other than limb length, where does Lewis look larger? Tyson's neck makes Lewis's look like a pencil and his legs make Lewis's look like sticks. His arms, chest, and shoulders are certainly no less thick with muscle.

Tyson had a massive frame for his height. He was just short. If he were 6'4-6'5", he'd probably be a lean 250.

 

I've seen Tyson in person, Clothed.

 

Don't believe Liston had an '84 reach. It's doubtful Ali's was '80 and Liston's didn't seem even 4 inches longer. But he had long reach nonetheless and famously big hands, but Tyson had his neck and... was just a freak. That combination of power and speed at 20 really was just crazy.

 

His speed, balance and finesse are unmatched at his size. Even prime Wlad doesn't get there.