Which do you rate higher, in p4p and head to head? Two of the biggest hitters of the 20th century to win the title.
I rate Liston P4P higher. His best win (Patterson) is better and greater than Dempsey’s best win. (Sharkey) And unlike Dempsey. Liston cleaned out the HW division and didn’t duck his #1 contender. That’s just my opinion.
I rate Dempsey higher P4P, based in part on beating fighters so much larger than himself. H2H, I would probably favor Liston.
The "Manassa Mauler" vs the "Quitter"...I can see that you people have done your research...."HAHAHAHAHAHA!" International Boxing Magazine said of "Dempsey:" He was the most savage...thrilling and brutal fighter who ever entered the ring! His intent was to destroy his opponent...and he didn't care how he did it! He could punch...and he could take a punch...He was an exciting fighter...all flame and power...He seemed to burn with rage at the sound of the bell! His killer instinct was always visible. If a man wanted a fight...he got it...if he didn't...then he better not get into the ring with Jack Dempsey!" Writer Robert Lipsyte on Sonny Liston and the first clash with Ali in Feb.1964...."As Heavyweight Champion Of The World...you die trying. Sonny didn't do that...he just sat there!" That about sums it up kids. As champ...Sonny was a flop...2 quick KO's against "china chin" Floyd Patterson in 1962 and 1963...and in the 2 biggest fights of his career...against Ali in 1964 and 1965...as they used to say,..."He Stunk Out The Joint"...Liston s**t himself in front of the whole world!
I don't think the OP was talking about head to head, but Higher in terms of boxing history. In that case, it's Dempsey hands down. In terms of historical fights, money making, fame (Dempsey made movies and his image was using on products), then it's no contest. Liston had a couple fights that could be called historical, and he lost both of them in a contraversial manner.
No, why should they be? Inept boxer crushed by a superior guy? TWICE? If that's the case, every KO of every HW champ is historical. IMO.
Liston both H2H and in terms of all time ranking. Never avoided anybody and damn near cleared out his division. His title reign only came to an end so early due to him fighting the GOAT heavyweight in his second defence.
Liston both ways. He would have smoked Dempsey and he didn't sit on the title opening restaurants or whatever. Dempsey's level of inactivity and choosiness of opponents would not be tolerated in any other era. To compare him to modern boxing in that sense is not fair as he would have been stripped or made to fight Wills and the story would be way different. Liston has better wins and was a better fighter by a lot.
Liston to be honest. I am a bigger fan of Dempsey but his title reign does not merit a top 10 spot. Dempsey is a little underrated here in terms of his ability. He was very fast with terrific two fisted power and excellent head movement. But if you were to bring both guys to today with a time machine, Liston would automatically do well while Dempsey would likely need to add 10-15 lbs to his frame in order to compete. Liston's wins over Patterson and Williams give him the edge.