Everything depends on Listons heart. Does he have the heart to weather 8 ridiculous rounds from a prime Mike? If he does he would win but it’s not something I’d bet either way.
Liston was a monster in an era with 6 foot or under 185 lbs Heavyweight champions. He cleaned up the heavyweight division destroying everyone in his way. Probably the greatest champ up to that point. That until he ran into a 6 3 212 lb super athletic and young skilled boxer. Then he looked ordinary all of a sudden. Tyson is in Ali’s class with very quick hands and great combinations but much more power while not as tall or long or good defensively. Tyson can match Liston’s power while he’s shorter he is the same weight yet faster hands and on his feet. It’s a brawl but Tyson makes Liston miss more often than the reverse and due to his quickness he can connect more often with all his weight behind him. After a few rounds things begin to snowball ending in a KO around round 8. Tyson is damaged and maybe decked but his speed is the difference
I lean Sonny in about 8 rounds. Sonnys pure boxing skills were excellent. Mike wouldn't be able to just step to him and unload. Not happening
I like Liston here. Liston won’t quite reach out with his two ham fists and simply crush little Mike in to a cube, toss him over his shoulder and go smoke a cigar with the mob, but the essence of the fight would be something like that.
Exactly, Mikey ain't coming forward winging bombs at Sonny Liston. When Tyson realizes there's pain in coming forward then it's just a matter of time.
Tyson too fast and too powerful. Just because he had similarities to Floyd Patterson doesn't mean he is Floyd Patterson. Tyson is just as fast but alot more durable and harder hitting. Tyson would wreck Liston. Liston was a size monster in his day, but in the 80s, he was no bigger than Trevor Berbick.