A Fired Up Oliver McCall Vs Sonny Liston?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Sep 19, 2021.

  1. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    The absolute prime...let's say Rahman II Lewis....hmmm.

    I don't see that Lewis as being as mobile or deft as 60s Ali, and he had a far less durable chin. I can see him rocking the hell out of Sonny and frustrating him with his greater speed, but I daresay Liston hit harder than Mercer, Tua, Rahman, and McCall (and better than a way-past-it-Tyson), and he was just a plain better overall boxer.

    Lennox was a sensational fighter, but I see him getting stopped. I feel the same way about prime Mike Tyson, whom I also think would have dispatched of prime Lewis.

    That said, I do have LL at #6 on my list of ATGs...
     
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  2. Claw4075

    Claw4075 Ezzard Charles GOAT Full Member

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    No, Lewis puts that overrated can crusher into the decorticate posture
    with that big right hand. Lewis by savage KO.
     
  3. Entaowed

    Entaowed Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    McCall was good enough to be World Class in a tough era.
    He also likely had the very best known chin in boxing history.
    Fought forever, big modern guys, 300 + rounds with Tyson, the "Atomic Bull" was no defensive genius so logically if he is never even knocked down, he is a prime candidate for GOAT beard.

    None of that means he is likely to beat Liston.
    Who was clearly better overall, & there is no stylistic advantage to say maybe Olliver wins.

    Liston easy decision.
     
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  4. HaglerwontHaggle

    HaglerwontHaggle Member banned Full Member

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    McCall was strong, iron chinned and a decently hard puncher. I'd favor the best McCall over the best C. Williams. But ultimately, I think Liston batters him
     
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