A Young Liston in the mix with Ali, Frazier and Foreman?

The Ali of 1970-75 still beats Liston but post 'Thrilla' version loses to Sonny.

Sonny beats Frazier,Norton,Quarry et al. The only one I'm not sure about is George Foreman. A 50/50 one between arguably the two most physically intimidating heavies ever.


Jimmy Young would be a potential banana skin for Liston after 1975.

 

Great thread! I take prime Liston by KO over them all. Foreman said an old Sonny was the only one ever to stop him in his tracks and push him back when they sparred. Old Ali would be hurt. Clays foot speed and overall speed beat Sonny in 64. Would not be the case this time. The Great Smoke would lose a backburner by KO. Shavers Norton Lyle go down fast. Quarry lasts until his face cracks open in 3 or 4. Sonny Liston in his prime was a juggernaut. Let's not forget though, the beast Cooney of the 4th round of the Holmes fight, would KO Sonny and the others with ease.

 

Punchers such as Liston, Foreman, Shavers just don't beat prime Ali to the Ali of say 76.

 

The Foreman who sparred with Liston was a very young George.

 

Yeah, but a pretty old Liston, too.

 

And a VERY old Sonny. All you can go by is George s word. He knew how great Sonny was. In 1983, at the WBC 20 anniversary convention, the fighters there were asked beside yourself what fighter was the best fighter in boxing any weight during your time? Ali answered, "Liston, I'm the only one that beats Sonny in his prime". Btw, you can get the story of the convention and the fighters answers in August 1983 The Ring with I believe Roberto Duran on the cover

 

Liston was a poor mans Louis.

 

Not a bad thing to be brother. That's why I believe Sonny wipes out 95% of the heavyweights in history. You know, like Tiger Cooney would do. Seriously though, Liston in his prime is hard to beat. Unless your name is Louis, Dempsey, Clay, maybe Marciano and Holmes. Just my opinion.

 

A prime Sonny Liston might beat them all, Ali would have to engage Sonny a whole lot more than the Clay version did but he had the jaw. I'd probably take a prime Liston over a 24 year old Foreman, Sonny never swung wild like Foreman would on occasion

 

Fergy you always come up with great threads

 

Poor mans Louis......he had great power, hard jab and a style sort of like a stalking Joe Louis. Liston lacked Joes depth of boxing skill, hand speed and combination punching.

 

Plus he gave up sitting on his stool the greatest prize in all of sport. Liston lacked Joes heart and will to win.