All-time heavyweight tournament Round of 16: VITALI vs. LISTON

Obviously most people on this forum don't really know who Liston is. But in his prime he was a holy terror. I think he would win on points but it would be a tough fight for both. The Liston who fought Ali/Clay was way past prime and the one who fought Patterson, destroyed him. Liston had one of the best jabs in the history of the sport.

 

First instinct says Vitalil, but... the Klits control fights with their jab. Liston has a good jab and the reach where he can challenge Vitali in the jabbing department. That might offset things. Still tough to ignore that first instinct so I say Vitali in a competitive fight.

 

Sorry but Vitali is not 5'11" and 180 pounds. Liston was a coward, who had no heart. He is too small, and punches like a little *****.

"Liston jab....blab, blab, blab,blab" Overrated! Vitali beats his ass bad.:good

 

Vitali knocks him out. Liston was a plodding bully facing a terrible style mismatch at a significant size disadvantage. I'd be surprised if he lasted the distance.

 

Vitali destroys prime Liston rather easily. I see this is quite a big mismatch. Liston is missing all night while Vitali lands his left jab/hook and fires the occasional right to wear Liston down, then stops him in round 7-8. Can't really imagine any other outcome, Liston is just way too slow.

 

So you've seen both of Liston's fights with Cleveland Williams?
Well obviously other than possibly the Ali fights you've seen nothing of him.

 

This is a joke, Vitali wins this fight all day everyday...I've seen posts from people who hate the Klitschkos and have their own agenda...Ignoring that Vitali beats this Thumb Breaker for the mob by 4th or 5th round KO

 

liston punches like a little *****? your analysis is really objective with no agenda

 

First, you stupid mother Fu*ker.. I'm not white or black a$$hole.

Second, that ***** quit with the title on the line after he tried to cheat..

Third, ****** "... REAL BLACK MAN " what the **** is that. So Lewis is a FAKE BLACK MAN? BTW Lewis also ****s up that piece of **** Liston.. Who's best victory is over a small Patterson.

Now do play with your favorite dildo:deal

 

Yes I have. Williams is not 6'7"

 

OK, I got carried away.. The point I am trying to make is if he took Lewis punch and jab , he can take Sonny's.

 

liston struggles when a fighter punches in angles, ali moves to create angles, vitali actually throws in angles, his awkardness would affect liston.

 

What's his height got to do with it? You called Liston a coward. Williams was a very hard hitter, Liston walked through his bombs and knocked him out twice.

 

Only "The Greatest" gave Liston problems. Liston punch harder and had a longer reach than v. Klit.

 

Great match up, would love to see it! I can see Vitali edging it with larger size, greater patience and adaptability. Sonny surely would rough him up (esp. wih 1950's reffing) and bob inside, just feel Vits would land a big chopping right, hitting down from afar clean onto Sonny's bonce at some point late on and take all the remaining puff from the 'Bear'.