Tubbs had the boxing ability to beat Liston, but not the chin, power, and conditioning to withstand the fury.Liston beats him within five rounds, completely.
I respect how tricky Tubbs could be, he had nice moves and fast hands, but Sonny Liston is a great fighter. Tubbs beat Bonecrusher and Page. both on points. That's it. Everything else he ever did in the ring was show the ability to slow things down enough to turn a fight into a gentle sparring session. Of all the talented belt holders of the lost years Tubbs has the slimmest resume. Page, Bonecrusher, Witherspoon, Coetzee, Thomas all knocked decent fighters out. Tubbs never did. I'm sorry but I think Liston meant business a bit too much for Tubbs. I think Sonny would discourage him. I don't think Liston would allow Tony to bring things down to a gentle pace either. Bowe let off the gas because he was young and inexperienced, everyone else who was decent were happy to go through the motions with Tubbs. Not Tyson and not Liston. Tubbs was a good fighter but I don't think Tubbs was any better than marvis frazier, another good but not great fighter. Sonny inside 4 rounds.
Tubbs would look good for a few rounds but once Liston starts catching him with hard steady punches,then it's over. Liston caught a young Cassius Clay with some mean shots and Cassius was faster than Tubbs and could take more punishment. That would be enough to bring down Tony.
Tubbs to lash Liston, Pinklon Thomas to flatten Foreman, followed by Tony Tucker tucking away Joe Louis, all in a one night extravaganza in the wild imagination of Seamus promotions.
He gave Seldon his only decision loss. Truely one of the greatest achievements of the 90s. How does one beat Seldon without sending him scrambling to the canvas? Well, Tubbs solved that enigma.
Tyson's left hook was just the finishing punch. It was actually the up-close patented right hook to the body followed by the right uppercut that took Tubbs legs away. Watch the fight again and after that combo, Tubbs legs seem to lose all control and he stumbles into the ropes and then stagger towards Tyson who finishes him off with the left hook.
Tubbs was a good fighter I felt he squeezed past Bowe. He nearly had Witherspoon, he did beat Page, Smith and Seldon. Never reached full potential like many 80s heavyweights for various reasons. Liston would likely stop him late.
Liston was no ATG but so much better than Tubbs. Liston at his best kos Tubbs in a one sided fight. Liston ko 6.
Anyone who calls Tubbs a defensive wizard really needs to get their head examined. Ridiculous statement.