George Foreman vs. Sonny Liston prime for prime.

Yes he was just a little bit different to that guy 13+ years earlier.

 

A LOT different. But, despite the difference, it doesn't change the fact that Holmes looked absolutely terrific, was in top form. That jab was in essence the same (except perhaps better/more conditioned due to the bigger nature of the Ali fight) from the one that led to Ledoux staggering all over the ring and Berbick being hopelessly dominated.

 

He looked great for sure. Many would have against that version of Ali. Punchers like Marciano, Louis, Lewis, Foreman etc would near have killed him.

 

I think peak Liston beats the Rumble in the Jungle version of Ali. He’d not tire or fight as dumb as Foreman.

I’d fairly heavily favor Liston to beat Foreman head to head.

 

not sure what the guy's point is. Even a club fighter's jab would've been enough to hold off Ali at that point.

 

The thing that makes me wonder is Foreman's fight with Ron Lyle. Here he was, fighting someone who could stand toe to toe with him and hurt him and he was down twice. Lyle was a poor man's Liston, no offense to Lyle. Liston was slightly smaller, but it wouldn't matter. Liston was a much better boxer than Lyle and hit harder. In fact, Liston may not even be drawn into a brawl like Lyle was because of his boxing skill. Also, I don't see Liston having to get off the canvas to beat Lyle.

 

When Foreman started working with Liston, Liston was told to "don't hurt the kid".

 

Even if he did quit against Ali, he also persevered against Marshall with a broken jaw and against Williams with a broken nose. So I'd say that overall Liston had heart.

 

Agree with that last part. I believe Liston's chin was superior to that of Foreman's.