George Foreman -vs- Sonny Liston

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Holmes' Jab, Sep 25, 2007.


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  1. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    Foreman was 1 of the strongest HWs ever if not the strongest - hence physical advantages. Its not all about size but how strong you for that size. Foreman had a much much better workrate and his punch speed is underrated. People don't talk about Foreman as a pressure fighter because of his power but hes a HW who would sometimes throw 90punches a round. Thats an insane workrate

    I heard the sparing story, but it was sparing before Foremans prime (was he even a pro?) and you don't usually go all out in sparing anyway

    This would be a war like Foreman had against Lyle or Frazier or the 1 Liston had against Williams. I think both hit the canvas but Foremans wins out as been the stronger more relentless slugger.
     
    PowerPuncher, Sep 25, 2007
    PowerPuncher, Sep 25, 2007
    #16
  2. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Quite right.

    If you were putting together a top 5, strongest HW's, you could leave neither of these guys out. Some would say Liston was stronger than Foreman - I don't beleive in arguing about the shades of grey involved, but there isn't much in it. If Foreman is "the strongest HW ever", there is still very little to chose between him and Liston.

    As far as functional strength goes, I'd suggest that Liston's superior balance may give him an edge.

    But he is most famous for punching himself out, bringing his ring generalship into question, and whilst I agree that the speed his fists travel over a given distance is underated, I should say that the difference in the width of his hardest punches and the width of Liston's hardest punches is the deciding factor.


    I think in the fight you describe, Foreman probably would win. But I don't think that's the fight that Liston would fight or would have to fight.

    He has a ram-rod jab and a target begging to be hit by it. It would be a huge factor in the fight, as would the settling of the strength argument.
     
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    #17
  3. RoccoMarciano

    RoccoMarciano Blockbuster Full Member

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    Neither, it's a draw. Why? Because this is only another poll designed to make Clay look good! :lol:
     
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    #18
  4. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    It's hard to say who the more paranoid - Ali fans or Marciano fans.
     
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    #19
  5. RoccoMarciano

    RoccoMarciano Blockbuster Full Member

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    I'm not paranoid, but what I said remains true :lol:
     
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    #20
  6. ChrisPontius

    ChrisPontius March 8th, 1971 Full Member

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    Joe Louis fans.


    :yep
     
    ChrisPontius, Sep 25, 2007
    ChrisPontius, Sep 25, 2007
    #21
  7. RoccoMarciano

    RoccoMarciano Blockbuster Full Member

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    I rate Louis ahead of both Marciano and Clay... believe it or not.
     
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    #22
  8. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    We're to self assured for that Chris ;)
     
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    #23
  9. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Let's see your top 10 or 15 Rocco.
     
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    McGrain, Sep 25, 2007
    #24
  10. RoccoMarciano

    RoccoMarciano Blockbuster Full Member

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    It was posted a while back... hasn't changed much. Use the search.
     
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    RoccoMarciano, Sep 25, 2007
    #25
  11. Bo Bo Olson

    Bo Bo Olson Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Williams back then was big, Fast and hit hard...not the old shadow that fought Ali.
    Chin...even
    Teh Lousitown punch could well have been a KO, but there was no count...so the Liston had no idea what time it was.
    Leotis Martin....caught an old man comming in...I lost money on that fight too....
    Liston was at 209 for the second Ali fight untill it was delayed and came in at 215 which back in the when was a hell of a difference.
    I do favor Liston....one of the best jabs of all time, with good skills and having fought a lot better comp. and had no problem of condition. How many rounds...10 or 15?
     
    Bo Bo Olson, Sep 25, 2007
    Bo Bo Olson, Sep 25, 2007
    #26
  12. Naidah

    Naidah New Member Full Member

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    I think Liston has the chin, jab and power to beat Foreman, probably late.
     
    Naidah, Sep 25, 2007
    Naidah, Sep 25, 2007
    #27
  13. brooklyn1550

    brooklyn1550 Roberto Duran Full Member

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    Sonny Liston TKO8 George Foreman
     
    brooklyn1550, Sep 25, 2007
    brooklyn1550, Sep 25, 2007
    #28
  14. DocDevil

    DocDevil Member Full Member

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    Watch both Cleveland Williams-Sonny Liston fights,watch the Ron Lyle George Forman fight.That is about as close to the Liston -Foreman matchup you will get.then,make your choice.I think Liston takes it.
     
    DocDevil, Oct 5, 2007
    DocDevil, Oct 5, 2007
    #29
  15. Beebs

    Beebs Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I don't think Liston could stay behind his jab and box long enough to hold off Foreman, Liston would eventually open up and be drawn into a punching match, one that he would lose to Foremans superior power.
     
    Beebs, Oct 5, 2007
    Beebs, Oct 5, 2007
    #30
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