Let's say Rahman steps in a time machine as a 20 something prospect. Same trainers, dieticians, style, etc. It's just pro debut Rahman replacing Liston against each of Liston's opponents. How does Rahman do? I'm curious because he has similar dimensions to Liston being only like half an inch taller, long arms like Liston, a little heavier, and a similar boxer puncher style.
I think he'd do great. At his best, he rampages through the list. However Rahman was pretty inconsistent and might find ways to lose to worse fighters than himself. I think Ali would be problematic ... Rahman wasn't the fastest guy and his feet were not so nimble. He might get lit up there.
He’d be a tough customer in any era including Listons. But how high he’d go would vary. He wouldn’t beat Sonny Liston or Muhammad
Well he has some advantages over Liston… he is a lot more of a muscular, stronger guy he also weighed around 235-240lbs in his prime I assume when he hopped on some PED’s or whatever… so 20-25lbs of muscle is significant, he is a busy bee and actually almost broke Ibeabuchi’s punch stat record so not being able to go 15rds would be surprising if he learnt to pace himself for it… he can really punch too he was basic though even more so then Liston and I’d expect a few guys to just sort of box him until getting iced or winning a boring decision, no way Patterson survives, nor Folley or Williams doe. I can basically see him beating the same people but not as easy because he wasn’t overly skilled.
Rahman is the type of fighter who could never have a long undefeated run against high quality fighters. Even with a substantial size advantage. He just wasn't good enough to do so. He would win some, lose some. Just like he did in real life.
Exactly. Rahman was twice KO'd by Maskaev, and I belive that there were quite a few guys in Liston's winning resume who were clearly better than Maskaev (Patterson, Machen, Folley to say at least).
Had it not been for his KO over Lewis, no one would ever be talking about Rahman. He was beaten by Ruiz in the most boring HW title fight ever, a blown up Toney, and Makaev twice. I doubt he was stronger than Liston or that he hit just as hard. An extra 30-40 pounds doesn't mean you can punch harder.
He would do well but lose to Ali. I got this weird feeling he trades wins with Cleveland Williams, doesn't show up in shape somewhere and drops a decision to someone like Machen. Patterson is interesting just because he's smaller, but rahman struggled with Toney, Holyfield. I know it's not direct comparisons but if Patterson isn't folded by a Rahman right or his own mind games he could best him.
Careful, you're going to inevitably get posters explaining how Rahman would have a "massive" strength advantage over Liston because "20 lbs is enormous" and "Rahman was definitely on PEDs". Not to mention an emphasis on the fact Rahman would definitely "manhandle" Liston if they grappled.
Rahman was so much bigger and a hard puncher. That said, I could see him being outslicked and outpointed by Eddie Machen. I could see him smashing Cleveland Williams. On the other hand, if Williams lands first, perhaps he smashes Rahman. Patterson is the better fighter, but this could be a case where the overall better fighter loses. Ali pummels him. However, much of Liston’s success is that he was the big man in the ring vs most of his best opponents. Rahman would share that advantage.