How would Liston have done against these fighters in 1967?

Joe Frazier
George Chuvalo
Jerry Quarry
Oscar Bonavena


In 1967 and beyond Sonny was still a dangerous fighter as you said. Many believed his career was over after his second Ali loss, and taking nothing from Ali, Sonny was pushing 40 years old then, and facing a prime Ali he really stood no chance.

1967 was a dangerous year to face Sonny. Why? He was hungry for the title again. After he knocked out Patterson twice he laid off, as do lots of fighters, and lost his killer instinct but after losing to Ali once then throwing the second fight he was basically free from mob control and taking strides towards the title.

This is how I would see the following match ups going...

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Liston vs Frazier

Joe was a young, dangerous young man at the point but he hadn't really reached his prime yet. He was fresh from the Olympics and making his way to the title.

Frazier actually had wanted a fight with Liston, but his trainer - Yank Durham and denied it - he knew Joe was too brave for his own good and even against an old Liston the fight would not have gone well.

Liston would fight Joe as he fought every smaller fighter, sticking that ramrod jab in their face to keep them away.

Floyd Patterson was a better defensive fighter than Frazier - and he proved no match for Liston. Though Joe was stronger and tougher he had visited the canvas of lesser punches such as Bonovena.

KO6 Liston

I would be suprised if it went past the seventh round. You could OUTBOX Sonny but you could never OUT MUSCLE or OUTPUNCH him - no way. Joe catches a left-hook on the chin and drops, he's up at 4 and catches a few Liston uppercuts - he's out for the night.

Chuvalo was the definition of tough guy, he never went down against Foreman, Frazier, and Ali twice. He said he never touched the canvas in training, amateur or professional. 'I kissed a few girls but I never kissed a canvas' is one of his sayings haha.
In all seriousness though he wouldn't be facing Foreman, he'd be facing the more effective Liston who could if he chose to outbox or out punch Chuvalo. This fight is all up to Sonny, he could swarm all over him early and beat him so bad they stop it around 5 or 6, or he could keep his cool and whup him from the outside, stopping Chuvalo around 9 or 10 on cuts or swelling.

TKO9 Liston

- - -

Liston vs Quarry

Two of my very favorite fighters both were tough, but with different styles. Liston put 73 stitches to Wepner's face. Caused a detached retina against Leotis Martin and knocked teeth out of Wayne Bethea, all with his 84 " reach and the most powerful jab in boxing.

Quarry had a 72" reach and cut over the eyes as soon as anyone looked at him. You call this one, but hurry, you won't have much time.
- - -

Liston vs Bonavena

Bonavena was a tough cookie indeed, he had punching power, huge amounts of strength and an iron chin. All of which were not as good as Sonny's.

Ali proved Bonavena could be hurt when he knocked him down 3 times in one round, if Ali (comeback) could do it then I'm sure Sonny Liston could.

KO5 Liston