If Liston Had Defended Against Ernie Terrell, Instead Of Ali?

Liston was headed for a train-wreck sooner rather than later. That being said, Terrell barely squeaked by an SD against a not 100% Williams, many, including myself thought he lost. Liston takes him out 6-8.

 

Sonny would have nailed Terrell in the first fight before his shoulder gave out.

 

Liston on points. Maybe mid round stoppage. I just get the feeling he might underestimate Terrell and not be top condition. If that happens Terrell could get a close MD 15 type of decision. Not even close in Liston’s prime but this was nowhere near his prime.

 

Sonny Liston once said of Ernie Terrell, He Hugs More Than I Hug My Wife When He Fights. Another talented poster said Sonny was headed for a train wreck, that is quite true. Sonny only had 2 rounds in both fights against Floyd Patterson in 1962 and 1963, and he did not care for the sight of the gym. He started to indulge in late night activity by consuming a lot of alcohol and having an extra marital affair on Geraldine. I am sure Jack Nilon and Willie Reddish saw that wreck coming. I see Sonny going out there to do short work of Ernie, who would use height and a long left jab on Sonny, in an attempt to drag him into deep waters, he would grab and clutch Liston, causing frustration to Sonny. Remember Liston went 12 rounds with Eddie Machen on Sept 7 1960, because Eddie was cautious. Terrell would nullify the Liston jab with his wrestling grabbing tactics. Stamina would play a big part in the outcome. Ernie had gone the distance many times before, where Liston did in few occassions. And Liston did not like to train by this time. He might be looking past Ernie, thinking of the millions against a young Muhammad Ali. A severely exhausted frustrated Liston looks surprised by the decision announced against him, in the crowd are Ali and Floyd Patterson, it is announced the winner of that match will meet the new champion Ernie Terrell on May 25 1965. The date of this victory for Terrell is Feb 25 1964, and the site is Miami Beach, Florida. Shocking News, Ali and Patterson are to fight on July 5 1964, instead of Patterson vs Machen in Sweden.

 

I saw it as I was writing, Liston after the first Patterson fight in 1962, he envisioned a Welcome Home Parade for him, but no one was at the airport to greet him. He must have felt that the title was not worth it. He just went through the motions of training, his heart was not in it any more. Also he must of realized that he was a tool for the underworld. and nothing more. Would if Liston had decided to take a match to stay active at the begging of his management, against maybe Karl Mildenberger in Germany, Sonny does not train as he should, loses a decision to the southpaw, it would be pretty much over at that time.

 

Evidently Liston saw Terrell up close when he refereed the Terrell - Williams fight, so he probably had a pretty good view of what Terrell was all about in a real fight. I'd say that even a partly shot Liston had a good chance of getting Terrell out of there by about the halfway point. But, if Ernie was still on his feet and relatively undamaged in round 10, then it could easily have gone the other way.

Great idea, by the way!

 

I agree my friend, Sonny's heart was not in it anymore after the title winning fight against Floyd Patterson in 1962.

 

Not a far fetched scenario!

 

Thanks my friend.

 

I'm with swag. 1964 would be kind of a toss-up for me, but Liston was on his way out and Terrell was on his way in, despite being a little green. I think Terrell would give Liston a helluva time, but I would pick either man by a close decision. I would favor Liston slightly. BATTLE OF JABS.

 

Terrell might give him some trouble, but Liston still wins. Ali was very hard for Liston cause Liston couldn't handle his speed, Terrell ain't that fast.

 

Good Post, but I believe that the desire and stamina were gone from Sonny Liston in 1964, how could he be up mentally for Ernie Terrell? He looked kind of sad at the Ed Sullivan Show on Feb 16 1964, seated next to Joe Louis while The Beatles were on stage.