Joe Louis vs Sonny Liston of 1960?

Incredible. What a machine.

 

Action-packed brutal fight; which probably ends relatively early, within 8 rounds. Liston was very strong with heavy hands and a good jab. Louis could be decked momentarily by strong guys like Liston. However, I think Louis was just too fast and explosive for Sonny. Prime Joe had underrated footwork and subtle head movement and counters, and I think Sonny was not exactly a defensive wizard. Joe would hit him sooner and more quickly than Sonny would hit him. So with Joe's speed edge, extremely accurate punching, and pulverizing power to the body and head, I think he's ultimately going to win by KO. But he might have some rough moments because Sonny was very strong and heavy handed. Sonny wasn't the type to kill the clock or stall. He is going to fight it out, which actually makes it end sooner.

 

Just how I see it. Good post.

 

Louis would have to have the fight of his career using the correct strategy. This couldn't be typical where his first fight he’s not prepared then does much better in the second. If that Louis shows up Liston knocks him out within 8. And maybe that’s what it would take the rematch version to come in focused and ready with exact game plan. Even in that scenario though would take the fight of his life to win but I do think it possible.
If by some miracle the fight happened and I was forced to bet my life savings I’m going with Liston by KO in explosive fight.

 

Great post but this is one fight I wouldn't even bet a cent on ! So,so difficult to choose
between these 2 ATGs.

 

I have to ask everyone- What is Listons strategy? There is not a man alive who wore boxing gloves, who should be advised to try and stay on top of Louis. He certainly won’t be outboxing Louis not even the most rabid Liston fan believes that truly.

 

There arguably hasn't been as good of a combination puncher at heavyweight since Louis to Listons heyday. Liston definitely isn't gonna give Louis fits in the footspeed department and even then Louis timing is still great. Liston had a weight advantage about 20 pds but again would he want to try to bully Louis to get ripped by body punches? I favor Louis by decision but can see a late rds stoppage win for him as well.

 

Sonny's reach and jab would be key in a victory for him, because he could easily mess up and get stopped by a Louis combo. However, I think he would eventually TKO Joe or win a decision. Prime Liston was a monster, as was Louis.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think of Louis being 193-200 and Liston being 205-215? At least at their peak forms.

 

Peak Louis of the Schmeling fight was 198, and peak Liston of 1960 was 212. That's, roughly, a 14 pound weight difference, a pretty big one for Sonny but also not one Louis hasn't overcome before.

 

That sounds about right why I gave an estimate of a 20 pd differential or a little less. Again, I am not looking at accounts of their prime weights while currently posting just going based off countless fights I've seen of both. Do think Liston should b the underdog but that part is my opinion.

 

Liston I’d give a minimum of 210.

 

Yup give or take

Lol yeah I don't get too invested in pounds and height unless I felt it would b a huge detriment to an opposing fighter. Just don't see Liston pushing Louis around and walking through him. If anything I c an explosive chess match.

 

Or people could just use common sense and simple honesty. Over the years it's been embarrassing at times to see the complete lack of intellectual honesty during such debates.

Louis won the title at 197 1/2. His legendary thrashing of Schmeling was at 198 3/4. 200 pounds would be a very fair assessment of his peak. Taking Liston from his first big win over Williams thru the Patterson fights would see him at around 212.8. you'd go back to 212 as he one one mild outlier and by the time of the Patterson rematch was at that stage where they all add a few pounds.

It's fair to say Liston has 10-12 pounds of weight on louis at their finest. What one makes of that is entirely up to them.

 

Liston wins all day long, and by KO.