liston-frazier 1969

That seems reasonable. But he was definitely a risk not worth taking for Frazier during those years.

 

Few people favour Frazier in this matchup. Many of whom I've discussed this matchup generally conclude that Liston would destroy Frazier in the same fashion as Foreman based on the perfomance in Jamaica.

First of all, 1969 Frazier was a drastically different fighter than the Frazier that got knocked around the ring by Foreman in 1973. 1969 Joe Frazier was the best heavyweight in the world not named Ali and would probably knock out Foreman inside 10 rounds IMO. I have no doubts that he would have done the same to Liston had they crossed paths. Liston doesn't have the 4 inch height advantage Foreman employs but I think Sonny is a little better conditioned than Big George. Regardless, conditioning would never be a factor against Frazier because the only other heavyweight fighter that can honestly compare to Frazier endurance-wise is Rocky Marciano. Based on this fact, Frazier's chances of winning greatly increases after the early rounds and I believe his pace and pressure would get to both Liston and Foreman. Liston and Foreman most definitely could have Frazier on the mat early in the fight, there's no denying that. Prime Joe Frazier would keep getting up, work the body and hurt both with his hooks, eventually stopping them both late. Even in the poor condition that he was, Frazier almost made it out of the second round against a tiring Foreman.

 

Let's also not forget that Frazier was very hard to hit consistently with a jab. Listons' jab was extremely heavy, but it wasn't that fast, and a guy that both Ellis and Ali had a hard time landing with the jab against would be able to slip a lot of Liston's jabs. And a large part of Liston's game was built around his jab.

 

Ellis & Ali's jabs both went after Fraziers head..which was a mistake.

No one ever backed Liston up (including a sparring Foreman).

Liston could use that 82" reach and very powerful left jab and pumped it into Frazier's heart and chest....then bring in uppercuts like the ones he poleaxed Patterson with.

Basically, Frazier would be facing a bigger and more powerful man, and one that might be very motivated to regain his title.

 

Frazier pretty easily.

I pick prime Frazier to beat prime Liston, too.

 

Ali went on record as saying Frazier was rather easy to hit.

 

Liston Way Past Prime...............frazier Dec

 

Frazier by TKO in six or seven ...

 

liston was a bully, frazier was a bulldog and off the mouth of a guy that trained both of them

 

No, I heard him say Frazier was very hard to hit after FOTC. Of course, he probably said all manner of things about Frazier. But he did had a hard time connecting with the jab against Frazier. Therefore, he switched to a lead right insted on occasion, which was quite succesful.

 

Prime for prime I favour Liston early (no disrespect to Frazier, but it's a nightmare matchup for him). An approaching his very best Frazier against an old Liston possibly be a different story? I think it could be, if Frazier survives the early rounds he'd have a good chance of taking a decision.

 

"If you wanna lose your money, put them on Sonny" wasn´t that what Ali said before their first fight.
Seriously I think that Liston would miss Frazier while he´s bobing and weaving to get inside, but to get inside with Liston, who want´s to do that? Hard fight. If I have to pic a winner I think Frazier would win, for me he seems to be a little faster in his punches but Liston hits harder, much harder. At least what I think. Wonder if Ali ever said anything about their hitting power, think he said that Shavers was the one that hit hardest.

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