Liston in the WBA Tournament

Sonny'd get some wins, but it's hard to predict how it would have turned out at his age

 

Sonny would surely have been beaten by someone. Remember that those fights were 12 and 15 rounds -- and by 1967 Liston had stamina problems. Ellis could move a little and had a good right hand. He might have been a difficult opponent for a shot Liston. Quarry was young and talented and could punch. He might've scored a late-round upset win. Terrell had sparred with Sonny years earlier. He knew the man and and he had that long, effective jab. In 1967 he was at the top of his game. I think he beats Liston by decision. Bonavena was strong and had a good chin. He was in his prime. I give him a chance, too. And Martin -- we've all seen what he was able to do with Sonny two years later. Liston had no realistic chance to emerge as heavyweight champion.

 

First 4 would beat him but he would beat the rest of them.

 

Well who is he replacing in the bracket? Liston might have the best odds of winning but this was a very balanced tournament and he'd be the favorite only because someone has to be not because I expect him to win.

 

Your first thought is that he woudl boss it, but I think that he was falling away fairly quickly at that stage.

Probably don't put any money on it.

 

He loses to Ellis, Quarry, Bonavena, and Terrell.

 

Liston could be taken by that time. Would favor a 1960 Liston over any of them. But he probably gets mixed results, especially if fighting all of these back to back