Liston v Tyson

Interesting clash of styles, but I’d go with Tyson based on the fact that he had quicker hands, feet, was better defensively, and has wins over better opponents.

 

I wouldn't say "not exactly fast". Liston was decisively quick in his prime. Look at his bouts against Williams, Machen, etc. Obviously though he was no Tyson.

As for the match-up, Liston has an overwhelming number of advantages, reach, jab, boxing ability, better inside and outside game, adaptability, power (this is arguable but I'd give Liston the edge), etc. I think Liston breaks Tyson down and stops him late. The early rounds would be competitive but after it's all Liston.

 

Don’t necessarily disagree with you. Liston wasn’t slow I’d call him average for a HW contender/title holder. My only thing with this fight is would he be mentally able to make it to round five or six when Tyson would slow. But gun to my head I’m taking Liston at their bests

 

Is that Rowdy Roddy in your profile picture?! May he RIP!

 

I'd probably favour Liston but it would be a tough battle for both men. Liston probably survives an early onslaught to TKO Tyson late in the fight.

 

Imo Tyson destroyed guys more similar to Liston than Liston did to Tyson. Tyson was significantly bigger, stronger, and more powerful than Patterson with a far better chin and comes in the same league in terms of speed. I'd argue that Tyson 10.5 years into his career would do much better than Liston did against Ali. I can't see Tyson having really any problems with anyone on Liston's resume if I'm being honest.

 

I'd definitely back Tyson. Liston never really proved his worth against quality heavyweights over 220.

Tyson beat plenty of big men who could jab, most notably Thomas, Tucker, and Holmes, and Ruddock, Smith, and Bruno all carried plenty of power and physical strength.

 

Liston for me. Tyson's best chance is to get him pronto. Liston would prioritise the uppercut more than usual and would get the better of it more often in close. After realising Tyson is going to keep coming he digs his heels in and start to fight him off. Not punching Tyson off enough or being able to is suicide. Trying to outbox him based mainly on a jab is a fools errand as well. Liston's well built to match it with him. Liston late stoppage.

 

I agree whole-heartedly John. But I do think Liston is capable of out-boxing him as well.

 

A great match up, but one that would make for a short yet exciting evening

 

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that Liston annihilated the previous guy to use the peek-a-boo style to ascend to HW champ.

Liston KO bc styles make fights

 

Not only did they both use the same style but they were also both Cus D'amato proteges. While I think this is significant, it also goes without saying Tyson is much better than Patterson H2H.

 

50/50

But I would pick Liston slightly over Tyson in this one because he has the style advantage ... But he's never fought anyone with Tyson's speed and athleticism

If Liston can get the edge psychologically over Tyson then his chances increase ... I don't see Liston showing any fear of Tyson but I don't think a prime Tyson would be unsettled by Liston either ...

Fans would get a great fight regardless

 

Before many of his big fights in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mike Tyson would visit Charles Sonny Liston's grave to pay homage, he had a lot of respect for Liston.

 

Liston by KO,,