Thats in fact the question to ask. We have slim to none idea how Liston would do against fighters like the Thomas, Tubbs or 6'5" Biggs & Tucker. On the other hand, Tyson would fight fellows smaller than Michael Spinks if we paired him against 90 % of Listons opponents. Liston did extremely well here, which might be a point. He has a advantage too by fighting both ways, as a agressive puncher or as a fighter with a strong quality jab. Boxers who could do both are extremely rare on the highest level, Lewis could do it too. But again, we have no idea with Liston aganst a field of 8 quality fighters in row of 215lb+.
So difficult, it`s a toss up, Tyson never won a real battle, like for example Holyfield. Though I give Tyson the edge, at least the one who fought Spinks.
It's not even Tyson's size alone that does it or me, it's his skill level. He would be more well rounded and therefore overall better skilled than anyone Liston fought.
Its interesting to see the opinions on the outcome of this hypothetical fight change throughout the years.
You are right. I haven`t thought about it anymore. Donnovan Ruddock wasn`t Liston, but still a strong fighter.
Tyson and Ruddock put on a spectacular pair of fights But Ruddock did ruin his career by taking the rematch with Tyson .... Took a massive beating and was never the same ...
The problem is the way Mike came in. Granted, at times his head movement was really effective, but a slip up in defense against Liston would be more painful than against anyone he ever faced besides Lewis. And Liston couldn't be intimidated...Mike didn't like that. Holy punked him out in the stare down twice...look what happened there. All that said, though, Mike would be dangerous against anyone h2h...Liston too.
You can kind of say the same for Tyson. I forget when, but Tyson looked ready to go in one of those rounds. He was fortunate though because the round was ending and he recovered.
Liston has a lot of things going for him in this match up: -demolished a Cus trained peak a boo fighter in 1 round, twice. -has a powerful battering ram jab and long reach -can fight at long range or up close -powerful uppercut -him intimidating Tyson is not out of the question On the other hand, for Tyson: -blistering hand speed -superb head movement -better counter puncher -better defense Both had absurd punching power and killer instinct. Both were tremendous body punchers and had excellent chins. This would be a hell of a fight and I would burn down an orphanage to see it. They both have some similarities and they also both have x factors that can nullify what the other guy brings to the table. I guess it boils down to if Tyson doesn't get psyched out and can deal with the huge reach disparity and if Liston can cope with Tyson's speed.
Tyson was very afraid of many fighters and this fueled his energy. I think he overwhlems Liston early with his speed and Ko's him.
This thread has been done over and over, some hoping for a different result, kind of like the definition of insanity in the dictionary. Mike Tyson, no question had head movement and speed. but at his peak, 1959 form Sonny Liston too was a devastating puncher who could also box and take a punch. Maybe Marty Marshal could not punch as hard as Mike but Sonny fought with a broken jaw in his 1954 loss. He fought with a broken nose against Cleveland Big Cat Williams in 1959, before he flattened Williams early. And Liston could go 12 rounds if needed. He went 12 rounds with Eddie Machen on Sept 7 1960, winning the decision. That being said, I think that Liston at his peak had better stamina than Tyson, who shot out his bolt early. I see Sonny boxing cautiously early, measuring Tyson, the taking him out in the 6th round. Mike can hit but if you cannot cleanly to hit your target you punch yourself out like Foreman did in Zaire against Muhammad Ali in 1974.
lots of weird people here sonny was slow and to easy to read people said it already so why disagree or act blind to not seeing people say it he would lose not a opinion its fact
Listons work rate exhausts Tyson and early. Liston throws more punches a round then any hw champ ever I think (please correct me if wrong). Tyson was extremely inactive (but accurate and fast and powerful when he threw) I don’t think he could keep the pace long. Always the chance Liston quiting though and I know he wasn’t prime when he quit he still never faced a tyson in prime.
