Liston vs Lewises resume

Although known to lack discipline in preparations, Liston was at his most driven & consistent during the specified years. He cut a swathe through the division in an exhaustive & comprehensive manner rarely seen at Heavy. I don’t see anyone on that list, at the stage Lewis fought them, beating this Liston.

 

Beats all except Holyfield prime for prime, not sure if the Evander that fought Lewis still gets it done but he was still impressive at that stage.

 

I’d make him the favorite over that list, yes.

 

Well. Maybe not MASON. The guy did look pretty awesome against Hughroy Curry, Everett Martin and Mark Wills. I don’t know if Sonny could stand up to that.

 

He would beat them all at his best, but in practice I don't think that he could manage that sort of run of form.

 

IMO he proved he could for the window in question.

 

Leaving prime Holyfield out of it, he was trounced by Lewis (a near shut-out) that year, then performed a good deal better in the rematch, but was seriously aided by Lewis’ disinterest - the big fella having won effortlessly already & struggling for motivation. The following year he began the Ruiz debacles. This guy is going to hang with prime Liston!? I couldn’t imagine it. I am halfway against him fighting Liston even at the peak of his powers. 1999 Holyfield is target practice.

 

Liston wipes this list.

 

From Bean to Ruiz, have you watched this version of him lately? He’s cooked.

 

One thing to consider here is that Liston very seldom ever fought an opponent w/ a significant size advantage over him - Wepner really was the only one. He would be in uncharted waters facing opponents that were several inches taller w/ double digit weight advantages.

 

Imo he beats evan. I think the Cleveland williams fight is a good base of comparison.

 

The Holyfield that fought Lewis definitely doesn't "get it done".