Prime for prime. IMO Louis has never been bettered in terms of punching, Liston tough as nails, a concussive puncher with one of the best heavyweight jabs of all time. Louis is more vulnerable IMO, but who takes it? 15 rounds (doubtful it'll go the distance IMO) who takes it? I feel Liston COULD break Louis down and stop him. Question is, would/could Listons beard stand up to the artillery he would no doubt taste at some point ? If so, for how long? I'm sure this has been done before, if no one can be bothered to go over it again a link to a more comprehensive thread will suffice :good
you're not being fair here.asking me to pick 2 of my heroes.they were good mates too !! i'll say they won't fight,that way i can get back on the fence
There's not much evidence to say Liston gets beat to be honest. I do think Louis is better in terms of the kind of fight that would get under way, but again that's not really a gulf in class. If Louis can jab first and get inside the range he'll likely pound it out.
That's why I think it's such an interesting fight. Another really intriguing one is Louis vs Holyfield
I would expect Louis to beat Liston. His hand speed, better combos and the big quick right hand would make the difference.
The things that Louis did better than Liston is a very short list, and vice-versa. Very close fight. Louis on points would be my guess, but he might fade having had his head jabbed off early. Then again, that may not matter, as Liston was unproven over the longer distance - hence the tentative pick.
Louis would beat Holyfield by knockout. I'd pick Louis over anyone who can be dragged into a war in the middle of the ring. Holyfiled has that chin, but I think this is an occasion where punch beats chin. I'll say Holyfield gets dragged into something he shouldn't have for the last time around 8-12.
If there's anyone who had the poise, composite punching/power to get rid of prime Holyfield I'd say Louis. Would be on the greatest fights of all time mind.
This might well be my favourite matchup between any two of the big lads. The staredown would have been an event in itself. 50/50, but Joe's completeness as a puncher and his speed of hand at midrange are tilting me towards him by possible TKO. Still, Sonny had that jab......
I get the feeling that after Louis takes Liston's heavy artillery,and rises from the canvas a few times,Sonny would start to get discouraged. Joe could take it by tko in the later rounds. On a knifedge with this one though.
I think Louis takes him here and makes him quit between rounds. Handspeed would be a big factor, as it was with Clay. Liston comes out strong, maybe even KD's Louis early, but the punishment starts to accumulate, Liston goes into retreat mode, a bit inactive, and Louis continues to jump on him. At least that's how it plays out in my mind's eye...
