Prime for prime, who takes it? Liston had superior boxing skills imo, better jab and left hook. Comprable power. I believe Lyle had more heart. Can Liston keep Lyle at bay with his ramrod jab? Can Liston's Chin handle a flush right hand from Lyle? Thoughts?
Both guys are so slow,,,,,,,,, That birds land on their arms and use them as perches. Sonny moved like a 'freight train' pulling out of the yard. Ron fought like he was underwater.
I think Liston would stop him in the mid to late rounds. Lyle liked to brawl too much, and Liston was just too powerful and too good for Lyle to be able to do that for an entire fight.
Liston hit just as hard as Foreman but was sharper and more accurate. He made better use of his power. He wouldn't swing like George so he'd find the target easier and quicker. The fact Lyle was clocked so many damn times shows he didn't have a great defense. Liston also has a granite jaw. I doubt Lyle hit as hard as Cleveland Williams who hammered Liston twice without shaking him, before being stopped. Liston is a more effective George Foreman with similar natural skills. He does what George does but a lot cleaner and in a much more one-sided fight. However Liston wasn't as keen to kill - he was more laid back and picked his shots. It's a painful night for Lyle who had no advantage at all in this fight. TKO6 Sonny Liston
Lyle exposed young Formans limitataions against a simular sized heavyweight puncher with heart, but he did not win that fight, nor was he ever champion. Ron may very well have beaten most of the smaller men Liston fought but he is over rated against champions. strong contender though he was lyle was mastered by quarry - another strong contender who must be higher regarded than Lyle. Liston in 1960-62 was an ATG but it was not for long. That Liston beats Lyle. After 1961 Liston never won a competative fight. His size advantage in the 1950s was canceled out and he got older. Post 1964 Lyle has a real chance, he might not win but he could have an edge over sonny after that point in his career.
The posters have called it right .Lyle is a mere facsimile of Liston and has no advantages that I can see.
