And Mike Weaver was a journeyman who got beat by worse journeymen. Please stop trying to dissuade others of this FACT. Sure, he looked formidable but he would stand absolutely no chance against Liston, a guy I think most on this board supremely overrate. I would rate so many, many heavyweights over the past 30 years so much more dangerous than Hercules. But I will say he was a very nice chap.
But someone like Walcott lost to journeymen too. Neither he nor Weaver were well-managed during the early parts of their careers. I don't see how that's particularly relevant with regards to the thread. Of course, Weaver was by no means a complete fighter or anything. He had his limitations, but he did give the likes of Holmes a lot of trouble and beat some very useful heavies along the way. Even as a journeyman he was dangerous, as Carl Williams could attest. Liston for all intents and purposes SHOULD win I agree, but easily? I don't think so.
I have been watching heavyweight boxing a long time. It is my observation that when matched vs a skilled aggressive puncher like Liston, those with defensive and movement skills tend to last a lot longer in the ring that slower, less defensive fighters. And of course those who are durable tend to last longer as well. A Sonny Liston example: Machen who was defensive, quick, and pretty durable last a lot longer than guys like Big Cat Williams, or Nino Valdes who were bigger and slower. I realize Weaver put on some courageous performances and was popular, but guys this is Sonny Liston here. Few heavyweights in history could expect to out slug him, which was mostly Weaver’s style. Styles makes fights, and when a skilled puncher gets an ideal stylistic match up, usually he’s going to close the show sooner rather than later. Weaver has a small chance, but I can't see more than that.
Prime Sonny would take apart Mike in 3 rounds, but past-prime, I could see Weaver decisioning Liston, possibly stopping him if this is the 67-70 version.
I think Liston was a bit better and should b a slight favorite 2 stop Weaver , but Weaver does stand a chance . But , d 1st post of d thread still looks intentionally ludicrous . I wonder if he meant it or not . Surely he matured by now and will regret it and say that Liston would have KOd Weaver , but "in the heavyweight division 1 punch can turn an entire fight " . :yep