Muhammad Ali 1974 v Sonny Liston 1964

RulesMakeItInteresting · Jul 6, 2022

Glass City Cobra said: ↑

I would favor peak Liston against this version of Ali. However, Ali had so much experience and determination to win in Zaire, I could see him coming up with a strategy to adjust for this scenario. Ali still had good head movement, hand speed, his blistering jab, and the strength to tie up Liston.

The biggest problem with Liston is that unlike most big hitters, he had very good ring IQ and good stamina. He wouldn't fall for the rope a dope and if we are assuming he has knowledge of how their other fights went, he wouldn't underestimate Ali. Liston wouldn't just chase him around the ring swinging at air, he'd calmly walk him down operating behind a sledgehammer jab and going to the body whenever possible to slow Ali down.

It would be a very tactical, nail biter affair with lots of close rounds. I think Liston could edge it unless Ali can maintain his momentum and footwork in spurts to frustrate him like he did in the 60's but it would be difficult to do this at this age for Ali. At several points Ali would need to stop moving since he just didn't have the energy to move all night anymore. His only options would be to cover up and give rounds away or fight at ring center (very dangerous).
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Really wise post, Glass.

Kid Bacon · Jul 6, 2022

steve21 said: ↑

Good points - Ali went into Zaire with one game plan in mind - keep in the middle of the ring and outbox Foreman - but after the first round realized it wouldn't work; the soft ring, Foreman's cutting off the ring worked against him ... and adapted on the fly. No reason to think he couldn't do the same thing with Liston. He had so much more guile and ring savvy in 1974 vs 1964 - I think it more than made up for the loss in quickness and endurance
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This.

Whatever Liston could scheme, Ali would find a way to negate and frustrate.

At then end of the day, all things considered, Ali had the superior ring IQ and that makes all the difference.

Stevie G · Jul 7, 2022

Richard M Murrieta said: ↑

Thanks buddy, I like your post as well too.
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Thanks Richard.

ThatOne · Jul 7, 2022

Thrilla Ali beats him too. So much mentally tougher...

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Muhammad Ali 1974 v Sonny Liston 1964

RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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Muhammad Ali 1974 v Sonny Liston 1964

RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

Kid Bacon All-Time-Fat Full Member

Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

ThatOne Boxing Addict Full Member