And his protege, George Foreman. Bonavena was tough, rugged and could punch very solid for a top fighter his size. How would Bonavena do vs the Liston that pummeled Roy Harris in 1960 and the Foreman that battered Norton in 1974 This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected
Some might consider Bonavena the favorite because he did better with Mohammed Ali than Liston did. This content is protected 58 Wins (44 Knockouts), 9 Defeats, 1 Draw BTW Here is some info concerning what was involved in his getting TKOd by Ali.
No, I personally have no opinion pro or con. But it is definitely something to take into serious consideration.
I'd make Bonavena a live underdog but Bonavena could be crude and taking punches to give punches isn't a good plan against Liston or Foreman. Boudini called Bonavena "the heavybag" for a reason.
Bonavena would take too many punches from Liston (standing TKO'ed). Maybe same situation against Foreman, unless young Foreman gasses out late.
Oscar would get banged up by Liston s sickening punches. He'd catch Liston with several good rights that would surprise Sonny, but Liston stays in control pumping the jab out. Sonny will drop Oscar in the 14 th, Oscar rises again but is put straight back down.
One things for sure the akward style of O.B. and the power he had must have been phenomenal given him knocking guys down or out when he had no leverage.....what he may have been with better skills