Prime Holmes vs. Prime Liston

holmes would kill him.

 

Holmes on points......but you never know with Liston , could win this one with one punch

 

This is a hell of a fight and could go either way .. I like Larry but Liston, with that jab and reach could be very tough ...

 

Liston by decision. Larrys blistering handspeed lumps up more than a few welts on Listons face. Larry scores with his jab, but Listons powerful jab negates Larry's at times. Larry had trouble with good jabbers in his career, and he is facing a man with a 84" telephone pole. Larry's biggest problem in this matchup is his tendency to brawl when hurt. Liston would hurt Larry in this matchup, and Larry's big heart would cause him to punch back. This will get him beat up against Liston. I think Liston lands the more effective punches in the fight, especially with the long clubbing right hand. He puts Larry on the canvas a few times. The bout is fought at a fast pace, and Liston keeps up with Larry the whole way. Larry wins rounds with his hand speed and jab, but it's not enough. Liston by close decision.



For those questioning Listons stamina, watch the film...Liston proved against Machen in 1960 he has the stamina to fight 12 fast paced rounds.

 

holmes picks him apart for crying aloud. holmes and lewis are the best heavyweights.
vitali after that.

 

larrys jab is much better and crisper and his faster movement would befuffle liston all night.

 

The more thought I give it Liston is the bigger threat for damage, I dont see Holmes dancing for as long or having the speed like Ali and lacks the power to really discourage Sonny. I can see Sonny hurting Holmes with the long right hand but Larry going back at him. Liston may take the decision in close one but could be a Holmes/Norton type of fight with Sonny bring a little more of Shavers with his right hand

 

I feel that the people who rate Holmes very highly head to head, often fail to address the question of how he is going to keep away from the best ever finishers, or keep them off him.

That is what it is going to turn on.

 

Holmes would easily outbox Liston and win by a 13th round TKO

 

Except Sonny had much better boxing skills, defense, had a much better chin, far better left jab, and a better left hook.