Prime Holyfield vs Prime Liston

Liston beats Holyfield inside and outside, I just can't see him making it out of this one. Evander always struggled to find his way around long accurate jabs consistently, and in the rare event he finds himself at close quarters Liston would maul him with dangerous short range combination punching to the head and body that rivals Bowe(see the Williams KOs). Evander isn't an Ali that can frustrate Liston with his movement, he only sporadiclaly outboxed a fat Bowe in their rematch, and was still outjabbed and prone to inside brawling down the stretch. Holyfield is tough and lasts longer than most, but I just can't see him pulling off the win, and would be very surprised if he sees the final bell.

 

Liston by KO

Holy is too small, he is a tough guy but I dont see him lasting with Liston who hit like a horse & was incredibly strong too.

I also dont think he was just a `bully` as some think, he had fights besides the Ali ones were the other guy was in his face banging him back & he never wilted once... I give Holy little chance in this one, personally.

 

Cleveland Williams comes to mind, who was bigger than Liston, pushed him around and rocked him with terrific short left hooks early before getting dominated on the inside and quickly knocked out.

 

Great point, I would have to agree.

I see Holyfield outclassing Liston to a UD, I favour his skill, speed, elusiveness, versatility and warrior's heart to come out on top.

 

Waiting for those who overrate Liston to come out of the wood-work. If this poll was done 6 months ago Liston would be winning. Things have changed, though.

 

Gotta go with Holy in this one. Faster hands, higher workrate, great chin and is used to fighting big heavies and big punchers. Liston was good but he was a big fish in a small pond back in the late 50's and early 60's. Holyfield fought in an era where the opponents were considerably larger and could bang as well. And while Sonny was quicker than most people think you could basically time his punches with a sundial. Clay/Ali made that painfully evident in thier 1st encounter. Of course Sonny could punch which gives him a chance but beyond that I see Evander pulling away around mid-fight. If Sonny had faster hands and could really whip in combinations then I'd give him the edge but the fact is he doesn't and that's why I pick Holyfield.

 

This is a terrific match up. Very even match up. I like a prime Holyfield by a late stopage but if fights stupid he would get stopped as Liston was that tough and that good.

 

Something I often forget with Holyfield is that he never lost until he was more than 30 years old. Also, as a cruiser he was phenomenal, and wouldn't have been that small by 60s HW standards. It's hard not to judge him on the later parts, more fresh in the memory, of his somewhat protracted career.

 

I think everyone on this forum is forgetting that Evander is closer to cruiserweight than being a natural heavyweight. There's no way that Holyfield beats Liston with the ease that many are saying on this forum. Let's assume it's a pure boxing contest without all the mafia stuff typically associated Liston and the man has a clear mind. I think Liston could take Holyfield in an exciting boxing contest, prime for prime and quite possibly stops Holyfield before 12. Liston has the power factor on his side and it's not like he was a plodding, lumbering slowpoke in the ring. Either way, Evander would have a serious fight on his hands and so would Liston too.

Sonny by late KO, inside 12 rounds.

 

I like both of them, but, if I had to bet, I would bet on Evander in this one.

 

He does I have no doubt about that !
In fact a faded Holyfieild almost beat Lewis the 2nd time. In my opinion Evander is underrated and one of the top7 Heavyweights of all time.

 

Classy as always, Morlocks. atsch

 

Anyone thinks it's an victory for Evander is seriously uninformed regarding Liston.

 

Holy has weighed as much as 220 and has always been fit and strong. He was strong enough to manhandle Tyson twice (who himself was always renown for his strength) and has matched muscle with others who outweighed him by 10-40 pounds - something Liston seldom if ever had to do. His strength was a lot more proven for his size than Liston's was.

You mean the way Liston crumbled against Leotis Martin? :nut

So in other words, he beat two very highly rated and highly regarded fighters, at least one of whom will likely make the HOF?