Prime Liston vs. Prime Tyson

Liston...now give us a hard question!

 

Id actually go with Tyson, but thats my 2 cents

 

If Liston could punch and had underrated skills, Tyson could punch as well and had better skills. Liston's only advantage would be his endless jab and iron chin, Tyson was faster and way more accurate. I envision a decision for Tyson.

 

I think I'd go wit Tyson to win this one.

 

It'd go whatever way it they were told to.

 

I wouldnt call Liston's chin better than Tysons... Tyson has never been down early, and that's virtually Listons only chance.

 

Liston had the two ingedients that makes him a style nightmare for a short slugger, long arms and a knockout punch. George Foreman says in his autobiography that he would have done the same thing to Tyson that he did Frazier, and there is little doubt that he would have. Liston would have done it too.

 

Not just the equalizer, it's the finisher.

Liston didn't represent the kind of tactician that guys like Ali, and later Holyfield were. Sure he could box and move when he wanted to, but he didn't lead with his head, elbow and hold on much. He wasn't so much a dirty fighter. And that's where Tyson's speed and agression would pay off.

To beat a prime Tyson you really had to have a combination of control, poise, power and your own aggression. Guys like Holyfield and Douglas best represent this package.

 

Tyson studied alot of the old time boxers. He may not have shown great finesse in his prime but he knew how to get to them. His inside right hand is one of the best in boxing history. And his overhand right is one of the most destructive. Ditto for his 1-2 to the body and uppercut upstairs.

I mention the cheating because if there is one place Tyson wouldn't be prepared it is there. A well schooled swarmer like Tyson could be controlled by doing things abnormal, something he wouldn't be prepared for. Tyson is not a guy who adapts in the ring either. He is well schooled, but not creative. So if you surprise him in the ring there really isn't much he is gonna do to work around it. And then you have him.

Yes, he had a good inside game, against guys like Patterson. Tyson in no way fits here. He was sheer speed, power and vicious attitude. And if you didn't headbutt him, elbow him, hold onto him, he was gonna steamroll you. Liston would be hopelessly knocked out on his noble shield here.

 

That's a really tough one to call. Liston had a really great jab which would help him against Tyson. I could see him beating the Mike that lost to Buster Douglas, but when Tyson was prepared properly he would beat Liston.