Prime Sonny Liston vs Muhammad Ali (1967)

Prime Liston was in the ring against Ali yet...


I´ve seen almost all of the available Sonny- fights, and he didn´t look better there, he was only in the ring against mediocre fighters, that´s why he looked so "special", Liston would lose 10 times out of 10...

 

Under those conditions I think the best possible Liston would do better against Ali. Who knows he could even last 15 rounds. However, Ali's speed would always be a big problem for Liston. At best I see Liston losing a UD. I'm not one of those who think either of the Liston-Ali fights were fixed.

 

I agree that Ali is overrated, but Liston is more overrated. People like Clay II have him at their 2nd best HW ever in their ATG´s list...

 

:nut Hmm, your funny and yet tragic at the same time, thats quite an achievement.

 

Liston KO12. A different animal to what Ali faced in '64, the '59 Liston would have stalked, applied subtle pressure and paced himself en route to a left hook knockout.

 

Ali is far too fast. Liston even though he was slower than he was at his peak wasn't shot and he couldn't even come CLOSE to landing on Ali. Peak Liston makes a better fight out of it but still loses by decision.

 

Ali would win a fairly competitive UD his speed will always be a problem as he would have Liston chasing throughout.

 

Prime Liston had trouble with cutie Manchen, and Eddie was no Ali. Liston would go 15 rounds if he was in his pomp, but he would lose comfortably.

Ali WU15 (10-5)

 

I am going to go against the grain and pick Liston here. Remember that Ali was taking a big step up in competition and had not yet reached his peak. Liston should be able to capitalize on this.

 

But the question was 67 Ali against 60ish Liston.... Ali had reached his peak

 

Then I will go with Ali.

 

Edit!

 

He was miles behind.