Prime Sonny Liston vs Muhammad Ali (1967)

I don't think many would dispute that at all. It would most definitely be closer than what would have happened had their two actual fights lasted longer (ie: had Liston not quit X2)

A 58-61-ish Liston would most definitely be more competitive and at least would have that slight punchers chance vs pre-exile Ali (who's punch resistance was way more unproven against heavy hitters at this stage). Should Liston catch Ali flush, ala Cooper fight- it's all over. Despite that, I don't think Ali would allow himself to be too complacent in this one.

I'd still expect to see Ali previal- by at least three-four rounds on the cards, but this Liston would make a better fist of it than the '63 version. :yep

 

Nope and nope, I'm serious. It's a myth that Ali fought and retired in '67.

 

"Ali was in his prime when he faced Spinks."

That's hilarious.

 

Well done, Manassa. This is one of your better ****-takes.

:smoke

 

Now Manassa, you know darned well it's boxWRECK! (Get it right already, willya?)

 

quite possible for Liston to win this: Ali wasn't as tough as he was in the 70s. I banks and Cooper can floor Ali then I wouldn't put it past a much more dangerous Liston. Ali went on to win, but I think It would be very close. Liston would NOT get blown away.

 

What really is at your best or prime. When Liston stopped Patterson twice in the 1st round, most of the experts were comparing him with all the all-time Greats, then 7 months later some say that he was passed his prime. If Liston fought anyone else in the top 10 that night he would have won. Ali just had the style to beat him, period.

 

I agree!

Muhammad Ali had Sonny Liston's number. 1967 Ali would beat 1959 Liston by KO/TKO...in my opinion.

 

I disagree with this because Liston didn't train as hard as he did with his other fights and well I don't think Liston was as in shape or fast as he was against maybe whitehurst or even Williams.
I would favor Ali any time anyway. except if this is 72' Liston vs 78 Ali. in that case Liston would beat Ali.

 

Maybe he looked slower because of the speed of Ali. By the way, I have the boxing gloves that Liston used in his last bout against Wepner.

 

he didn't train though, so he was not the best liston that ever fought.
seriously? That's awesome.

 

Tommy you're an ******* for bumping this.

 

ESB Classic is really not very good at detecting sarcasm.

 

Are you pissed ,or on the evostik?