Prime Sonny Liston vs Prime wladimir klitschko

I like Klitschko.

Liston didn't fight anyone close to Wlad in size

and few in skill (and Sonny didn't look that good against those that were, like Ali and Machen)

Liston's biggest good opponents were the probably badly overrated Cleveland Williams (did he ever defeat a fighter who was rated when he fought them?) and the old Nino Valdes (who even years earlier couldn't beat light-heavies Moore, Johnson, and Satterfield).

Zech? Wepner? How long does anyone think they would last with Wlad.

The bottom line here is that Liston made his reputation on sub-200 lb. fighters. So it is a shot in the dark how he would fare against Wlad.

I think what would most likely would happen is that Wlad crosses rights over Liston's jab, busting him up and taking him out fairly early. Wlad's critics have pointed out his very real weaknesses, but for me Liston would not be the man to exploit them. Observers of the time, for example Dempsey, pointed out that Liston was open for a counter right and that flaw should prove fatal against the much bigger Wlad.

**I usually don't get into fantasy fights, but I just found the results of this poll weird, considering that Liston would be smaller than most of Wlad's opponents and Wlad is a ton bigger than anyone Liston ever fought plus the few Liston opponents that were even in the 210 to 225 class don't compare at all in power or skill.

 

It's Wlad's right hand that's the difference in the fight for me. It's important to note that Liston's ideal jabbing range, which is usually a huge benefit for him, would put him in the worst possible spot against the straight right because it wouldn't be smothering Wlad's right hand- Wlad would be able to get full extension. Usually, fighters never had this option against Sonny due to his exceptional reach. I think Wlad's quick enough and throws that punch well enough (straight and fast) to land it off of Liston's jab. Sonny also had a tendency to drop his left after he brought it back from the jab, probably because he usually had no worries about his opponent being able to take advantage of it. Liston was great at dictating range, but it's a double-edged sword in this matchup.

 

What's with this? Same dude right???

Anyway, Liston's reach was/is listed as long as 84". I doubt it was that long. That's my opinion. I've also seen Wlad's heighted listed as tall as 6'7". I think he's more like 6'6" though. I also stated that even if Liston's reach was 84" he would not really have a "reach" advantage vs. W. Klitschko due to the fact that Wlad fights tall very well and is about 1/2 a foot taller.

Sure, throwing a straight punch to the body is different... gonna leave him open for a shot from Wlad though. It's much easier to throw a shot to a head that is much lower than your own.

Liston's height has been listed as tall as 6'1"... I think he was more like 6', get over it! Either way Wlad is at least 5" taller...... but I think it's more like 6" lol

Who really gives a shlt????

Point is, I think Liston would lose.

 

Sonny was listed at 6'...or 6'1...219 pounds...

 

Yeah, but he usually weighed less during his prime. People get too hung up on the height, reach, and weight stats... especially with the oldtimers. The heavyweights are for the most part heavier than they should be today. Sure, W. Klitschko, Haye, and Wilder are ripped but most are carrying extra weight that serves no purpose. The 70's version of Foreman could have easily carried 230-235 Lbs. and still would have looked good, I think he was 217 Lbs. the first time he beat Frazier (he was 224 Lbs. in their rematch, so was Frazier actually).

Wladimir Klitschko could handle carrying about 270 Lbs, and he'd still look solid.

 

Indeed. Liston's height and reach do not tell of any real size, but in reality he was huge - a super-villain pencilled by Ed McGuinness.

 

Let me get this right; David "Chinny Chin Chin" Haye can last 12 rounds with Klitschko but Vlad blows Liston away? Some have said this!

Vlad would jab and grab all night long to a boring decision unless Liston caught him early and often enough. Liston would be the one forcing the fight, that's for sure.

Sonny hit hard enough for Vladimir to be on the back foot all night. Some on here are even doubting Liston's power, now! I eagerly await the Calzaghe-Liston thread!

 

All credit to Wlad for rebuilding his career and style after his disastrous losses .. that being said, he would not be able to hold off Liston with his jab as Liston had the longer reach and the better jab. Wlad is no young Ali w speed either. I think Liston would not only start to hit and bust him up with is jab but likely seriously hurt the weak finned Wlad with it .. there is no doubt Wlad's size and style would make him a tough match up for many all time great fighters but Sonny was a bad match up ..

 

How is Liston's jab better? Just because he has the longer reach?

Wlad's jab is much quicker, harder and much better technique. On top of that he throws it much more and can turn it into a hook.

SL gets thrown around the ring worse than the 6'2 225 lb. Povetkin.

If Leotis Martin can knock Sonny out, Wlad would destroy him.

 

Please explain how Liston's technique is better than Wlad's.

Please explain how Liston knows more about boxing than Wlad.op

 

Liston's Jab Longer



Wlad's Jab
Faster
Heavier
More Accurate
Thrown More
Used better to set-up power punches