Rocky Marciano Would Knock Out Sonny Liston

agreed, bethea being formerly rated together with the cabb, whitehurst and co impresive wins got sonny in the lower half of the ratings. dejohn and valdes in 59 put Liston at the top of the pile.

 

I suspect Liston was the favorite by the time he actualy got patterson into a ring with him. Fans spent three years whatching the "patt-ingo fest" where both champions took turns knocking the other out making either look vulnerable against all but mcneely at that point. there was nobody left but a champion for Liston to fight in 61. Liston was the outstanding contender but he still needed to face a champion to become one.

 

He's right. Only part I disagree with him is Archie's handspeed. Archie still had very fast hands in 54, faster than Sonny's.

 

It's only once in awhile when McGrain starts with the superlatives. But it's fun. Liston's defense is good, better than what the youtube generation thinks but lets not get carried away here.