Similar threads have been done on Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson,the latter by yours truly. Place the peak Liston against the top heavies of 1970-1975. I see it like this. He would lose to Ali by clear,but hard fought decision. Up to 1975 Muhammad would still be too mobile and versatile with gameplans for Sonny. He would ko Frazier early,like Foreman did. Ken Norton would suffer a similar fate,as Liston was a big puncher. Quarry and Lyle would also see an early shower. Oscar Bonavena would display stubborn resistance until Sonny would become the only man apart from Ali to stop him. The most intriguing bout would be with George Foreman. This would be a battle royal,and I cannot pick a certain winner. Ideas guys ?
Jaysus, must be Sonny's turn on the merry-go-round today! I tend to favour him over Frazier, but I think it would be much closer than other people seem to think. I think Frazier was much, much sharper pre-FOTC. Assuming Frazier and Liston are primed and duking it out for the vacant title (what a thought) then I think it would be incredible. I think that Frazier would probably get tagged once Liston found his rythym and made his adjustments, maybe around 8, 9? I also think that Joe could win this fight. If he can stay safe long enough he can wear Sonny Liston down for a very late stoppage. Norton is toast. Lyle is toast. The referee would rescue a ruined Bonavena late I guess. I think Sonny beats Foreman. Better boxer whilst matching him for power and strength.
i totally can find myself in the above. as for foreman-liston ?? i pick sonny over george. both having the same strength (maybe sonny a bit more??) but sonny wasn't afraid of knowone. so that advantage wouldn't george have and second liston was the better technician of the two also the better ring general. ofcourse there is always the chance of a sneaky knock out. but i would pick sonny to win this one 8 out of 10 times.
Liston of 1960 blows through Norton, Lyle would get the **** kicked out of him. Liston does everything better. Liston is one of the worst matchups for Foreman there are, he stops Big George around the 5th. I slightly favor Ali over Liston here, but it has to be an Ali at his absolute 70's best. Frazier gives him a great fight. Foreman was so much different than Liston, Liston was much better technically but Foreman's raw power and wild haymakers overwhelmed Frazier. Liston didn't fight like that. I like Liston's jab though and it's really hard for me to pick a non mover over Liston.
