Sonny Liston -vs- Gene Tunney

Dempsey was faster than Liston and hit just as hard and Liston had trouble with speedier boxers...Tunney could win UD but it would not be without some Danger

 

Tunney's got the faster jab by far. For every one Liston launched, Tunney would deliver two or three. Liston didn't have the handspeed necessary to catch Tunney, who was utterly fearless. Sonny wouldn't have intimidated him. Eddie Machen proved that Gene had the size and toughness needed to hang with Sonny. Liston would not be able to stop Gene, and if he couldn't stop Gene, he couldn't win.

Liston would be an easier target than Dempsey was. Tunney would have seen everything coming that Liston would send his way. Bottom line is that speed kills, and Gene had more than enough to neutralize any advantage in size and strength which Liston may have enjoyed.

 

When did Liston showed he could cut the ring off well? He followed Ali in a straight line like a zombie.

Tunney has the tools to pull this one off (speed being the key factor), but he's a little too unproven at HW for me.

 

If Eddie Machen could lead Sonny a Dance, i am sure Gene Could, but he would be walking a tightrope, it might be that Gene has to concentrate on defence so much he is deemed too negative and loses on points ?

 

Ingo was able to blast out Machen in a single round, whereas a peak Liston couldn't do it in 12. Like Hagler, I think Sonny's power has been overestimated, but also like Marv, Liston's jab is one of his power shots. When that's combined with the ability to take a punch, whoever possesses those qualities will certainly present an awesome appearance. Also, Sonny failed twice to take out Whitehurst inside of ten rounds (although he barely missed the second time), while Archie Moore succeeded in getting Bert out within ten. Liston was tremendous in a kill or be killed scenario, but Gene wouldn't be playing that game.

Tunney was also a brilliant analyst, and like Ali, virtually impervious to body punishment. Moving in and out, he would beat Sonny to the punch repeatedly with his faster jab. Inside, he could smother Liston as he did Dempsey. He was also tough as nails, something he aptly demonstrated in the first match with Greb. Check out the ridiculous footspeed he displays after getting decked by Dempsey. If Sonny somehow managed to hurt Tunney, Gene would have more than enough ability to weather the storm, and quickly recover.

 

Tunney's got the style to beat Liston, but it would be a tough fight I'd imagine.

 

I said Liston on points to be on the safe side. Eddie Machen went the distance with Liston and Machen and Tunney are about the same size and same talent level.

 

I like Tunny in this one.

 

Agreed.:good

 

The weakest part of Listons boxing ability was his inability to cut off the ring,what footage of him have you seen?,he never moved laterally in his lifeCompare him to his sometime protege Foreman,George was excellent at itanother very proficient at cutting off the ring was Tyson ,Liston had the old "Chicago style" three steps ,throw the jab ,he followed his man around like a sheep dog.