Sonny Liston vs Ingemar Johannson 1959

In 1959 I’d favor Johannson. He was training hard and a very determined fighter, so I could see him sneaking in his killer right on Liston and finishing him off.

However, in 1960 and after Liston would ragdoll him, since Johannson got lazy and didn’t want to do the roadwork, drills, endless sparring, or follow his diet anymore.

 

I´ll wonder if I´ve ever seen a serious post from you.

 

@choklab just nut himself after reading this.

 

Sonny hands down. His jab would control the fight and keep Ingo's right hand out of range. I do think Ingo is better than he gets credit for and would do better than Floyd did against Sonny but the result would be the same. A brutal ko win for Liston.

 

Liston over Johansson every time. If Johansson didn't have that right hand, he wouldn't have won any rounds. He beat Floyd once, but Floyd proved twice, that Johansson couldn't adapt. Floyd could. In fights 2 and 3, Johansson couldn't handle Patterson's power and speed. Back to Liston, tho, he had a great jab (Johansson had a poor one), he did not rely on delivering his power in one hand, and he could take some punishment. Liston suffered a broken nose from Cleveland Williams, lost a split decision to Marty Marshall, fighting half of the fight w/ a broken jaw. And in his fight with Zora Folley, and his second fight with Cleveland Williams, he was hurt and covering up, but came back to register impressive knockouts. Johansson didn't have the survival instinct. Both fighters would try to end this one fast, Liston might even get stunned a time or two, but if Floyd Patterson, Cleveland Williams, and Zora Folley could only last a combined10 rounds against Liston, Johansson might not make it out of the 1st round.

 

Other than the first response, I think everyone is going to agree Liston.

And I think Johannson is very underrated guy, but Liston steamrolls him.

 

They would have to lock Liston up for attempted manslaughter. Is this even a serious question? I think your pulling our chain here Richard

 

ik, right?

 

You will from me!

 

What happens if Johannson decks Sonny with that right hand, though?

 

Totally legitimate take on the situation. I applaud you.

 

Patterson got up from it, Liston would.

 

Think Liston wins but that would probably have been Listons toughest fight besides Ali. Think it ends before 6. Patterson was just tailor made for Liston.