Liston might just have broken down any superheavyweight in history. He was a monitor in boxing terms. I think he would need half a dozen rounds due to his methodical approach.
let's go by old timey rules i think willard gets busted up ala wepner. but let's say it ain't stopped. does liston have the endurance and the testicular fortitude to push through?
Not fair, not fair at all! liston would hack big jess to pieces. Willard would be nothing but a punching bag and how long the slaughter would last would depend on what time era the fight took place in. If it took place today the fight would be shorter. If it was back in willards time he would would be subject to prolonged suffering and embarrasement.
I think the Jess Willard who fought Jack Johnson would tough this fight out for at least 8 or 9 rounds, possibly the distance - but Liston would win just about all of those rounds, and be victorious maybe by stoppage. Let's not pretend Willard wasn't as tough as old boots - he was. And he's probably stronger than anyone Liston fought.
It would be a one-sided beatdown very similar to Liston brutalising Wepner, although being prime, Sonny would perform with better speed & timing.
Liston by beatdown........... Liston KO 9 Willard....:bbb Liston was a trained fighter with skills........ Willard was a cattle russler with a punch...... :deal MR.BILL:hat
Liston. Maybe not so quick as many think, though. Willard was durable, cautious, had a fair jab himself, and could fight going back.
