Sonny Liston vs Joe Frazier 1967

Mostly this interview.

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On board 100% with the above quote. Frazier was not quite "complete" as a fighter in 67'--still a bit rough around the edges. Sonny would have enough left in the tank to win a close one. (However, I agree from 68' onward the script flips.)

 

Bullseye

 

Fair enough. I’ll take the contemporary reports from his camp & the media at the time, as well as friend Joe Louis who say otherwise.

 

Prime for prime I might agree that Liston would have an advantage. By '67 Sonny was living in Vegas and ripping and running with Drugs etc.
Against a hungry, determined just entering his prime Frazier. Liston wouldnt have the stomach for the kind of fight Frazier brings.

Sonny could have success early perhaps even hurt Joe or knock him down. Frazier would get up and continue. This isn't the same situation as a 25 year old George Foreman who was laser focused and bat **** crazy.

The 1967 version of Sonny wouldnt be enough.

 

Liston KO's him in under 10 lol

 

Archie Moore commenting on the heavyweight scene in 1968 stated that Frazier should avoid Liston and that if he walked into Sonny "somebody would have to carry Joe away".

 

Prime for prime I think Liston kills Joe, but here I believe the age factor is too much for Sonny. He may drop Frazier and hurt him but if the fight goes on Liston will wilt late like he did against Leotis,,, one other note, I don't believe Frazier's management wanted to risk Joe with even an old Liston. His style was a bad matchup for Liston and they knew it.