Sonny Liston vs Lennox Lewis

I think it depends on which Lennox shows up. I think prime Lewis would do it, but I do see an unprepared Lewis having a difficult time.

 

Liston pretty much always came into his bouts with huge physical advantages over his opponents. The hulking Liston would actually be the smaller, lighter, less imposing figure in this bout. This might have huge consequences in this one. Lewis was never much of a trash talker and basically let his fists do the talking. Liston was basically a morose and silent man with the baleful stare.

I just see Lewis being too much in every way for Liston to deal with. But Lewis could also be inconsistent and fight down to the level of his opponents. He was hurt by the ordinary Shannon Briggs (pre-steroid version) and given life and death by Ray Mercer. Liston probably kayoes Lewis if Lennox gets sloppy like he momentarily did in these bouts.

However, the more likely scenario is the razor-sharp LL who vaporized Razor Ruddock and systematically destroyed Tyson. He would pick off Liston's vaunted jabs and counter with that laser guided right hand missile and Liston would eventually go bye bye.

Lewis KO 8 Liston

 

Perfect analogy. Both mental midgets.

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Yet he had the potential to be the best. The only difference is Liston didn't. I guess not the best analogy.

 

Two big heavyweights who can punch anything can happen.

Liston had a freakish reach for a fighter about 6-1 in height. It was over 80 inches. This could play a part in offsetting Lewis usual advantages.

Lennox was a master of distance. Nobody ever fought tall better than Lennox Lewis. Sonny Liston with that long left lead could upset that. Ofcourse the left lead sets up the other powerpunches.

Even if Sonny doesnt always land the jab he can blind Lewis with it and set up the other stuff behind it. Liston had one of the most vicious lefthooks in history.

On the other hand Lewis could time Liston`s jab and drop his right hand over it. One of the best righthands in heavyweight history. Lewis`s chin wasnt as bad as some people may say. He coud be hurt but he also took some heavy punches in his career.

Tough pick....Leaning towards Lennox Lewis by decision.

 

lewis would beat liston and could ko him.both are in my top 5 of all time

 

Call me crazy I think Lewis knows what trouble Liston could pose
and therefore Lewis comes out agressive and uses his height,
punching power, and accuracy to knockout Liston. Lewis KO 4.
I believe Lewis has a significant hand speed advantage and would
physically be too much. Perhaps Liston outboxes Lewis for a round
Or two, but if Lewis is getting outclassed technically, he relies on his
strentgh and physicality. Lewis scores big with precision combos and
the right cross/overhand right. Lewis KO4

 

Both great fighters but Lewis knew the safety-first game (when properly prepared and focused) and was as strong a fighter the division has even seen. I think he controls this and wears out Sonny, but not before Sonny provides a scare or two. It would be a hell of a fight.

 

What happened to make you start appeciating Liston more than you used to ?
He seems to be your #1 target for mockery in some of these older threads.

 

Bravo.

 

going with the consensus, like lewis in this one. to be honest, i like lewis h2h against almost any heavy

 

I used to over-react to the whole Liston mythology. That Nick Tosches/90's era reinvention of the man as myth really put me off my feed. It fed into a lot darker stereotypes and boogieman making.

But that wasn't Liston's fault and he did put together a great run through an admittedly bad division, which again was not his fault. It's not like he was ducking anyone.

 

Not only is Lennox much bigger but he is much mentally stronger and more athletic

 

Honestly I think Lewis was better controlling the distance......and this would be vital to win this fight.....

If Liston had a better footwork I would have big doubts.....but I always thought Liston´s footwork was pretty bad.....

I see Lewis by late stoppage......Liston quitting in round 12, or 13.. after many right hands...