I doubt McVea's power was far off from Liston's, however the skill difference between them is vast. It isn't like McVea didn't land on Sam at all in the nine fights they had. That's not counting other punchers Sam fought like Fulton, who we know hit him continously when he was passed it. Who knows how hard Liston hit, comparatively speaking. Also, Folley did seem to hurt Liston momentarily from a lot of the descriptions I've seen from the fight. In fact, those descriptions praise Liston's heart and courage and ability to win a tough fight. Even if it was for a few seconds before Liston countered with his own smashing right that ended the fight, it still wouldn't take that away. Perhaps those with footage of the film can correct me. "Even after the first knockdown in the 2nd round, Folley rallied brilliantly and jarred Liston with a two-fisted attack. That only served to bring on Liston's sledge-hammer blows that decked Folley again. Folley tumbled face down onto the canvas for the final count in the 3rd. He never moved until seconds after the knockout." -Associated Press" I have encountered another report that seems to point towards your direction though: "In an all out effort to stop Liston Zorra came off the canvas to land a volley of heavy well placed punches, but they had little effect on the relaxed Liston." Ring Magazine October -November edition 1960 Regardless on whether or not Zora did hurt Sonny, I still think Sam's proven he can at the very least hurt Sonny, and take Sonny's shots for at least some time. I don't think Liston's size and power will be as integral to him winning this fight as much as his jab and long reach, things that were known to give Langford plenty of trouble.
Disagree. Sam can be tight when he genuinely wanted to be, when he wasn't it was out of blatant disrespect for his opponent. I think Sam displays a wider range of skills in his fight with Jeannette than I've ever seen from Liston. That isn't even to trash on Sonny, that's just how impressed I was by Sam. Also, there's plenty of clear footage of Langford fighting. I have an HD version of his fight with Jeannette that I'm thinking of uploading on here eventually. When I find a streamable service that allows for 20+ minute footage.
Comparing Sam to Jake Paul? LOL The only Langford footage I've found crappy was the lacklustre clinchfest that was the Flynn fight, if all I had to base my opinion on was that fight I'd think Langford was a caveman. Even the Bill Lang performance was mediocre to me, since all Sam did was walk his opponent down with little respect. But in the Jeannette fight it's clear to me that he's an elite fighter who can do everything a modern fighter does. His shots are carefully placed and well timed, his defense is not only active but sharp, he counters effectively and doesn't overextend himself when he does. He's very patient and relaxed, his footwork is unpredictable, he's just one slippery ass fighter. From what I SEE I just see a much more well rounded boxer than Sonny Liston. A man who can genuinely do it all.
Sam Langford is likely the best fighter of all time… he can beat Liston he could do it all and he wasn’t that small.
We'll agree to disagree. I've watched most of Langfords footage and he pales in skill vs Liston and it's obvious to me. Langfords a great fighter regardless and some have him as the greatest fighter ever which resume based is hardly unfair.