Sonny Liston vs Wlad Klitschko. Who would you ranked higher in the rankings?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by JackSilver, Jan 28, 2019.


  1. PhillyPhan69

    PhillyPhan69 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I rate Wlad higher than most at #6, and Liston around 11 on my 10-13 tier. I don’t think it is really close but certainly not by my criteria.

    H2h I think Liston likely KO’s Wlad in the 4-6 range. If Wlad can avoid trouble spots I think he could control the 2nd half and take a decision...but my most likely scenario pick is Liston by mid round KO
     
  2. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    On accomplishments, Wlad easily.

    Head to head, 50/50
     
  3. The Undefeated Lachbuster

    The Undefeated Lachbuster On the Italian agenda Full Member

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    His 16" fist size was also an exaggeration for hype. His real fist size is 14" (which is still massive, only matched by Carnera)
     
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  4. Man_Machine

    Man_Machine Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    The longevity of Wlad's reign isn't enough for me to rate him Top-10. It needs to be taken into account, but it consists of very little in the way of individual bouts, which couldn't be called anything but routine.

    Wlad, largely, toyed his way through a crop of mediocrity. I didn't see a career-defining win; I didn't see a wide array of skills being tested. I did see a big Super Heavyweight, who eventually learned how to use his size against his, in the main, physically and technically over-matched opponents.

    He was definitely powerful and an offensive threat to any Heavyweight, so long as they couldn't defend well, whilst closing the distance to force the action, along with Wlad's need to defend a credible attack. In my opinion, Wlad didn't do too well under any real fire. Although, ironically, he probably gave the best account of himself, in that respect, in his very last fight.

    In my view and, when all's said and done, his quality wins are low in number. His one quality loss came at the very end of his career, which closed the curtain on what, unfortunately, was a fairly depressing era.
     
  5. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Wlad destroys Liston. So much quicker of hand and foot. A quicker, more powerful, more versatile jab This is so very one-sided it would devalue the greatness of Liston to the uneducated observer.
     
  6. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Wlad should rate higher.

    head to head? 50/50
     
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  7. frank jaeger

    frank jaeger New Member banned Full Member

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    Forgot Eddie Machen for Liston arguably best fighter he beat.

    Axel Schulz was a good win for Klitschko Axel had given guys like Foreman, Moorer, Akinwanda problems should of got decesion vs Akinwanda in first fight and Foreman fight. Also Wlads performance vs Joshua is worth noting.
     
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  8. Gazelle Punch

    Gazelle Punch Boxing Addict Full Member

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  9. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I see it the same.
     
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  10. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Now Deceased 2/4/25 Full Member

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    I think in some ways that Sonny Liston has an edge here, like Roberto Duran and Carlos Monzon, he learned to fight in the streets of St. Louis. He was a collector for the underworld in his younger years, he fought in the penitentiary while incarcerated, I am sure he never washed anybody's under clothes. Even though a generous personality towards children, he even dressed like Santa Claus for a child. He did have his darker side as we all know, but some of the darker side with skills make a really good fighter. But I do not see Sonny Liston weighing like 260 lbs today like they do in maybe the steroid era. Liston was usually 218 lbs, he stood at 6"1. Wlad Klitchko does have a lot of advantages, height is a big one, in Liston's era people were not made that way, maybe Ernie Terrell, 6"6, 215 lbs. Klitchko does have the longevity on his side as champion. Sonny did not, he was champion from Sept 26 1962, until February 25 1964, 1 title defense. Wlad was champion for six years. As a fighter, Sonny as I mentioned had an advantage over Klitchko, a good fighter, but a kind individual.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2020
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  11. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Wladimir Klitschko’s longevity at the top of the heavyweight division earns him a significantly higher all time position than Sonny Liston. Even if you definitely think Liston beat better opposition and was a superior fighter, it’s pretty damn hard to beat a legacy that involved ruling a weight class for ten years
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2020
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  12. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    Agree on both, particularly H2H.
     
  13. Rock0052

    Rock0052 Loyal Member Full Member

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    That's the thing....I just can't reconcile giving Sonny more credit for a "what if" title reign than an actual long reign. Thats the hoop anyone picking Sonny for accomplishments has to jump through, and my legs just ain't what they used to be.
     
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  14. Dance84

    Dance84 Unicorn and seastar land Full Member

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    Wlad wins imo and higher ranking as well
     
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  15. WAR01

    WAR01 In the 7.2% Full Member

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    Where are you getting this info?
    About his fist and reach.