sub in Liston for Tyson against Mike's opponents

The longevity would go against him a bit. You'd have to work out the earliest stage Liston could beat Berbick. Could he turn the trick green in 56 or would you have to wait until 58? If you went from 58 you'd get him thru Douglas and Ruddock IMO. Holyfield was 5 years later again and that's a step too far, time and prime wise.

I'd back Liston at his best to beat Holyfield tho, at any point. Lewis pure size and power would be very tough tho. Ali would be one of very very few i would confidently favour over Liston.

 

He probably wouldn't lose until Holyfield, but he'd do worse than Tyson against many opponents. I see Tucker particularly troubling him a lot, and Douglas might have a shot even if he shows up in shape. He just wouldn't dominate the same way Tyson did.

 

They would still be underdogs but i think that several of Tyson's top opponents would have given Liston better fights than they gave Tyson. Spinks, Tubbs, Tucker, Thomas...

 

This,spinks could outbox him

 

This could well be right actually.

Liston did not remain consistent in his training habits once he held the title, and Tyson’s schedule was much heavier going than his own.