The Holmes era (late 70s-mid 80s) vs pre exile Ali/Liston era (late 50s-mid 60s)

1. Ali vs Holmes. Assume we are taking the 1962-63 Ali that fought Doug Jones vs Peak Holmes who beat Gerry Cooney. Even though Ali has a speed advantage, this young Ali was perhaps a little too inexperienced to beat Holmes. It won't be easy for Holmes as he would be out speed but Holmes's greater experience should allow him to win a close hard fought decision in a rather ugly fight. Holmes close UD 15.

2. Liston vs Witherspoon - look, i love Tim. But he was a hot and cold fighter. He did not have the highest work rate in the world and he was not especially fast. And while Tim could punch, no one who fought him thought he was the hardest hitter they fought. Whereas someone as iron jawed as George Foreman has said that Liston was the only puncher who could consistently back Foreman up. Liston is the harder puncher here. While Tim's cross arm defense may win him some early rounds, Liston's combinations will get around that guard. Witherspoon is decently quick but not Ali level quick to escape Liston and i don't think he can afford to stay in range vs Liston. Liston overpowers him in a competitive fight. Liston tko 10.

3. Floyd Patterson vs Mike Weaver - Patterson is too consistent and fast here. Patterson tko 8 with an outside chance for Weaver if he lands big. Patterson tko 8.

4. Eddie Machen vs Pinklon Thomas - Peak Thomas is simply a better stronger fighter. Thomas UD 15.

5. Zora Folley vs Renaldo Snipes - Snipes had that one big win vs Coetzee but i can't pick him over the more accomplished and consistent Folley. Folley UD 15.

6. Cleveland Williams vs James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith - Peak Williams was quicker and should win in an exciting slug fest. Williams tko 6

7. Ingemar Johansson vs Gerrie Coetzee - Coetzee is too big and strong. I think he lands first and stops him though Johansson has an outside punchers chance. Coetzee ko 4.

8. George Chuvalo vs Michael Dokes - Dokes is too fast. Dokes UD 15.

9. Eddie Machen vs Tony Tubbs - Slightly lean towards Tubbs due to his speed. Tubbs UD 15.

10. Leon Spinks vs Zora Folley - Spinks is a lucky journeyman. Folley a legit contender. Folley UD 15.

11. Greg Page vs Ernie Terrell - Despite Page being a superior talent, i will have to go with the more consistent Terrell to pull of a close decision in a dull fight. Terrell UD 15.

12. Michael Spinks vs Floyd Patterson - I think Spinks hits hard enough to crack Patterson's chin despite Patterson's superior speed. Spinks ko 7.

What do i think the better era was? Well the early 60's had 2 ATG's in Liston and Ali whereas the Holmes era only had 1 in Holmes. I think the Holmes era had more natural talent but Witherspoon, Thomas, Page, even Dokes and Coetzee to an extent underachieved. The Homes era had bigger stronger more physically gifted heavies (Ali and Liston excluded obviously) whereas the Liston/Ali era heavies generally reached their potential.

Based on actual accomlishments, Liston-Ali era is stronger. Based on natural talent and potential, the Holmes era is stronger.

 

Op would like to see a match-up for Cooney too