Vitali Klitschko vs. Sonny Liston

50-50 type of fight IMO....

 

Vitali loses by stoppage. Both Lewis and Sanders hurt Vitali early doors by brawling. Liston definitely has the power to hurt Vitali and he has the finishing ability to do the job.

He stops him before the 7th.

 

I happen to love Vitali but feel this is anyone's fight ... Liston's jab could bust Vitali up pretty good and we know his skin can crack ... I'm not sure on this one as Vitali is a very tought guy with a terrific chin who would not crumble when hit right away ...

 

It's a dead cert this fight would provide the first ever Double Shoulder injury quitage

 

I had williams winning the 2nd fight on my scorecard

 

HEGrant,

Vitali was not a very tough guy. Not at all. I like Liston by TKO on cuts or unanimous decision...Liston was much better technically sound, had a considerablly better jab and had a better overall offense than vitali

 

on paper, it looks to me like liston. but how does he deal with vitali IF he can't knock him out and has trouble reaching him with the jab? could get a bit sloppy, which may favour vitali.

 

Did I read this wrong? Foley was smack in the middle of his prime in 1960

 

Trigonometry

It's a shorter distance to jab at your shoulder height than to jab upwards towards someone's head

I do wonder if that first picture is distorted

 

I still believe that Vitali is good at controlling his preferred distance, but you're right; his bro is better at it and Liston is adept as well.

From what I've seen, Liston seems to cover up or go passive/defensive when opponents start teeing off on him, waiting for his turn to punch. He also tends to roll and duck, which plays against him stylistically against Vitali.

Vitali, like Ali (hear me out!!!), has an awkward, leaning-back while moving back-type defense. He doesn't block or use traditional head movement well, but because of his size (in part), he can lean and move away from punches.

I won't go into what one would do to the other's opponents... We can largely agree on the results there, as anyone could.

Liston's jab is indeed better mechanically or technically, but arguably more effective. Vitali's jab is ugly, starts low, but it lands heavy and consistently.

Liston's jab wasn't effective against Clay/Ali, as Ali moved and leaned away from the jab. Vitali would be leaning, but not moving as fast as Clay/Ali (obviously). I envision the same, albeit not as stark of a contrast, as Liston against Clay/Ali... I think Liston has more trouble landing his jab on Vitali than Vitali does landing his jab on Liston.


Vitali's punches aren't very straight, jab or right hand, but they are invariably effective.



I'll add that I respect your opinion like no other and love the debate. I chose Vitali to debate for, but I can see Liston winning and could make just as feeble a case for him as I did Vitali .

You predictably make great counterpoints and observations, so thanks for your input.

 

Vitali is one of the most underrated HWs ever IMO, especially head to head. He'd beat Sonny. He'd be a tough out for anyone ever.

 

I think Liston stalking in behind that jab spells trouble for Vitali. Liston is great on the front foot and with Vitali he isn't at a speed advantage. I've no doubt Liston can jab his way inside and once there He will batter Vitali consistently until he rips his face or knocks him out.

However, if Vitali has the forward momentum and strength advantage, if he can force Liston on the back foot, he'll win comfortably but I just don't see Vitali having the power required to maintain that advantage.

I mean Vitali was able to eventually bully Sanders and Peter and Arreola. Plus he walked through Hide, Adamek and Johnson but none of them are in Sonny's league in my opinion.

The clincher for me is the nature of losses. Vitali has twice lost by being bullied on the inside. Liston has lost in his prime only to Ali and I don't see a resemblance there that Vitali can exploit.

I do favour Liston. I wouldn't be surprised if Vitali did win though.