What Type of Fight Is V. Klitschko Against Liston?

This is what I keep telling people.

Many of Vitali's opponents were slow plodders and barely hit him, often becoming sitting ducks as he pelted them from a comfortable distance with straight shots. They rarely offered any variety or defense.

That being said, it would be a difficult fight for both men. Liston has the reach to keep up with Vitali but his feet are not particularly quick and wouldn't appreciate being tied up by the big Ukrainian.

This really would not be a slug fest. After an eventful first 2 rounds, they'd respect each other and try to keep the fight going at their preferred pace and range.

-Liston would want to hammer that jab, then work the body, and try to find a home for his big uppercuts. End the round strong with plenty of power punches even if they're blocked to get the judges attention.

-Vitali would want to stay at long range and unleash a high volume of 1-2's and reset with a clinch if Liston got close. Throw in a few combinations to keep him honest. Lean on him like his brother Wladmir to tire him out.

I think Vitali's stiffness and lack of head movement would mean he'd have more trouble blocking or evading Liston's shots than the other way around. He was a big target, and I think he'd start to gas late if Liston was able to land those hellacious body shots. On the flip side, Vitali's sheer volume and text book accuracy means he'd likely swell up Liston's eyes and tires him out down the stretch as well with his mass weighing down on Liston.

I think it would depend on the judges. Liston could take it based on more power punches landed and visual damage, plus he'd be landing tons of heavy jabs. However if a judge gives Vitali props for volume, accuracy, and ring generalship then it could go his way instead.

 

Excellent post, I agree with this. I think Vitali has a difficult style for Liston. Would be a close fight.

 

Vitali would weather a mid rounds comeback and take Liston out late.

There was dog in Liston. Vitali was hard as nails.

Vitali wears him down ....Then out.

 

This poster has it right , imo