What were Sonny Listons weaknesses?

Unfortunately for him, he not only shared an era with him, but had to defend his title against him!

 

I thought more about the Ali fights, the controversial endings, low blows against Machen and his dubious management. I wouldn`t call it a general weakness, but I have the impression, that he wasn`t on the longrun a warrior with heart and soul, compare to some other great champions (Marciano, Frazier, Ali, Holyfield, Holmes, Louis...).

 

Very few on paper.

In practice his mindset and discipline were not the best.

 

A bit slow and ponderous, tended to lunge with his jab (though that could have been a tactical decision). Could be a bit clubby with his punches in combination. Didn't always take the best shot.

On the plus side he had good timing, very good power, was patient and calm under pressure and used excellent subtle head movement to close distance on taller or quicker fighters. His was a good mix of the dead calmness of Louis with the menacing aura of Foreman, and I think that helped swing a lot of fights in his favour from almost the opening bell.

 

Liston's weakness was any great boxer. Ali and Holmes immediately come to mind. Some great Boxer/Punchers might be problems for him. Louis and Lewis come to mind immediately.

 

His biggest weakness was he lacked the heart of other great champs much like Tyson. Don’t think either ever won one getting off the canvas? Could be wrong there so correct me if I’m wrong.

 

the mafia lol

 

Liston showed his heart when he had his nose broken by Williams and came back to KO him. He also knocked out Valdez after he shut his eye. Earlier in his career he fought the better part of an 8-rounder with a broken jaw, and fought valiantly to an SD loss.

 

He had heart, just not cut from the same cloth as them heart is a lot like chin logic on this board there is only glass or iron.

 

I don’t deny he had some adversity. But he was better then those men and he knew it. Think there is a different mentality there. The Ali fights were terrible for his legacy. A man imo that’s arguably a top five hw

 

Booze and the man not giving him a shot earlier.

 

Boxing forum threaders 60 yrs later!!!!!

 

That E&J Brandy, sometimes finding things before they were lost. Then the Police dogs.

 

As a fighter? He should be locked up for impersonating a fighter.

 

Let's see...how did Marciano do in the biggest fights of his career?....Oh yeah,....49-0 with 43 KO's! How did Liston do in the 2 biggest fights of his career?....Oh yeah,.....he S**T the bed...(as we used to say!!!)...for all the world to see! If he couldn't intimidate you...you had him! He wasn't that mentally tough...like other great warriors I could mention!!!