When exactly was Listons Prime and what fights that are still available show him in his prime?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by BoxingKings, Sep 18, 2023.



  1. BoxingKings

    BoxingKings New Member Full Member

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    I think Liston was past his prime in the first Ali fight but was still doing OK in the fight in spells. The medical evidence for the shoulder injury was there and he was clearly drinking a lot by this point in his career. When was Liston in his absolute prime? I think the Patterson fights are good performances but Floyd looks terrified and froze in those fights, pulling a Michael Spinks vs Tyson type performances.
     
    BoxingKings, Sep 18, 2023
    BoxingKings, Sep 18, 2023
    #1
  2. Philly161

    Philly161 "Fundamentals are the crutch of the talentless" banned Full Member

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    There wasnt very much time between Patterson 2 and Ali. If he was prime for Patterson he was prime enough for Ali. I doubt liston would have ever done well against Ali tbh.

    1960 liston had a hell of a run tho that may have been his prime.
     
    Philly161, Sep 18, 2023
    Philly161, Sep 18, 2023
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  3. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member Full Member

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    58-61 were extremely strong years for him. Watch anything available in that bracket.
     
    JohnThomas1, Sep 18, 2023
    JohnThomas1, Sep 18, 2023
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  4. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    The Williams fights and Machen. I'd say -59.
     
    swagdelfadeel, Sep 18, 2023
    swagdelfadeel, Sep 18, 2023
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  5. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic Икрашевић Full Member

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    Sonny Liston Vs. Cleveland Williams 2 is still Liston's prime.
     
    ikrasevic, Sep 18, 2023
    ikrasevic, Sep 18, 2023
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  6. Greg Price99

    Greg Price99 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Around 58 to around 63, is my guess.
     
    Greg Price99, Sep 18, 2023
    Greg Price99, Sep 18, 2023
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  7. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    These are great ideas. Williams for a really good fight (and to see just how shockingly devastating Sonny could be) and the Machen to show what a good boxer and how much adaptiblity he had.
     
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Sep 18, 2023
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Sep 18, 2023
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