Who ranks higher...Wlad Klitschko or Sonny Liston?

This is why I picked Klitschko on the poll.. Three years ago, if asked the same question, I might have gone with Liston, but since that time, Wlad has compiled too much longevity at the top.

 

Whilst I understand the argument for sonny (has the best victory and I favour him to beat wlad) I think that wlad is greater.

His top-bottom resume is better imo. Although wlad has lost in his prime (his condition over the last twelve years gives him one of the longest primes in hw history, staggering) he was initially like a jigsaw that had some pieces missing. Since steward has took over, not only has his boxing skill improved, but his fitness has improved.

Over the last 6 years he's put on a run of fights that rivals most great's best run.

Had steward taken on wlad in 2000, I genuinely think he'd be classed as the greatest hw in history by now.

His style and attributes make him a favourite over almost anyone and only those with a significant speed advantage or strong inside fighters, would I favour over him.

I kinda get the feeling he isn't getting the credit he deserves right now, much like lewis during his era.

In about ten years time we'll probably be looking back on the career of a consensus top ten fighter.

 

if i were to make a list today, liston would be higher. if asked to defend that position, i may be hard pressed.

overall, the wins over patterson (luf alluded to them as well) might take him to a higher level. despite this, i certainly don't feel liston dominated a much better era. williams and machen were very good but not great while folley and valdez round out a very solid resume.

these wins may be better than any given 7 on wlad's resume but overall, the solid work he's done over the past near decade have brought him neck and neck with liston and his relatively short prime.

 

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO is 57-3 (50) overall and 18-2 (15) in HW World Title Fights. 6'6" with an 81" reach and 245 solid Lbs. He has been stopped 3 times, he has avenged one of those losses by way of KO.

He's gone 15-0 (11) in his last 15 fights. He's gone almost 8 years without a loss... he's lost very few rounds in the process.

His last 12 fights have been HW World Title Fights and he has gone 12-0 (10) in these fights. He holds the IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO, and RING belts.

He held the WBO HW world title prior to winning one of the more highly regarded belts and went 6-2 (5) in WBO HW world title fights.

He lost to Ross Puritty (LKOby11) in 1998, Corris Sanders (LKOby2) in 2003, and Lamon Brewster (LKOby5) in 2004. As stated above he stopped Brewster in their rematch (KO6) in 2007.

He has beat-

Axel Schulz KO8
Monte Barrett KO7
Chris Byrd x2 W12 and KO7
Derrick Jefferson KO2
Frans Botha KO8
Ray Mercer KO6
Jameel McCline KO10
DaVarryl Williamson WTD5
Sam Peter x2 W12 and KO10
Calvin Brock KO7
Sultan Ibragimov W12
Tony Thompson KO11
Hasim Rahman KO7
Ruslan Chagaev KO9
Eddie Chambers KO12
David Haye W12
Jean-Marc Mormeck KO4

...and others

 

Just a question: How does Vitali being around at the same time and basically having two heavyweight heads that will never fight effect people's ranking of Wlad in these types of polls, or does it?

 

Liston went 50-4 (39) overall and 2-2 (2) in HW World Title Fights. Both wins vs. Floyd Patterson, both losses vs. Ali. He was stopped by Ali x2 and Leotis Martin. He also lost to Marty Marshall who he went 2-1 (1) against lifetime.

He also beat-

Cleveland Williams x2, Eddie Machen, Zora Folley, Henry Clark, and Chuck Wepner among others.

 

A poll between two weak-minded HWs. Jolly!

 

I think it's pretty clear who the choice should be.

Does anybody here think that W. Klitschko couldn't have defeated the same fighters that Liston defeated? Probably not.

Would Liston have lost to Puritty, Sanders, and Brewster? Probably not... but would Marty Marshall or Leotis Martin have defeated Wladimir? Probably not!

Ali had the skills to beat anybody so no shame in losing to him... but Liston went out kinda bltch like both times.

Then we have H2H. H2H I also pick Klitschko.

 

sonny liston would annihilate rocky marciano.so would wlad.

 

Atm, Sonny but at the end of Wlad career i could see him being ranked ahead.

 

of course Klitman has a better career. Liston probably didnt the mental approach needed to rule the ring like Klit did for years. Klit i an awesome athlete which makes up for his not so top notch actual boxing ability.


H2H Klitman would probably edge it too tactically, although Sonny has a good chance and has the power to knock Klit clean out.

P4P Sonny would KO Klit with little trouble.

 

sonny liston in my mind is the better fighter,i remember watching him fight in the 60's