Who was more heavy handed: Liston or Tyson?

It's hard for the current generation to even imagine this, but I was smacked by hangers, shoes, wooden spoon, or bare hands. Traumatized...? Sure, but I've never gone to jail and I finished school.

Manual labor definitely increases overall functionality, strength, and fast twitch fibers. Especially if you do it at a fairly high pace. Along with Bob Fitzsimmons, you also had famed punchers Earnie Shavers and Jack Dempsey having done game work such as tossing bales of hay, shoveling, using an ac, etc. They themselves acknowledge the benefits of such a rough line of work for punching power and boxing athleticism in general.

However, what's also true is as you said: that some people are blessed with certain unique body mechanics or features that aid in delivering power. A guy with big, broad shoulders and thick bony hands may end up hitting harder than his buddy even if they start training at the same time with the same trainer and they weigh the same. There's a lot more to it than just punching with good speed and timing (although both are obviously very important).

 

"...heavier hands and thudding power?" From what I have seen, I would have to go with Sonny Liston.