Why didn’t Liston and Archie Moorer ever fight?

He certainly wasn’t the old man that Archie was at this stage. Prime Liston of 58-60 must’ve been early 30s at most.

 

Because Moore was tough, but not suicidal...

 

Ouch. This would be a nasty experience for Archie Moore.

 

Don’t sell the man short. He also lost to Marciano. & Charles.

 

Are you serious ? What about the fact that he is the longest reigning Light Heavyweight champion in history, having 9 lineal title defences to his name, despite winning the title in his late 30's ? Or the fact that he won every single round against Nino Valdes, who was the #1 Heavyweight contender for like 2 years at the time ? What about being 8-2 against Jimmy Bivins and Harold Johnson, both of whom are considered by many to belong in the top 10 greatest Light Heavyweights in history ? Or having wins over most of the members of the 40's black murderer's row when he was still years off his prime ? Or him having a near 30 year career and still managing to be a top name until the end of it when he was nearing 50 years old ?

The guy is literally one of the greatest pound for pound fighters in history. His career is so great that it blows almost all Heavyweight's careers out of the water.

 

Agreed, and excellent post but with all due respect, he didn't win every round against Valdes when he was the number one contender (they had two fights and the first one was when Moore won a lopsided decision so I understand the confusion). It was a very close fight, and I believe Valdes was actually ahead, at the end of 12 rounds, only to tire and get swept the last three rounds to lose the decision. Some papers even scored the bout for Valdes iirc but I digress.

 

Ah, must have mistaken the second fight with the first one.

 

I've done the same on more than one occasion.

Nonetheless I agree with your overall sentiment, and actually have Moore as my LHW GOAT.

 

After he was finally stripped of his light heavyweight title and formally moved up to heavyweight, Moore did claim that after he beat Cassius Clay he was going to go on and fight Liston for the title. Of course, with Moore, you never knew how serious he was.

https://ibb.co/7NNkh4f

 

I thought you was joking...

 

Don’t forget Burley!

 

Oh yes. Archie was one of the greatest pound for pound fighters who ever stalked the ring. And I rate him and Ezzard Charles as the best 175lb men.

 

If they fought in 1956 Moore would've beat Liston because experience, Moore was better than Machen.

But Moore would've stand no chance against 1958-1960 Liston, him being past prime.

Prime for prime Liston wins, but it wouldn't be an easy fight, Moore isn't Folley or old Valdes.