Not sure but anyway, a fight scheduled for 20 rounds with James J Jeffries at his peak as champ, defending against Sonny Liston at his best. Can Jeffries survive, win against The Bear?
Yes. Jeff was even bigger than Liston, very strong, very tough, never down in his prime years (unless you count Johnson - after 6 years of inactivity), and had wonderful conditioning, underrated defense. Don't forget, Jeff could punch back too, and everyone agreed that he could hit. He managed to deck everyone he ever fought (unless you count Johnson/post-6 years layoff).
Liston probably could stop any man, but Jeffries probably could sustain any barriage and he wasn't inept at defending himself. It would be very interesting fight, but I'd pick Liston based on styles.
Well one of Jefferies great attributes was his teak and granite toughness, so one punch ko by Liston not going to happen, however Listons ramrod jab thudding into Jefferies face round after round is sure going to test that toughness, and would test the refs willingness to allow the face of Jefferies being systematically disfigured. The fight is over 20 rounds so if Jefferies survives into late rounds his undeniable stamina might prevail, but he will need to spend part of his purse getting facial repairs. However I think Jefferies would slowly get taken apart and eventually succumb to Listons punches.
Hard to say based on who he fought. I do think that Jeffries chin was a little bit better than Liston's for whatever that it worth. Much would depend upon which style Jeffries used. He functioned as a counterpuncher early in his career, and evolved towards being a pressure fighter.
I don't know, if Liston would be able to dent his chin... but surely he would punch him to a standstill well inside 20 rounds.
Jim jeffries was a Strong and mentally tough fighter. But he had his nose broken multiple times and by men much smaller. His defense was very porous. I fear that Sonny Liston’s perfect jab and deadly cross would find their target and end things quickly
