Who would have the most success in today's HW era: Liston, Foreman, or Tyson?

If you were to put a prime Sonny Lison, George Foreman, or Mike Tyson in the current HW era with Fury, Usyk, Wilder, Joshua, Whyte, etc. who do you think would have the most success against them and who would end up becoming the most dominant HW out of the 3?

 

I think all three would be the best heavyweight in the world right now, but 88 Mike is the one whom I would make the safest bet against Fury.

Fury has a chance against Liston and George, though IMO he's an underdog against both. Fury's odds are worse against George.

So:

1. Tyson
2. Foreman
3. Liston

All three would kill Usyk, btw. Not to diminish Usyk, he's a future HOFmer, but Mike, George, and Sonny are not that clueless bum AJ.

 

Also, adjusting for era, prime Liston would probably weigh 225-230 today. Prime Foreman would weigh 235-240.

Back then, heavyweights were far more concerned with coming in as light as possible to maximize their quickness.

But Sonny and George EASILY had the frames to handle 230-240.

Mike would be unchanged. His optimal weight would still be 215-220.

 

I'd favour Usyk and Fury over Liston, can see Fury beating Foreman. Maybe, if he's in the form he was for Wilder II.

Tyson stops Usyk early and beats Fury either by wide decision, or early stoppage IMO.

 

I can see Fury over Liston, but certainly not Usyk over Liston.

I don't think Usyk has enough pop to keep Sonny off. Usyk doesn't have the handspeed/power/athleticism of Ali to get it done.

The circa 1960 Liston would batter Usyk imo.

 

I don't see any reason whatsoever to separate Usyk and Fury head-to-head, they're on equal levels in terms of their best form IMO, and that's only coz Fury is way bigger than Usyk.

You didn't need to be Ali to beat Liston. Usyk's style, volume and speed advantage would be enough to keep away from him and out-box him.

And there's absolutely zero chance Usyk gets battered by Liston IMO, Liston was hardly battering Eddie Machen. He isn't gonna batter Usyk. Usyk is really underrated head-to-head. Outside of a couple like Foreman and Tyson, he isn't getting washed by anybody.

 

Wilder would get out-windmilled by Foreman i think in my mind

 

Tyson would be the safe bet imo, since he was used to being the smaller man contrary to Liston and Foreman. Still, all 3 would be solid to overwhelming favorites over anyone in the division currently.

 

Personally I don't think Fury would beat Liston while I've got a hole in my arse, Tyson even less so. I'd make Foreman a solid favourite too. I'd favour them all over Usyk too, Tyson hugely so.

Liston btw is the most underrated of the upper tier heavies in terms of all-round technical ability imo, he just wasn't the quickest of hand or foot.

 

If we're talking in general i would pick Foreman to do best in the modern heavyweight scene. Large without being fat and extremely strong. He could handle the regular clinches and it might even help his cause. Against Fury though he could have problems. He's a smart fighter with height, reach and can box. He might be able to nullify big George's best assets.

Taking out Fury i'd go with Mike Tyson.

 

I agree with Tin that Liston is the most criminally underrated heavyweight.

Five years ago, it was Frazier, but Frazier has started getting his just respect.

Liston still gets the shaft.