this is a tough call I'd probably give it to Liston.. I think he was the better boxer, RAM ROD Jab and strong.. Big George was strong as hell though.. dam.. actually.. I don't know.. watching George pound the living shit out of Frazier makes me think he could do it to Liston but Liston was a better boxer and I'd like to think he could beat George.. who knows?:dunno:
When you look at Liston's "Ram-rod" jab he planted his feet to execute it. Nothing wrong with that, but being flat-footed (even with a great jab) against a prime Foreman in front of you?
Feels like a bad style match-up for Liston....and if anyone could "out-intimidate" Sonny, it would be George; and that is probably the single biggest factor in this match-up. Liston's jab and underrated boxing would be big weapons and his power will give Foreman plenty of pauses, but ultimately Sonny looks to engage and stand relatively in front of George...and Foreman will take chances, have a higher workrate, and likely push Liston back. I also think Foreman punches the harder of the two. Fireworks fight where ultimately Foreman makes Liston wilt after terrific action. Peace.
It'll be a damned good brutal fight, that's for sure. Could go either way (given Foreman-Lyle) but I have to go with Foreman (of teh first Frazier fight) in this one and by mid rounds KO.
I'd take Liston by late TKO. Between the three "intimidators"... Tyson, Liston, and Foreman.... I'd pick Tyson over Liston, Foreman over Tyson, and Liston over Foreman. Styles.
What stylistic advantages favor Liston here? The jab is the only one I can think of...and given how Liston reached with it, I don't think it's sustainable -- and Foreman when he wanted to could use his own which was heavy as hell. I think Liston is too measured here and that is a problem against Foreman.
Only fitting that I post in this thread. This really is a tough call. Foreman is more explosive & an even better finisher, for my money. He has a slight edge in power, & is faster out of the blocks, which could be crucial. Liston has the better jab, is the more precise puncher, & has the broader skill-set overall. Both have strong chins, & proved they could take some bombs & return fire to win. I suppose if I had to choose, I would take Liston, in a near toss-up result. I just feel he'd have a better shot of making Foreman pay for his mistakes than Foreman would of blasting him out. It could very easily go the other way, though, especially when you consider the two men are destined to clash in ring-center. The staredown alone would be worth the price of admission.
