Jim Jeffries vs Sonny Liston

[BoxBuzz]

I have always thought this would be a very good fight. I go back and forth on who would win, and I've finally settled on my choice. But I think there a good arguments both ways.

I'll keep an open mind and look forward to hearing some analysis of what this fight might bring.

I have to template what I've read about Jeffries vs what I've seen with Liston...not an easy chore. But it was the two Patterson Fights, Cleveland Williams fight and the fight AFTER his fights with Ali (Gerhard Zech) that helped me settle on who I think would have won.

[BoxBuzz]

Ok....I really wanted some feedback so I've turned this into a poll as to settle a bet with a friend.

So I've offered up a quick vote poll. You can pick two choices (for those of you with more than one personality).

Also you can reflect on your choice and come back and "upgrade" your decision in the future should you feel the need.

[BoxBuzz]

I agree Barry, (perhaps not with your verdict but your opinion about polls) but I wanted to get some feedback.

It's especially difficult to assess a fighter that you can review video on, vs a fighter that you simply have to read about for the most part.

[Goodnight, Irene]

Its an interesting fight but, "I simply have no idea," was my poll choice.

Its a huge unknown how Jeffries will react to the power of guys like Tyson, Liston, & Foreman. I think the answer is critical to how this fight unfolds, & I am unwilling to either support or doubt Jeffries' ability to withstand an early Liston assault.

Sure would like to see it.

[Ezzard]

You need to give us a rule set and an era the fight takes place in.

My guess is that if Jeff doesn't get too smashed up too early then he will come on late in the fight and it'll come down to (1) a close decision either way or (2) a late stoppage based on exhaustion and cumulative damage.

[BoxBuzz]

I would have it take place during the 15 round era, Post Dempsey. That's the era I can relate to....before that I'm just not sure how to assess. They might both be inclined to knock the other down and then "babysit" the moment and the opponent never gets up again. Ref's directing to neutral corners would be an assumption.

[Ambling Alp]

Would have to lean toward Liston but would Jeffries a serious chance. Liston could hammer him and take him out 5-6 rounds. However, if Jeffries can survive the early rounds, he would have a good chance. He had a huge advantage in stamina.

[Goodnight, Irene]

Jeffries would also not add out-matched in strength, Alp, & though I feel Liston gets way too much stick for a mythologised lack of heart, Id have to give Jeffries that advantage conclusively too.

Interesting, interesting.

[Giancarlo]

Which one was Jeffries again?

[Goodnight, Irene]

I'm sure you have a topless photo of the man floating around in that PC somewhere, Collie.

[Robinson]

I have Liston by stoppage.

Better fundamentals. Better form. Better power.
No doubt stronger. No doubt faster. Better pedigree of opponents.

As tough and durable as Jeffries was, I think that he would
take too much damage, struggle to maul his way into the clinch
and when inside find that he does not have the bear bully powers
that he may once had over 170-185lbers.

Not a good one to watch by my estimations.

I know many of the classical eraists will disagree and proclaim the
glory of the pioneer age, but they can hold their beliefs as true
as always.

If I was to take a fight with Liston or Jeffries prime for prime under
any set of rules. I would find Jim an easier match than Liston.
And I can only imagine what some one like Liston would do.

[raylawpc]

I have Liston by stoppage.

Better fundamentals. Better form. Better power.
No doubt stronger. No doubt faster. Better pedigree of opponents.

As tough and durable as Jeffries was, I think that he would
take too much damage, struggle to maul his way into the clinch
and when inside find that he does not have the bear bully powers
that he may once had over 170-185lbers.

Not a good one to watch by my estimations.

I know many of the classical eraists will disagree and proclaim the
glory of the pioneer age, but they can hold their beliefs as true
as always.

If I was to take a fight with Liston or Jeffries prime for prime under
any set of rules. I would find Jim an easier match than Liston.
And I can only imagine what some one like Liston would do.

How can you presume that Liston was stronger, faster or hit harder than Jeffries since they fought no common opponents by which to measure. How do you assume either had better fundamentals since we never saw either fight in the style of the other's era?

[Robinson]

I assume this from my scouting of both men...

I have access to technology which will allow me to go back to
certain eras and make certain match ups.

It is like anything.. purely an ASSUMPTION.

No one will ever know until they feel it for themselves
OR
The two meet in their primes.

I think that Jeffries has pulling strength and would be tighter
in the clinch....where as I think Liston would have proper power
and be more dynamic with his explosiveness.

These are assumptions..

[BoxBuzz]

This technology you speak of, where can I find it?....I've been wanting to go back to a different era and check out Lauren Bacall in her prime. Bogie might not appreciate it, but nevertheless it seems worth a try.

[NazNaci1]

They say the most important punch in boxing is the jab. As we know Liston had one of the finest and coupled with his reach, I see him bust Jeffries up and outpoint him over the course. Jeffries was strong and had stamina but the jab would be the key.

[raylawpc]

They say the most important punch in boxing is the jab. As we know Liston had one of the finest and coupled with his reach, I see him bust Jeffries up and outpoint him over the course. Jeffries was strong and had stamina but the jab would be the key.

Interesting . . . Jeffries, naturally left handed, reportedly had the best jab of his era. He decked Fitzsimmons with it in the first fight and may have stopped another man with his jab, if memory serves. This would have been a battle between two men with the best jabs in boxing history.

[raylawpc]

I assume this from my scouting of both men...

I have access to technology which will allow me to go back to
certain eras and make certain match ups.

It is like anything.. purely an ASSUMPTION.

No one will ever know until they feel it for themselves
OR
The two meet in their primes.

I think that Jeffries has pulling strength and would be tighter
in the clinch....where as I think Liston would have proper power
and be more dynamic with his explosiveness.

These are assumptions..

Well, you know what they say when you assume anything . . .

[Robinson]

All we have is ASS umptions when it comes to such matters.

[Robinson]

This technology you speak of, where can I find it?....I've been wanting to go back to a different era and check out Lauren Bacall in her prime. Bogie might not appreciate it, but nevertheless it seems worth a try.

Ha ... I will lease it to you ;)

[NazNaci1]

For Buzz.....

[MikeSchreckwins]

I like Jeffries by KO. I think he was tougher then Liston if compared equally in all aspects. The Old-time experts raved about Jeffries for decades after his retirement, and Sonny was no all around great like Jack Johnson.

[keithmoonhangover]

I think that for a lot of reasons, Jeffries wins if the fight is in his era and by the same rationale, Liston wins in his.

[BoxBuzz]

Lauren looks like she wins in any era....

[Crease]

I'm going with: Sonny Liston

Sonny was more than just the bullying bralwer that some make him out to be (although that mosed definitely was his style)... I'd rate him just outside my top 10.

What could Jeffries have done against the onslaught?

[BoxBuzz]

Begin by "defending himself at all times".....and branch out from there I suppose.