Who do you think would of beat Sonny Liston for the title if Ali never came along?

Question

Who do you think would of beat Sonny Liston for the title if Ali never came along?

Answer 1

The most likely path Liston's career would have taken is that he would have gotten into trouble before 1966 was finished.  I really don't think he would have kept the title very long.  If no one could beat him in the ring they would find a way to do it out of the ring.  

You must understand one thing.  Liston and Ali had one thing in common.  TPTB didn't like either of them.  Patterson's best couldn't beat Liston's worse.  Terrell might have had the best chance to out point Liston.  All he had to do was go the distance and TPTB would take care of the rest.  

I really don't see the powers allowing Sonny to remain champ for very long.  Remember this is a time when  J. Edgar Hoover ran things.  He was more powerful than any president 10 years before and until his death.  IF he didn't like you your life wasn't easy.   He had the "black book"  on EVERYBODY.  Ali and Dr. King couldn't go the the restroom without Hoover knowing.  

In the unlikely event that Liston doesn't lose the title through those means he would have been champion until about 1972.  At that time he would be too old.  Forget Joe Frazier challenging him before then.   I know for a FACT that Frazier's camp avoided Sonny up to his death in Dec. 1970.  

Frazier wasn't afraid of anyone but Yank Durham wasn't about to risk his prize.  He would never allow Frazier to face Liston.  IF Liston were champ that might have been a different story because now Joe HAS to go through him.  At NO POINT before 1970 would Frazier have beaten Liston.  Styles make fights.  It's that simple.

Frazier's chief claim to greatness comes strictly from his series with Ali.  Ever wonder why he never fought Shavers, Lyle or any of the other ''world beaters'' Ali faced at the time?  Had Durham lived he would not have fought Forman either.  I give Joe credit.  He had a lot of heart and he was tough.  However, he was also very flawed.   I have always maintained that, had it not been for the exile,  Ali-Frazier would have happened in 1969, not 71.  The result would have been VERY different.   Ali stops him in 11.

After 1970-71 Frazier grinds down a shop worn Liston.  A few others might have had a chance as well.   Before than Liston crushes him.  

In reality I do not see Liston being champ from 62 to 70.  The most likely path is that he would lose the title via some political means out of the ring.

Answer 2

Sonny would have probably defended his title a few more times against George Chuvalo, Ernie Terrell, Brian London, or Karl Mildengerger before being challenged around 1967 by Joe Frazier.  By that time Sonny would have been around 36 years old (some say he was actually older)  Joe is actually tailor made for Sonny with his relentless pressure style much like he was against George Foreman.  If Frazier survives the first 5 rounds against Sonny, he possibly would wear the big man down and win by either late rounds technical knockout or by decision.  Not so sure about this, but he is the only one I see that could have had the power and toughness to beat Sonny.

Answer 3

I would pick Jerry Quarry to beat him.

Quarry in his prime was a really awesome counter puncher and I think he would have slipped Liston's Jab and countered  all night.

Answer 4

i agree that liston would have probably held the title 'till frazier got his shot.... and by that stage, sonny would have been 35/36 (officially), and susceptible to upsets from that point on.

Answer 5

I think Joe Frazier would.  The thing about Sonny, like Tyson much much later, is that he was a classic bully, that is, strong going forward and weak when resistance is fierce.  If you're not scared of him and try to beat him to the punch, he'd lose his rhythm and get very frustrated.  Then he'd begin to self-destruct.  Joe Frazier was a very brave fighter and he feared no one.  Not Ali, not George Foreman.  He didn't care if he got hit or got knocked down for as long as he could land the left hook.  With Sonny Liston, I think Joe would hit the canvass once or twice or even six times as he did with Foreman, but he'd get up and resume his bobbing and weaving until he lands those hooks on Liston's body.  By rounds 8 or 9, Sonny would wilt from Joe's constant pressure and quit on his stool.

Answer 6

Just about anyone. Liston was already old and very washed up when he fought Ali.

Answer 7

Nobody.  Liston would have retired before Joe would have been ready.  Had they fought in Liston's prime Joe has no chance.  If they fought when Liston was old Joe wins.  If you stand right in front of Liston and that is where Joe would be you are done.