Different Strokes for Different Folks: Comparing the footwork of Liston versus the footwork of Louis.

[Ivich]

That is a fair opinion. I disagree. I think his footwork was deceptively good... Just simple. And the Liston that fought Ali was past experation... Nothing against the greatness of Ali. But it is true he did not cut the ring... thing is, as great a finisher as he was, one has to think: He obviously had a way to get to his man.

Thank you for your polite response.

[billeau2]

- - Used to do it all the time on my heavybag with both hands while going forward, reverse, and side to side as I knocked that bag all over the backyard using every punch in the book, at my peak, bareknuckles callused from the canvas bag. My punch count was such that a Korean War vet visiting my next door neighbor in his garage office rushed out distraught thinking someone was firing a machine gun.

Now, doing that to an opponent who is in turn timing you is a whole 'nother thing, but then again, ya shoulda heard the 2 blocks worth of dogs in every direct going off like a canine chorus for 45 min everyday but never on Sunday.

Yeah! It takes a tremendous amount of skill... as a matter of fact it is the basis for one of the mother styles of Chines Boxing: Hsin YI. The longfist punch timing is such that foot, hand (to target) and weight settled all have to happen simultaneously and fast!

[HOUDINI563]

Louis could side step, circle his opponent boxing and counterpunching. Liston was in no way in the ballpark with Louis in respect to footwork. The only attribute you can compare is punching power and perhaps jab. Every other skill related aspect is heavily tilted to Louis as is speed. Louis was an athletic boxer puncher. Liston was ponderous in comparison.

[billeau2]

Louis could side step, circle his opponent boxing and counterpunching. Liston was in no way in the ballpark with Louis in respect to footwork. The only attribute you can compare is punching power and perhaps jab. Every other skill related aspect is heavily tilted to Louis as is speed. Louis was an athletic boxer puncher. Liston was ponderous in comparison.

Not true... Sometimes simple is best: Musashi beat swordsmen who were much more skilled than he was by sticking to simple and making it as perfect as possible. I disagree with you. Liston perfected simple two step footwork... the proof is in his work as a finisher. And the proof is that no one who just follows a puncher around does not get in trouble for doing so.

Louis had more skills but Liston was incredibly proficient in what he did do in the ring...

[HOUDINI563]

Not true... Sometimes simple is best: Musashi beat swordsmen who were much more skilled than he was by sticking to simple and making it as perfect as possible. I disagree with you. Liston perfected simple two step footwork... the proof is in his work as a finisher. And the proof is that no one who just follows a puncher around does not get in trouble for doing so.

Louis had more skills but Liston was incredibly proficient in what he did do in the ring...

Louis FAR more proficient. Louis was a ko puncher who could box very well. Liston much more a pure puncher. Few nuances that Louis brought in spades. Louis counterpunching skills alone were off the chart. Louis could draw his opponents to him via clever side to side movement as well as stepping in and out. Very dynamic skill set. Liston very predictable. Left jab, right cross left hook. Repeat.

[billeau2]

Louis FAR more proficient. Louis was a ko puncher who could box very well. Liston much more a pure puncher. Few nuances that Louis brought in spades. Louis counterpunching skills alone were off the chart. Louis could draw his opponents to him via clever side to side movement as well as stepping in and out. Very dynamic skill set. Liston very predictable. Left jab, right cross left hook. Repeat.

We can agree to disagree. Liston boxed very well... He had an incredible jab... Liston predictable like the Mongol Hordes: You knew they were coming, but didn't help much. Two great fighters, I think Liston is underated, but thats an opinion. No slight on Louis.