11/10/2024
Muhammad Ali's praise of Sonny Liston, even after their infamous battles, reflects how much Ali respected Liston as a fighter. Ali claimed that Liston hit harder, had a better reach, and was a more skilled boxer than George Foreman. Why would Ali say this, especially when he famously defeated both?
Firstly, Liston's raw power was undeniable. His punches were like a freight train-so much so that Ali was cautious to avoid even getting touched by him.
Ali himself said, "I was very careful not to let Sonny Liston touch me," because just one punch from Liston could be dangerous. That's high praise coming from the man who faced some of the hardest hitters in boxing history.
Secondly, Liston's reach was impressive. At 84 inches, he had one of the longest reaches ever recorded among heavyweight champions. This gave him a distinct advantage, allowing him to control the distance and keep opponents at bay with his long, powerful jabs.
George Foreman, while incredibly strong, didn't have this kind of technical precision or reach.
Finally, Ali recognized Liston's boxing intellect.
While Foreman was known for his brute strength, Liston had a well-rounded skill set, combining strategy with his power. Ali valued this, even after their dramatic bouts.
In fact, Ali respected Liston so much that whenever he was in town, he would often go to see Liston's fights. This little-known fact sheds light on how much Ali thought of the man many perceived as his ultimate rival.
Ali's respect for Liston wasn't just about the fights they reflected a deep admiration for Liston's legacy as one of the sport's true powerhouses.
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