1980 Ali v 2005 Tyson

[Rajon Rondo]

Hi, I am new here and have been reading all the intriguing classic matchups you guys have in the classic section which makes for great reading. I'm putting up a different classic match up than the vast majority which are usually fighters prime v prime.

These two guys are obviously All time great heavyweights but by this point in their respective careers were both totally punch drunk. Tyson had his McBride fight in 05 and Ali fought Berbick in 80 and I think everyone here agrees both were rather sad sights.

My question is, if these two versions came up against one another, who would you take?

I would probably take Ali, because as terrible shape as he was in - it was of course very apparent that the early onset of parkinsons had hit him - I just think Tyson didn't even want to fight at this point in time and had zero desire to get in the ring.

[Absolutely!]

Considering how pathetic Tyson's showing against McBride was I think he would have tried to find a way out of the fight if Ali was able to apply the least bit of pressure on him.

Ali on the other hand was a walking corpse without the ability to do much more than stand there and absorb punches once it went past the first few rounds.

Pick 'em fight I think.

[Rajon Rondo]

Originally Posted by Absolutely!

Considering how pathetic Tyson's showing against McBride was I think he would have tried to find a way out of the fight if Ali was able to apply the least bit of pressure on him.

Ali on the other hand was a walking corpse without the ability to do much more than stand there and absorb punches once it went past the first few rounds.

Pick 'em fight I think.

Aren't all these hypothetical matchups Pick 'em fights???

[Absolutely!]

Originally Posted by Rajon Rondo

Aren't all these hypothetical matchups Pick 'em fights???

Meaning it's hard to call.

I'd lean towards Tyson based on his ability to still physically mount a hurtful offence, but if Ali can last more than a few rounds and frustrate things he has a good chance to make Tyson quit.

Tyson's problems were more mental than physical at that point. Ali's were all physical.

[Rajon Rondo]

Originally Posted by Absolutely!

Meaning it's hard to call.

I'd lean towards Tyson based on his ability to still physically mount a hurtful offence, but if Ali can last more than a few rounds and frustrate things he has a good chance to make Tyson quit.

Tyson's problems were more mental than physical at that point. Ali's were all physical.

True, but Ali was never put down for good. Do you see a totally washed up Tyson doing it? You're right, it is hard to call. I have thought about it a bit and people always deride both these guys for these two fights so was interested to see what knowledgable boxing fans would think about a head 2 head matchup.

[Absolutely!]

Originally Posted by Rajon Rondo

True, but Ali was never put down for good. Do you see a totally washed up Tyson doing it? You're right, it is hard to call. I have thought about it a bit and people always deride both these guys for these two fights so was interested to see what knowledgable boxing fans would think about a head 2 head matchup.

There wouldn't be a stoppage here unless it's Tyson's mentally breaking down, but if he can hurt Ali enough to the body and force him into a shell there's not really very much that Ali can do to turn the tide.

Spirit willing or not, his body was saying no more at that point in his career.

[Rajon Rondo]

Originally Posted by Absolutely!

There wouldn't be a stoppage here unless it's Tyson's mentally breaking down, but if he can hurt Ali enough to the body and force him into a shell there's not really very much that Ali can do to turn the tide.

Spirit willing or not, his body was saying no more at that point in his career.

Sure was, he should have realized that after the Holmes fight lol. Would Tyson punch himself out though is another question? His stamina was rightly or wrongly, always questioned. I dont think there is any doubt he wasnt in the greatest shape in 05.

[Unforgiven]

Ali wins.
He still had the will to win.
He looked horrible, terrible, against a great opponent.
Tyson looked horrible, terrible, against a shit opponent. And he looked like he had no wish or desire to be there.

[Absolutely!]

Originally Posted by Unforgiven

Ali wins.
He still had the will to win.
He looked horrible, terrible, against a great opponent.
Tyson looked horrible, terrible, against a shit opponent. And he looked like he had no wish or desire to be there.

To be fair, Tyson was getting heavily leaned on by McBride which contributed to his quit job in the sixth. Ali wouldn't apply quite so much, ahem, pressure to Tyson's legs or back if he were to adopt the same tactic.

[Rajon Rondo]

Originally Posted by Unforgiven

Ali wins.
He still had the will to win.
He looked horrible, terrible, against a great opponent.
Tyson looked horrible, terrible, against a shit opponent. And he looked like he had no wish or desire to be there.

Thats a very good point and one I think may swing the bout in Ali's favour. He was still hungry to win even if his body had other ideas. Tyson on the hand did not.

[Unforgiven]

Originally Posted by Absolutely!

To be fair, Tyson was getting heavily leaned on by McBride which contributed to his quit job in the sixth. Ali wouldn't apply quite so much, ahem, pressure to Tyson's legs or back if he were to adopt the same tactic.

I thought Tyson looked like he didn't want to be there from the opening bell really.

[Absolutely!]

Originally Posted by Unforgiven

I thought Tyson looked like he didn't want to be there from the opening bell really.

I don't really want to rewatch the fight but from what I recall, Tyson was able to mount a decent offense until McBride started smothering and leaning on him.

[Azzer85]

All i can say is, this would be a sad sad fight. And the people who pay for it should be shot

[MadcapMaxie]

Originally Posted by Azzer85

All i can say is, this would be a sad sad fight. And the people who pay for it should be shot

.

[Absolutely!]

Originally Posted by Azzer85

All i can say is, this would be a sad sad fight. And the people who pay for it should be shot

You'd need a lot of bullets. Fight would have that freakshow appeal that'd bring 'em in droves.

And don't tell me you wouldn't be interested.