1985 Tyson vs 1996 Tyson

Somehow it's a good question.
But easily the 1996 version Tyson.The 90s Tyson was far better for 3-4 rounds than the 1985 version.The 1985s was too inexperienced.
The 90s Tyson was one of the greatest fighter for 3-4 rounds.
Considering the crap version 2000s Tyson could won the first round
against Lewis.
The 38 years old **** Tyson total outclassed Danny Williams
in the first round.

 

85

 

Interesting. Better defense in 85. 85 never faced a puncher like 96 Mike.

 

85 Tyson was more hungry, professional and determined than a 96 Tyson but then the 96 Tyson had more experience under his belt

 

Tough one, I feel the 85 Tyson will. He had all his basics correct at that point ie handspeed, body shots, combinations, head movement and his original team

 

The age was never a factor with the later Tyson. He was even asked about it. It was the desire level.

 

85 model all day long. He moved his head. He still believed in the dream he shared with Cus. Post prison drugs, coke, booze, King, givins, washington, et al had already begun to exact their toll.

 

'85 Tyson would stop the '96 Tyson within 5 rounds.

The younger version was hungrier, been more active, better stamina, throwing combinations and would have straight up overwhelmed the '96 Tyson.

The '96 Tyson had **** stamina, poor balance, diminished punch resistance, lack of bottle/desire.

For those who claim the Tyson of '96 had more experience, i disagree.

He certainly didnt show any experience in his post prison career, he seemes to have regressed if anything.

Against Holyfield, the one round he had sucess was in the only round he threw body shots and combinations, the rest of the fight was throw left hook, get tangled up, push back, get hit by a 1-2, repeat until too tired.

The pre prison Tyson never looked to the ref for help, not even when Douglas hit him constantly after the bell, fast forward to '96, early as Round 3, Holyfield hits Tyson after the bell, Tyson looks to the ref.

 

I think this is a pretty good summary. I will take 85 Tyson in 5 or less over any post-prison Tyson. In retrospect it is clear that other than a few rounds against Bruno, Mike had very little in the tank after prison. Looked sloppy against McNeely, looked awful against Mathis, tired after two rounds against Holyfield, and there was nothing to learn in the 90 seconds against Seldon.

88-89 Tyson was the pinnacle, but, 85 Tyson was not far off. Too fast, too ferocious, too strong willed, and much better defense.

 

Another important factor, '85 Tyson would have Damato in his corner and would know all of '96 Tysons weaknesses and would capitalise on this.

'85 Tyson would commit alot of bodywork, '96 Tyson was dropped by Holyfield via bodyshot (the only one punch KD of Tysons career).

Id be surpised if it goes more than 5-6 rounds.

Tyson looked awful against Mcneeley. Mcneely did to Tyson what not even Ruddock and Douglas did, he backed Tyson up in the first round and had him against the ropes.

Mathis made Tyson miss so many punches, Tyson looked an amateur.

Bruno, didnt do bugger all, but if you watch the fight, Tyson was throwing home run punches and hayemakers and his footwork and balance were awful.

Seldon, I think Tyson actually looked really chubby in this fight. And even then, Seldon was hitting Tyson with jabs at will(weak pathetic jabs mind you).

The clues were all there, all Holyfield had to do was connect the dots.

 

I'd go with 85. Clearer head, speed and determination still in tact and one of the more ferocious heavyweights. Clubber Lang style.

 

What was the best 1985 version Tyson win ?
Conroy Nelson? Donnie Long? Eddie Richardson?
Crap fighters.McNeeley was better than these guys.
Maybe McNeeley behaviour was stupid but he was far better
than these losers.
I hope everybody can accept Mathis and the two reigning champions Bruno and Seldon were far better than the pathetic fat Donnie Long or Mercedes or Halpin.
Otherwise the prime Tyson never was perfect.I think Biggs won the first round against him.Tyson looked like the cold **** against the bum Tillis.He won.He desrerved the win but this Tiilis performance was bizarre.Etc...
Tyson was great but i don't know perfect fighters from the
boxing history.
The 1985 version Tyson proved nothing.He beat some crap fighters.I like Tyson but i prefer the objectivity.
The 1985s Tyson wasn't world-class fighter at all.Everybody looks
good/great against bums like Shannon Briggs or Wilder.
D'amato didn't know the 1996s Tyson because he was dead.
This is just pure speculation.