Take the best 10 Klitschko opponents and add them to the Holmes era-Holmes,Weaver,Tubbs,Thomas,Coetzee,Dokes,Tate and mix them in, how do they do? Ibrabimov,Povetkin,Sanders,Thompson,Chagaev,Haye,Peters,McCline,etc.
I think the 80's had a lot of talent, but much of it was wasted. Greg Page is a prime example, as well as Thomas (great jab), Witherspoon, Tubbs, etc. Cocaine and the 80's lifestyle destroyed many great boxers' potential. The way Tubbs handled Bowe - and should've gotten the win - shows the natural ability he had. Major credit to Tyson for running him over with a single left hook shot in the 2nd. At the same time, the last decade has had pretty good talent, but differentiating by being more consistent in delivering*. That is to say, I think the 80's lot would do quite well on a "best night vs best night" basis, but would lose by a landslide in an "average night vs average night" kind of encounter with the 2000's opponents. *Needless to say, they also have their share of erratic performers, like Sanders.
some good points and very true about the wasted talent and the substance abuse that ruined many in the 80's ...shame with Sanders, big guy,southpaw,fast hands and power....but poorly conditioned
It's an interesting question. I don't wanna be too long. Tyson's sparring partner the bum Nate Tubbs destroyed C. Sanders easily. And it was a better,younger Sanders than the wladimir k. version. To me this says all.
Holmes opponents, Weaver, Cooney, Witherspoon, Spinks, Norton, Berbick, Shavers, and i will even throw in Ray Mercer whom Larry beat up as a flabby 42 year old, would have crushed Klitchko's opponents.. Ibraginov Chagnaev Haye who did more running than Tom Hanks in Forest Gump, when he fought WK... Thompson. Povetkin Austin Mormeck Brock And tomato can Leapai.. Hell Snipes and Randy Cobb would have whipped most of WK'S opponents.. Holmes never had the Luxury of fighting in his backyard every damn time either... One Klitchko retired:hi: And ill be popping Champagne when the other one get's KO'D or quits watching his boring ass fights is the CURE FOR INSOMNIA.. Sorry about the misspelling of those Russian names, but being an American, it really shouldn't matter, all their funky names sound alike anyways...
lol leapai in the 80s, would be so **** scared of holmes opposition that he would chance buying a De Lorean to get back to future.
About equal. If they all fought each other, it would be win some, lose some. I think of the bunch, Povetkin stands out, and would probably be the most dominant. I think he's better, more consistent, and more complete than Dokes and Weaver.
Sanders, Povetkin, Byrd, Ibragimov, Pulev, Peter, Brewster, and Haye are in the top 8 for Wlad. Maybe Holmes fought slightly better at the top, but he also had less depth. About even.
how is byrd equivalent to genuine hws? how is peter, who gasses out after 5 rounds, equivalent to athletes who fight 12-15? how is shot2**** retired 37 year old sanders equivalent to larry defending against non retired fighters, and largely prime ones at that? the only legit defences in that group are povetkin, haye and possibly byrd, given his talent to beat giants. not a bad set of opponents, but no hof, atgs, elites there. barely 2 world class.