Both fighters past their best at this point, but not totally shot. Tyson was much more skilled than Shavers, yet Ali's chin was still cast iron, and he could still box, although not nearly as well. Who takes this and how?
I think Ali would win, inside the distance probably, but he'd absorb a lot of punishment in the process. I don't think that version of Tyson could stop that version of Ali, and I don't he had the stamina and conditioning to last. Could he last 12 rounds ? 15 rounds that Shavers went ? I doubt it. Tyson was still good in 1996 but he came second-best against a worn-out Holyfield, so I think even a 1977 Ali takes him. It would be a painful fight to watch for fans of both fighters.
Ali was a zombie in 1977. Tyson looking for a single right hand. Was predictable. Boring fight ali clinching. 50/50 fight decision for anyone
By the time five rounds are up the fight would really slow down. Both men would be tiring but Ali would still be up for a fight unlike Tyson. Ali by UD,tko or via disqualification. The best post prime scenario for these two would be Ali 1972/74 v Tyson 1991. Ali still wins.
Tyson of '97 was still a level above Shavers of '77. Should be an interesting battle since Tyson hadn't gone passed 3 rounds and won since prison. Ali was looking rather ordinary in there by the time Shavers almost nipped him. I don't think Ali stops Tyson here, but it could go either way.
Ali wins the first Ali wins the second 3rd round even Ali wins 4th Ali wins 5th 6th even Ali wins 7th Tyson quits on stool after Ali takes 8th round.
Tyson beats him. Ali was really over the hill by that point. The Shavers fight was scary close, and Tyson was a lot better and more durable than that Shavers, even 96 Tyson.
Tyson would have stopped him .. Ali was near shot, barely surviving the far more limited Shavers .. Months prior to the Holyfield fight Tyson looked sensational stopping Bruno. He was far closer to some form of prime than Ali who was faded .. I actually would to be surprised if Tyson stopped that Ali like he did Holmes ..
Ali would maul him and Tyson wouldn't know what to do about it in a just God awful fight. Someone wins a decision while I'm back at the casino figuring out which hooker to "hire" that night.
^ This. Tyson in '96 still had lots of gas left in the tank. Not prime, but still an excellent fighter. Ali was almost done in '77.