1988 Mike Tyson vs 1971 Joe Frazier

If they both came in at 208, Frazier wins.

 

You need two fists to beat Tyson and Frazier had a good jab and hook. If you had no right hand...you're doomed against Tyson. We are talking prime Mike, no post prison Mike.

 

Please read your above post carefully, lol.

 

And this one......

 

Tyson's hand speed, power, chin and movement were exceptional. Tyson had a great uppercut, great straight right and a quicker, more compact left hook...It would be a quick night.

 

I would pick a Prime Tyson any day.................

 

Joe would be gone in 60 seconds.

 

While I think Tyson wins, we're selling Smokin' Joe a bit short here.

There are some parallels between Iron Mike's & Smokin' Joe's careers.

They each won the two biggest heavyweight title fights of the Queensbury era.

Smokin' Joe v Ali and Iron Mike v Spinks were the only two occasions in history when undefeated and universally recognised heavyweight champions of the world faced each other.

Iron Mike v Spinks was the biggest fight in my time following the sport while the original Frazier v Ali has always been regarded as the "fight of the century".

Smokin' Joe also won Olympic gold which Iron Mike never did (although he would have if he'd been given decisions against Henry Tillman - but that's another story).

 

You have to favour Tyson here to win and win early.

Tyson could take a punch better than Frazier, was faster, more powerful and compact. Also Frazier was a slow starter, I could see him blitzed by Tyson's usually fast start before he has a chance of getting into his stride.

But if Frazier somehow survives those early rounds I can see Frazier having some success. His work rate was insane at his peak and he was a busier inside fighter. Tyson was often lazy on the inside and was happy to rest there, Frazier wouldn't let him rest there, he could suck the breath out of Tyson with his work rate and body attack. But even then I think Tyson would undoubtedly land something big and retake control of the fight and finish Frazier.

 

Mike Tyson demolishes Frazier. Frazier had a soft jaw with movement being his only defense. In a come-forward, toe-to-toe fight like this the jaw is of prime importance. Frazier wouldn't knock out Mike early, but Mike would have every chance to KO Frazier in the first couple of minutes.

 

Tyson has never fought someone with as much heart as Frazier. Frazier will take him in deep water and Tyson will fold like he always does against good opponents.

 

You can rate Frazier the better HW and still say Tyson here. Bad matchup for Frazier.