Personally top ten i am not so sure about, lots of great names ahead of him. His achievements at such a young age will probably never be matched, i would have him about 12-15 to be honest but this is boxing and many opinions differ from different fans, but the only ones who know truly are the fighters he faced. Like the late great Terry Lawless "RIP" said after Tyson Bruno 1, "I don't know how guys get out for the first bell because when facing Tyson, he is Awesome".
Imagine the crap Tyson haters would give him if he had to get off the floor to beat a40 year old Spinks who didnt have Mackie Shilstone or a 40 year old Holmes. Don't forget that in the pre PED era every year over 30 is like 2-3 years today and 38 back then was ancient. Tyson also had his fair share of past their peak opponents but in terms of young, strong , big fighters under 30, Tyson's Resumee Just destroys Marciano. Tucker Ruddock Thomas Williams Bruno Tubbs Not to mention Seldon Stewart Biggs Mathis Etienne.
Not in terms of career achievements? Youngest HW champion Unified champion Undisputed champion Twice world champion 5 times a belt winner Many defences What more does a guy have to do to get the millenials' approval?
For me yes. Probably bosses as he was my favourite fighter growing up. Iron Mike is still my favourite nickname
I definitely think he's in the discussion, and over the years, I've been inclined to have him somewhere in the 10-13 range more often than not. Although for me, I think he tends to be just outside my top 10. On that note, I can't resist this opportunity to share this video, for anyone who might be interested. This content is protected
Sure....but how many 'names' on his record? Only Ali has enough 'names' on his record to be the GOAT. Wladimir has zero Vitali has zero Tyson has Holmes and Spinks (argue what you will) Holyfield has Lewis, Holmes and Foreman
Are you serious ? He got beaten twice by Lewis, and never met Foreman nor Holmes till they were both grand-daddies !
No. One of them spanked him around the ring like he stole something and the other two made their ring entries in wheelchairs. And he STILL struggled with both geriatrics, unable to put either one away. Those names do NOT count in any serious discussion. (I'm not sure why you ignored his wins over Tyson, the best part of his resume !) Neither one of them have any great names. Wlad's greatness rests on longevity and dominance and a number of decent but not ATG names. Byrd, Chagaev, Haye, Peter, Chambers, Povetkin and such. Vitali doesn't come close to cracking the top ten.
Ali Louis Lewis Marciano Holmes Frazier Johnson Foreman Liston Tyson Holyfield Dempsey Wills Wlad Jeffries