Of course one fight that could have been made, is Tyson vs Bowe. You would have had a short armed pressure fighter, who fought at mid range, potentially slugging it out with a much taller guy, who liked to fight on the inside. That could have got interesting!
Bowe did not have the stamina to keep up with Marciano. His greatest asset would also be a detriment as he’s not beating Marciano on the inside. If Holyfield could compete and win against Bowe I’d certainly give the edge to Marciano as he was a league above Holyfield. Would have been a fun match though
Comparing Tyson to Marciano is like comparing Usain Bolt to Bea Arthur. You have a fast-twitch athlete with blinding speed and preternatural balance compared to a lunch pail carrying waddler who trips over his own breath.
And one has the characteristics of an ATG hwt. The other folded like a cheap lawn chair when faced with pressure. Fighters like Ali and Marciano were made of different “stuff” than Tyson...much more intrinsically tough than Tyson.
Athleticism is so overrated in boxing discussions. Outside of good coordination, you don't have to be good in any category of athleticism and be still amazing boxer.
First of all Holy was never 5 time worlds hwt champion. He won the true championship twice. That’s it.
Then since you didn’t favor Marciano against Tyson in the poll, I take it that you don’t think Marciano would present him with much pressure? https://www.boxingforum24.com/threa...f-these-champions.627727/page-2#post-19785075
I think athleticism is really a pretty meaningless term. Champion weightlifters, and champion marathoners don't have a whole lot in common phiologically, yet both are champion athletes. What is this trait of these people in totally different disiplines, that test totally different things, that we are comparing?
Tyson would have to beat Marciano at mid range, and he probably would to be fair. If it ended up being decided on the inside, then prepare to see Tyson mauled!