I think you're both right. Povetkin is a consistent performer and a good all around fighter, so he could definitely beat those four, who all had their flaws, but if he slipped up against one of them I wouldn't be surprised either. But Tyson at his best is too good for him, I think. Not at all unsimilar fighters, but Tyson was quicker, more powerful and had a better chin.
I also picked Tyson in the Tyson vs Povetkin thread, but I don't think it's a hopeless task for Povetkin by any means. Tyson was more explosive and hit harder, with a better drilled system, but Povetkin is the more well rounded fighter with a better selection of punches and boxing brain. Good boxers could give Tyson something to think about.
Got a ton of respect for Povetkin, I have to say. Very resilient guy and, as you say, a good boxing brain. So, no, it's not in impossible that a prime Povetkin manages to drag Tyson into deep water, but I think he'd have to go a bit ugly like Holy did to do it, and I haven't seen him fight like that.
Yeah, but it's boxing and you never know. Any given night... Bruno punched hard enough to put him to sleep if he gets careless and Tubbs was a very good boxer with terrific handspeed, so he might be a handful if he's at his best.
That might be somewhat true, but Povetkin isn't exactly Mr. Plastic Man, either. Bruno had a really good jab, behind which he brought a thunderous right hand. His right crosses and hooks were very hard. His right uppercuts, could look a bit awkward, but were still a solid part of his armory. In fact, early Bruno showed a fair bit of versatility with that right hand. He was also able to deliver pretty nice left hooks, both long and short, which are quite underrated. So, overall, a very hard puncher who, for the most part, was an offensive threat, no matter the opponent.
Very interesting matchups. Povetkin seems to kind of fit in somewhat with those guys. My guess is that he beats Williams and Bruno by powering through them eventually. I'd pick him over Biggs and Tubbs too. Biggs would have a chance by moving/running all night. Tubbs would be the toughest for him.
Mike Tyson, Larry, Holmes and Evander Holyfield are the only 1980s heavys who I’d make clear favorites over Alexander Povetkin. Other fighters like Tim Witherspoon, Trevor Berbick, Michael Spinks and Tony Tucker would be 50/50 fights and even that would depend on if they were prepared that given evening.
At the age he is now? I think Bruno stops him handily. Prime for prime it's a toss-up to me. I take Povetkin over Tubbs but I'd watch him against Eddie Chambers before considering that a lock. I have him over Biggs and Williams best for best, but Povetkin's overall career is starting to make people forget about his uneven sharpness over the years. He's becoming a bit Tuaesque here in his H2H never but would've syndrome.
Yes yes and yes think Bruno Povetkin would be an excellent fight. Think Povetkin wears him down though
I think that WOULD make for entertaining fight for however long it lasted. I too favor Povetkin but Frank might get in some big shots
At the age he is now he is going to have problems as its clear hes a talented fighter on the decline. Tubbs and Williams have a shot at outpointing a 41 year old Pov though i think Williams probably gets sparked out sooner or later. Bruno would be able to KO Pov at this stage, but I would probably favor Pov even now over the usually robotic Bruno. I agree with dmt on Biggs, never reached his ceiling and had too many weaknesses. Prime Pov KOs Bruno late, Williams eventually, and Biggs in the mid rounds. Tubbs is going to be the toughest one out of these four and if he is having an on day will give Povetkin trouble. I still favor Povetkin by decision.
