Mike Tyson had a better career than Larry Holmes.

According to you. You haven't proved the assertion of those 8 names being "the perceived threats". You've just stated it.

I'd state that Evander Holyfield was the #1 perceived threat to Tyson as soon as Tyson had defeated Spinks.
Tyson fought Bruno, Williams and Douglas instead.

 

And that’s a valid criticism. But there were a few of those fights that didn’t happen for reasons beyond Holmes’ control and Dokes was one of them.

 

You apparently didn't know Thomas was on heroin before the Tyson bout yet you dug your heels in and argued about it.

So spare me the "I know this subject" high and mighty attitude.

 

Biggs beat Lewis in the amateurs when Lewis was about 18.
In the pros Biggs barely got past David Bey who was well on the decline.

A fat old Ocasio went 8 rounds distance with a 25 year old Lewis anyway. A prime Ocasio, yeah, of course he'd beat an '84 amateur version of Lewis. It's not even debatable.

 

He was using heroin before he had even turned pro. it's in the damn link I posted.

You said, and I quote, that he was not on heroin before the Tyson fight.

 

Whether Pinklon Thomas was on heroin or not, he was clearly coming off some very bad form against Tyson.
He looked dreadful against Berbick, then fought 3 tomato cans and didn't impress anyone. He looked old before his time.

 

That’s fine

 

I’m basically on your side in this thread. I DO however feel that Holmes should have fought Thomas, perhaps around 1984-85. I don’t agree with some people who think Larry should have fought EVERYONE back then, but Pinklon was a very valid challenge