Fighters Patterson could beat, but Tyson couldn't?

I think it's entirely possible, even without mentioning anyone in particular. I think boxing is way less predictable than some boxing fans might believe. Boxing history is full of upsets and betting losers. Every fight is different and sometimes the form of the day or fractions of a second in a bout can be decisive and can change the outcome. It's just a pretty complex sport. And let's not forget how many strong boxers and also HW-boxers there have been...

For instance, maybe young Floyd Patterson would have had an easier time with James Tillis than young Mike Tyson and would've knocked him out. Among the many strong boxers in history, there might be one or the other with the guts, willpower, mental strength, chin or footwork or whatever to be a handful for Tyson or who might even defeat him but would lose to Patterson, for whatever reason.

So, I definitely wouldn't rule it out, even if it's not really predictable.

 

I don't think there are any opponents that Patterson defeated which Tyson couldn't. Respectively their styles share so many similarities for obvious reasons. I would argue most if not all Tyson opponents are ones which Floyd could defeat and vice versa. Tyson is built and trained for the peak-a-boo style but that style, like any, has it's weaknesses and when exacerbated, Tyson didn't have many tools in his belt to rely on. I will argue til I die that Tyson is not a good boxer outside the peak-a-boo style, he can't fight in orthodox or southpaw. Floyd was a marvelous boxer, had the fastest hands of anyone ever in the heavyweight division, and his chin was glass for a heavyweight but his recovery was nothing to scoff at. Yes, Floyd was a ballooned up light-heavy. But Tyson never had the gas, or conventional skill, champion mindset or ability to adapt during a fight. I'd say in terms of who could defeat the others resume they are evenly matched.

 

Balanced and well expressed. Yeah, Floyd was a bit of a pearl I guess. I respect Mike's ability in the Boxing ring but hate the way he became a beacon for a lot of blokes who you would shoot if they spoke to your daughter.
Nice one.

 

Yeah not wrong.

 

Jimmy Young maybe?

I'd favor both over Young but Young might have a better chance of pulling an upset against Tyson, by surviving his early onslaught, and having him shoot his wad, and comeback to outpoint an exhausted Tyson later.