Was prime "Iron" Mike Tyson the greatest heavyweight of all time?

Again, that is your opinion not a fact. If you want I can link you to the dictionary definitions.

 

I don't think many have him outside the top 10.

 

Since Mike's prime ended at 24 we have to compare his signature wins up until turning 24 to other champion's signature wins prior to that age. Ali and Foreman had better wins prior to turning 24 than Tyson. There might be others.

 

Many do unfortunately, but they shouldnt.

 

To be fair if you compare what hw boxers accomplished by 24 Tyson is likely top five. Ali and Foreman accomplished more. Who else?

 

Ali and Foreman certainly didn't accomplish more.
Ali beat and old injured Liston and an injured Patterson, the rest of his wins are bums.
And Foreman only has Frazier and Norton.

 

Not on this board.

 

No, it really wasn't.

 

At least Foreman fought the proper Frazier.....

 

Thomas had Tucker had injuries as well. So I guess they're out too?

 

Ali was a 7-1 underdog when he "upset" Sonny Liston. Foreman was 3 1/2 -1 underdog when he "upset" Joe Frazier. Mike Tyson was a 4-1 favorite when he "upset" Michael Spinks.

 

Prior to 24 resume top 5 wins.

Ali: Liston 2x, Patterson, Terrel, Folley

Foreman: Frazier, Norton, Peralta 2x, Chuvalo.

Louis: Schmeling 2x, Baer, Carnera, Sharkey.

Tyson: Holmes, Spinx, Berbick, Tucker, Smith


Tyson's resume is closer to Louis. Both of them took out aging ex champions and blazed a trail clearing out the division before winning the title. Louis resume is arguably better given that Tyson's best opponent (Holmes) was far past his prime and coming off 2 losses and a layoff. Spinx was an amazing light heavyweight but had a paper thin heavyweight resume. Berbick and Smith had belts but were rather average and unremarkable fighters. Tucker had an injured hand and was an underachiever.

On the other hand, Schmeling was past his prime in both fights with Louis and Louis never should have lost the first fight. Like Tucker, Baer had an injured hand. Overall, Louis edges it especially if you consider all the other contenders Louis destroyed.

Ali and Foreman have an edge because they both beat ATGs for their signature wins. Liston and Frazier are significantly better wins than Tyson's signature win over an old inactive Holmes. Point being even if we cut off the convenient age of 24 to give Tyson the advantage he isn't automatically the best HW based on results.

 

My personal feeling is, he may very well have been just that!

 

Sonny Liston was 35-1 and hadn't lost in a decade when Ali whupped him. Frazier was 29-0 when Big George whupped him. Ken Norton was 30-1 when Big George whupped him. Funny how they became over the hill, nobodies, and bums when they lost.

 

They were no Berbicks, that's for sure.