What pre-Louis heavyweight has the best shot against prime Tyson?

Who’s your pick?

 

Schmeling? Maybe Johnson if given time to adjust to a modern rule set?

Idk and it doesn't matter anyway. Tyson beats every champ pre-louis.

EDIT: I'm assuming you mean Mike.

 

No one. 1988 Mike Tyson would beat all the champions before Joe Louis (he would also beat Joe Louis).
But if I had to pick one name, it would be - Jack Johnson.

 

While I don't think any of them beat Tyson I'm going to go with Jack Dempsey. The man was as fierce and as fearless as they come and if anybody could stay in there and fight back, rather than just try and survive, I think it would be the Manassa Mauler.

 

So, the group of which there's little to no footage?

 

None of them. If any of them could be given more up to date training it’s a question of who would last longest. Willard has the height, reach and weight but so did all of Mike’s opponents. I think Mike destroys every champion from Sullivan to Ingemar. Liston would be his first serious test. Most will say Louis. He’d be too slow of foot. Mike would jump on him from the start. No way Louis survives one of Mike’s bombs. Never mind a combination of them.

 

Johnson based on styles.

 

johnson. i can't even see a worthwhile #2.

 

Jack Johnson.
Give Gene Tunney some PEDs and he could pull it off.

 

I think the styles are a key factor here but there's one other component that I think works in Johnson's favor. Mental makeup, Jack Johnson was scared of nothing or no one and intimidation was a major part of Tyson's aura.

 

I'd like to see the faceoff in the center of the ring when Tyson stares into the eyes of the Manassa Mauler. Tyson grew up a purse snatcher, Dempsey fought men in mining camps for 2 bucks.

 

I think Johnson can do it, as with Willard in a 40 round rule set and all. Tunney may pull it off as well. I think Dempsey could go either way.

 

The young generations don't respect enough Louis' quick hands, explosive combinations and punching power.

 

It isn’t about not respecting any of Louis’s attributes. It’s about a 218 pound powerhouse with explosive speed and murderous power throwing 4 punch combinations at a 185-190 who wasn’t known for having the best chin. No way Louis exchanges punches with Mike and stays up. I believe Mike would knock out Louis and his predecessors. How’s that disrespectful.

 

I'm neither agreeing nor disagreeing with your view on Tyson vs Louis (I rarely comment on cross era fantasy match ups for a multitude of reasons), but rather am solely posting to point out Louis was 197-207lbs during his during his prime, averaging 200-203lbs at his absolute peak, not 185-190lbs.