The Tyson that wrecked Spinks vs the Usyk that rocked Fury (1st meeting)

I don’t believe it. I’ve watched it countless times.

The only issue for me, is whether Usyk really needed the count.

 

How does point 1 correlate with Usyk?

 

Usyk’s a genius.

It’s just a matter of styles.

No, great, long jab.

No great inside game.

No huge power.

No speed advantage.

So you had a faster, more powerful wrecking ball, vs a chess master with limited power.

An easy fight to predict.

 

Facts don't care about your beliefs my man. If you see where the shot landed (clearly below the navel) and still think it was legal you're either: delusional or don't know the rules of boxing.

 

Tucker outslugged Tyson early ?

So Tucker stood toe to toe trading punches in trenches with Tyson that's what you're telling me ?

is this another troll rage bait attempt like you often like to do ?

Tucker was never an aggressive fighter I don't know what in the world you're talking about he was an outboxer who fought in a more defensive cautious manner.

Usyk was not able to put away Joshua in 2 attempts who got put on the canvas 10 times by Ruiz, Dubois, over 2 fights see I can do what you're doing aswell.

 

Fair enough mate and honestly, you’re making a strong case. I definitely get why a lot of people would see it that way, Tyson at his absolute best was a nightmare stylistically for anybody, even mobile, technical guys.

You’re absolutely right that Tyson had faster hands and feet than Usyk. His first few steps when he was fresh were crazy fast for a heavyweight. And he was way more explosive coming in than a Frazier, no doubt, Tyson didn’t just pressure you, he came in with slipping, counters, combinations, it wasn’t predictable.

Where I still just give Usyk a bit of a shot is that he wouldn’t try to stand and trade like an Ali-Frazier type fight. I don’t think he’d ever let it become that kind of war if he could help it. It would be more about constantly changing angles, tying Tyson up when needed and basically stealing little pockets of space, not winning exchanges, just surviving and frustrating. Like you said though, that’s easier said than done when Tyson’s explosiveness is cutting the ring so fast.

At the end of the day, it’s one of those crazy matchups where both guys would give each other real problems, but Tyson’s athleticism and ferocity early would absolutely be the biggest hurdle for Usyk to get past.

Good debate man. Two all-time greats either way.

 

Tyson had exceptional footwork probably one of the best of all time for a Heavyweight he'd be able to close down the distance on Usyk if Chisora and Briedis can often find Usyk on the inside then Tyson certainly would.

What is not being talking about in this thread is Tyson's tremendous uppercuts that is a punch Usyk is vulnerable to and Fury badly hurt him with an uppercut in 6th round of their fight. Tyson could slip Usyk's jab and hammer Usyk to the body and come up with devastating uppercuts.

And whilst Tyson isn't known for late stoppages I don't think he has suspect stamina as he often went 12 rounds comfortably vs Ruddock 2, Tucker, etc. Its just Tyson has a very high energy type of style that is very taxing on the body so it's natural he'd slow down a tad over the distance but I still think he's capable of beating Usyk if the fight goes long.

 

I know where the naval is.

I saw where his trunks were.

Either way, he’s shown vulnerabilities to the body.

He wouldn’t have done anything against Mike.

He’s simply not equipped to deal with that style.

 

Great post.

I agree.

The only thing to add, is that finding little bits of space and tying him up and surviving, wouldn’t have won him the fight.

I don’t actually believe that Mike would have stopped him though.

I actually think that Mike would have beaten him by a decision.

Yes, two phenomenal fighters.

I have no issue with people thinking Usyk was better.

I have no issue with people ranking Usyk higher.

I’m only looking specifically at how they’d realistically have matched up on the night stylistically.

 

Gosh it's so easy to beat Usyk with sheer aggression. That must be why all those punchers, sluggers and bad boys have been having their way with him. If only he knew how to deal with angry, aggressive people. He could have been world champion, if not for this fatal flaw. Oh well.

 

Geez people are triggered ... again

 

Good points and you’re absolutely right about a lot of things here. Tyson’s footwork was seriously underrated, the way he moved inside with angles and slipped shots was some of the best ever at heavyweight, no question. And yeah, if guys like Chisora and Briedis could find Usyk at times, Tyson would definitely have more success getting into range.

I also completely agree Tyson’s uppercut would be a real weapon. Fury caught Usyk clean with one and if Tyson landed those heavy inside uppercuts regularly, it could be a serious game changer. And you’re right that Tyson’s stamina isn’t bad, it’s just that his style was so explosive and high-energy that over a long fight, the pace naturally dipped a bit. That’s normal when you fight with that kind of intensity.

Where I still slightly lean Usyk though is this:
Chisora and Briedis had moments, sure, but Usyk still ultimately controlled those fights, even under pressure. His ability to adjust mid-fight, constantly move, find space and survive messy rounds is special. Tyson would absolutely have success early, no doubt, but Usyk wouldn’t stay there and trade like some of Tyson’s best victims did. He’s much more about disrupting rhythm, stealing space and never letting you plant your feet clean for too long.

Also, Usyk’s work rate, his subtle clinching when needed and his gas tank would start to show more and more in the second half. Even if Tyson isn’t gassing out badly, Usyk’s consistency and volume could quietly start tipping rounds in his favour. Usyk wouldn’t try to overpower Tyson; he’d try to outlast him mentally and tactically, just enough to survive the early storm and then nick rounds on activity and movement.

I think Usyk would have some scary moments early, maybe even get dropped, but over 12 rounds, he has the discipline, toughness and ring IQ to pull off a narrow decision. Not easy at all, but stylistically I think he has the right kind of game to make it a nightmare for Tyson if he can survive the first 5-6 rounds without taking too much damage.

 

A predictable sarcastic response.

He’s never seen anyone remotely like Mike at HW.

He’s never seen anyone as fast, as powerful and explosive.

But carry on.

 

Tyson never imagined Usyk in his worst nightmares

 

I have real trouble seeing how he’d have nicked the rounds though, when Mike would have constantly backed him up.