Tyson in his prime vs Holyfield?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Storm-Chaser, Sep 25, 2022.


  1. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    It's interesting that Holyfield, after the second heavyweight fight, maybe in 1987/1988, stated that he had no chance against Tyson.
     
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  2. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 OFFICIAL THREAD DIDDLER banned Full Member

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    Well he could've stated that Optimus Prime was his long time best pal but that dont make it true just because he said it right dude?
     
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  3. White Bomber

    White Bomber Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Tyson by KO.
     
  4. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 OFFICIAL THREAD DIDDLER banned Full Member

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    Tell him to beat Douglas first
     
  5. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    Of course. I just find it interesting that you know his form and capabilities better from 40 years ago than he did in real life, dude :)
     
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  6. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 OFFICIAL THREAD DIDDLER banned Full Member

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    Well maybe i do cuz matter of fact the dude did beat him
     
  7. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    Yes, but he did it in 1996, not anytime, as you claim. After all, Tillman also beat Mike twice, and Jake Paul did it recently. According to Holyfield himself and his trainer, Lou Duva, he needed time to come out to Mike. You claim it wasn't based on a fight eight long years ago. That's like saying Leon Spinks could have beaten Ali as early as 1974; after all, he did, right?
     
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  8. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 OFFICIAL THREAD DIDDLER banned Full Member

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    He beat him when both of them were at their worst, Holyfield with heart problems and Mike with addictions.

    Even in that fight, the intellect and tactics of Holyfield were too much for Tyson to overcome.

    Going back in time is not only making Tyson better but making Holyfield also even better, less rugged out and stronger.

    He would've killed Kid Dinamyte regardless of what point Mike was in his career, wether in the sewers fighting for foodstamps against Paul or at his best knocking out a shot Spinks.
     
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  9. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    I think it would be the other way around, and Holyfield is on my side !!

    When Tyson fought Spinks, Holy and his team claimed he wasn't ready for Mike. What can I say about that? They're simply more credible. Holyfield underwent thorough heart tests before the Mercer fight and was found to be healthy. Did he get sick again a year later? Can you provide a source? I say that's nonsense.
     
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  10. young griffo

    young griffo Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Post that quote if you will please?

    It’ll mark the first and only time Holyfield admitted any self doubt if true (IF true). Seems he overcame that pretty emphatically by 1996 anyway.
     
  11. young griffo

    young griffo Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Anyway Tyson’s daddy EH powders Mikes backside at any time they fought. It takes a pretty big suspension of disbelief and epic levels of denial to suggest otherwise seeing as how completely dominant Evander was in REAL LIFE!
     
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  12. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes. If it had been close it would be one thing. But an older, more battle worn Holy dominated Tyson.
     
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  13. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Tyson had lost prime years, just like Ali against Frazier.

    But there are two key differences here:

    Frazier was at his peak. Holy was not.

    FOTC was pretty much dead even after 10 rds imo, but Frazier swung it his way with a great 11th. Even then Ali won the 14th and arguably the 13 th. The last round Tyson won in Holy 1 was the 5th, after that it turned into a beat down. We will never know for absolute certain about the rematch if not for the DQ, but Holy took charge from the beginning and it looked like it was going to be a long night for Mike, which very well might be why he fouled himself out.
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2026
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  14. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    After all, you know better than Holyfield anyway. What's the point of looking for quotes when Tyson's haters know better than he does and those who fought them how he felt, what he wanted, what his intentions were, what shape he was in, etc.
    If anyone doesn't believe me, just look at the boxing recap and his statements after the fight with Thomas. There are quotes from Duva and Holyfield himself. He clearly didn't attach that much importance to the incident with the pool cue and their sparring sessions before the Olympics.
     
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