He's in the top 10 of heavies (I don't even remember where I ranked him to be honest) and probably in the lower portion of the top 100 ATGs. As a fighter he's certainly overrated on many levels...but that's just as a fighter. The thing to me is that his social significance greatly overrides his actual boxing ability. He's a legend and an absolute star and always made sure that boxing was in the spotlight when he was around. He had his own video game, a Simpsons character modeled after him and numerous other things that maintained that boxing had a star to look towards. He carried this sport on more than one occasion and for that, I'm grateful.
Holmes was 38, past-prime and somewhat rusty, but no way was he 'shot'. After being KO'd for the only time in his 75 fight career by Tyson, he later lost only 3 of 24 fights, including a competitive decision loss to prime-heavyweight Holyfield and at age 42 beat prime Mercer more decisively than how prime Lewis beat the past prime version.
I think Tyson's win over Holmes is vastly underrated. Now, no doubt, Larry was not prime. However, an urban myth somehow persists that he was rushed into the fight, which simply isn't true. You didn't see Larry complaining after Tyson/Biggs when he called out Tyson in regards to the fight. He had an ample amount of time. Also, Larry had a gameplan for Tyson in their fight. And he has described this gameplan himself. Larry specifically played defense for the first three rounds to let Tyson punch himself out. Larry then intended to open up on the offensive in the fourth round. And as you can see when you watch the fight, Larry executed this gameplan exactly as he wanted. And quite frankly, that is a pretty good strategy to attempt against Tyson. But the minute Larry opened up, Tyson found his mark, and we all know the rest. I think that speaks heaps towards the fighting condition Tyson was in at that time. So I think the fight gets downplayed because Larry looks boring/slow in the first three rounds, but that was exactly what he intended to do--play defense. It surprises me more people don't acknowledge this. The left hook Tyson initially knocks down Larry with has to be one of the hardest punches Tyson ever landed. The sound is just sickening. Larry had a HELL of a chin to get up from that.
He's probably closer to being in the top 50 than being outside the top 100 as far as I'm concerned. Top 10 Heavyweight, especially with that criteria. In terms of resume... you have to mention Ruddock. A great fighter.
Holmes should be higher, I have him higher. But not by as much as you think. Holmes fractured the belt, and got incredibly lazy with his opposition toward the end. Tyson was the youngest HW champ ever. He unified the titles... Something Holmes DID NOT do, and was more dominant. Resume wise, it's quite close. Yes Holmes does have longevity.
I have him between 11 and 13 which is fair I think. Definitly great but vastly overated by his fanboys which totally annoys me.
I agree with that placement, and the folow up point. I would be interested in seeing your top 15 if you want to post it!
Ah Bodhi, why don't you again share with us your ludicrous opinion that Tyson's style and skills "barely changed" through his career? I have a feeling your definition of a Tyson fanboy will be quite broad indeed, you know including those who dare to speak truths about him which conflict with your own warped beliefs.:yep
Annoys you where? I hope not on here because there isn't a significant fanboy anal teaparty club here for Tyson. Theres only 4. 1) Duran fanboy anal teaparty club 2) Greb fanboy anal teaparty club 3) Langford fanboy anal teaparty club 4) Hopkins fanboy anal teaparty club The only other fighters with fan clubs are heavily outnumbered by sexually frustrated hate clubs in opposition to them. These being.. 1) Jones Jr sick skills club 2) Mayweather Jr get sum dat paper naw mean club 3) Pacquiao legend killers club
It was a righthand that initially dropped Holmes. I don't think Tyson is overated on this forum but Darius michalzewski is haha just kidding.
HAHA Robin Givens Yey me too always had a thing for them evil women. Yey everyones been trying to tell addie that but he dont listen:-lol:
# 5 at heavyweight. He is one of the best defensive if not the best boxers in heavyweight history. Also one of the most acurate punchers. Defened his tittle 10 times.
It probably won't look like yours 1. Ali, Louis 3. Marciano 4. Holmes, Lewis 6. Holyfield, Johnson 8. Frazier, Foreman, Jeffries 11. Tyson, Patterson, Schmeling 14. Dempsey, Liston