What if this fight had happened? Would 2001 Tyson have had enough to beat the Rahman who beat Lewis? And if he won, would that have set up the Lewis-Tyson showdown earlier? How huge would the fight have been if it were for the linear HW title?
Tyson would stop Rahman in less than 3 rounds 100 out of 100 times. Even the 2001 Tyson was in another league than Rahman. The only reason Rahman stopped Lewis is because Lewis was in terrible condition for the first fight and has a questionable jaw. The second Lewis-Rahman fight was more indicative of their respective skills. With the exception of the first Lewis fight, I can't think of one impressive performance by Rahman over a top level fighter EVER
Tyson around that period, even for 4 rounds was dangerous, even against Lewis. I think hed have enough in the tank to take Rahman out
Tyson was shot to pieces by 2001. Looked absolutely awful against Nielsen anyway. And looked awful in every fight after that.
Rahman had no defense for the overhand right, for whatever reason he couldn't get away from it. That's what cost him the rematch against Lewis and embarressing Oleg defeats. Given the state Mike was in, I think this would end up looking like Tyson/Botha. Tyson looking bad and losing rounds, but eventually finding a home for the right hand before they get into too deep of water.
Tyson would have won. Everyone knew it, especially Lennox Lewis which is why he fought so hard to prevent it and get an immediate rematch with Rahman.
Tyson looked atrocious against Nielsen. He looked shot to pieces against Lewis. Not sure what you guys are seeing. I certainly don't rate Rahman highly, but Tyson was just an empty myth by this time. Rahman was a STRONG mofo. Of course Tyson would have been 'favourite' to beat Rahman, but it was all mythology. A lot of people even picked him to beat Lewis.
This is along the lines of what I am thinking. I would not make Tyson a prohibitive favourite over anybody world class at this stage.
Rahman was horrible. Not a chance. Now, Tommy Burns, that rough and tumble scrapper would win for sure!
The nearest fight to Lewis Rahman 1 featuring Tyson was V Golota, and that Tyson would ve slaughtered Rahman
That's my line of thinking. And besides, Rahman is just awful at handling aggression. In one of the best shapes of his career, he couldn't even handle a crippled Oleg's pressure. Rahman did so well against Tua because he would shell up at the slightest flick of a jab. I wouldn't feel comfortable picking Rahman until Tyson/Williams.