Mike Tyson vs. Hasim Rahman.

Rahman was a horrible fighter. Tyson stops him early.

 

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 KO in the first!

 

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.

 

Tyson before 5

 

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.

 

I actualy wouldn't rule out Rahman winning against that version of Tyson.

 

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.