1985 Tyson vs 1978 larry Holmes

I pick Larry here. Tyson too green at this point.

 

At 18 years old and with a prospect record, Tyson has no business in the ring with any champion let alone an ATG like Holmes.

 

Holmes would win. He proved during this time that he could take a great punch and recover. No way a green Tyson wins a decision or stops a prime Holmes, an early round knockout is the only way he wins. Outside of a fluke punch Holmes wins big.

 

Cus d'amato would still be alive

And Tyson would have the right People around him

Edge for Tyson

 

Cus cant turn a can crusher into a world beater. Holmes KO 1st.

 

The best Larry Holmes beats the best Mike Tyson. You can try to titrate around the edges on one side or the other, but that's the bottom line.

 

No, the best Holmes has a chance against the best Tyson, that is all.

But Tyson at 18, even though he peaked so young, should not be expected to beat a near peak Holmes.

 

Holmes easily at these respective points in their careers.

Tyson was still a neophyte in 1985,albeit a very talented one. The 1986 - 88 model would stand a better chance against prime Holmes.

 

Tyson still Green. If Tillis troubled him a year later in 86 Holmes would give him
fits. Holmes comes off the canvass to win a UD. Larry pays for dropping
his left hand but recovers and survives. Mike looks good enough to advance his career.

 

NOONE would KO Tyson in one round, not even Foreman especially
not Holmes who was not the heaviest hitter, although homeslice could crack.

 

**** off:good

actually wait Tyson has a better resume than Holmes

 

Tyson would get better after 1985. Holmes was actually still improving after 1978.
Let's just get to the point. Prime vs. Prime. Best ever version vs. best ever version. Who wins?

I'll take Holmes by decision or late round TKO.

When they fought in 1988 Tyson was at his best and Holmes had not fought in 2 years. Holmes had not won a fight in 3 years, a very close decision over Carl "The Truth" Williams in 1985. Holmes didn't take the fight with Tyson seriously and even recorded an album when he should have been preparing for the fight. He got paid well and he didn't get hurt too bad. He showed that maybe he could have done some things much better had he been in his prime. It was a no lose situation for Holmes.

When Holmes fought Holyfield in 1992 he was much better prepared. Holmes was more determined vs. Holyfield. He took the fight serious and he had won 6 fights in a row including a near shut out vs. an undefeated Ray Mercer... who had just KTFO of Morrison in the 5th round.

 

No he didn't

 

Not only did Tyson have a better resume than Holmes, he also beat the guys who beat Holmes (Spinks, Nielson) and Tyson beat Holmes too.

Tyson also beat the guys Holmes was accused of ducking