A 2002 Tyson would still have a puncher’s chance against Even a prime Cooney. But Gerry would have to be favored under these specific circumstances. Tyson was no longer slipping the jab and throwing fast combinations. His handspeed and upper body movement were all but gone. It’s doubtful he’d be able to keep Cooney off of him at that point. The fact that Cooney had a weak chin while Tyson still had a punch is the only thing that might have saved him from suffering the same fate as Norton or Lyle. Not a safe bet however
2002 Tyson was useless after the first 3 rounds and had no heart in boxing whatsoever, he just wanted paydays. His head movement was long gone and he lacked the snap in his punches along with the spring in his legs that made him such a great fighter. So long as Cooney doesn't slug it out and makes it past the first couple of rounds, he should win this with medium difficulty.
Tyson's appearance -- bored, pudgy, nervous and distracted -- as he walked to the ring for the Lewis fight sums him up at that point in his career. Giving 1982 Cooney an eight-inch shorter man who'd stand in front of him and do nothing but throw overhand rights all night seems a bit like throwing baby goats into the lion cage at the Bronx zoo. Assuming Cooney keeps his composure for the first 2-3 rds I doubt Tyson would make it through the tenth.
After a big scare with Cooney doing some staggering the first round, the Irish fighter lands the big one flush by the 4th. Mike was a FAR greater fighter than Gerrie but he was done by this time. Mike possibly completely unconscious at the end, even Lennox didn't hit as hard as Cooney.
Ireland’s revenge for Peter McNeeley. A round of Jameson for the house, courtesy the victorious Gentleman Gerry.
