I will admit it. Although I think Berbick was a better fighter and a tougher guy, he was far more inconsistent and could lose to all levels of competition, so I wouldn't be too faithful to Berbick. However, I might still favor him slightly just because he could thrive in a brawl. Bruno was a god-awful survivor. Berbick could at least lose a good brawl and still make the distance. Either way, this ends in a knockout. If it's Berbick, it likely takes to the middle rounds for Berbick's thudding blows to take effect. If it's Bruno, it's probably a round or two sooner. This would probably be one of those comically exciting fights.
Do you think Berbick could go the distance with Spoon, Lewis and Smith? Both Bruno and Berbick fought Tyson and Berbick got blown out quicker
Spoon-yes Lewis-most likely not Smith-it is not a question of Berbick going the distance with Smith, but Smith going the distance with Berbick
This fight was actually scheduled to happen. I remember really looking forward to this one. Had to look it up to refresh my memory, but it was scheduled for 10 rounds on September 28, 1987 in London. Not sure why it never came off. This is an excellent matchup that could have gone either way. I remember thinking Bruno by 8th round stoppage. Could also imagine Bruno building a lead, then having to weather a late storm (similar to the McCall fight) to get a decision.
This fight was supposed to happen after Bruno lost to Bonecrusher. Franks team planned to target the commonwealth title that was held by Berbick. That’s why Bruno v Lukusta was made to gage how Frank did against the guy who went ten rounds with Berbick. Trevor had even been brought to London to appear on a bill with Frank ahead of the Bonecrusher fight in 1984. They were photoed together before meeting separate opponents. However, Bruno lost to Bonecrusher, and by the time Frank beat Lucuster Berbick had landed a deal with Don King that would lead to the wins Trevor had over David Bey leaving Bruno to aim for a European title fight with Anders Eklund instead.
I would pick Berbick to win a split decision. He was less of a puncher than Frank, but more durable against better opponents.
Berwick 6 times out of 10. Took a big shot better than Bruno, but they'd both hurt each other lots and stagger comically around the ring. Fun fight.
I don't think Berbick has fight changing power to get Bruno out of there. Like the new member above said, Bruno takes a big lead going into the late rounds but weathering the storm after a furious Berbick rally.
Berbicks trainer Angelo Dundee said that his entire gameplan was to prove everyone wrong and show he was the stronger man. Had Berbick decided to fight in manner not suicidal I believe he coukd have taken Tyson somewhere into midrounds like the fifth or sixth.