I'm not talking amateurs but Lewis specifically, who did spar with Tyson before either turned pro. Post-prison Mike was post-prison Mike, he likely figured correctly, it would be more financially beneficial to aim for Holyfield than take on Lewis at that point.
Who beats him?...someone who's not afraid of him...someone who doesn't back down...stand up to "Iron" Mike...he backs down. When that happens...you've got him.
Liston and Foreman would be favorites, but only slightly. Ali, Ike, Holy, Holmes, AJ, Vitali is 50-50. Who else? tall outfighters like Lewis, Douglas, Wlad, Akinwande, Tucker, Wilder, Terrell, Fury, Usyk would have a good chance. I wouldn't favor any of them, but they would be a problem for Tyson. It's hard to say who else, maybe Tua? maybe Lyle?
To be honest I don't see any 100% sure beat versus a Peak Tyson (no Tokyo). Peak Tyson has a real chance versus much anybody. However I think those cats, at their peak, would have a very good chance versus a Peak Tyson. Foreman, Ali, Liston, Lewis have the upper hand. Maybe Holy and Louis. Not sure about Holmes. Frazier has a chance if survives more than 6 rounds. Wlad? Only if he manages to grab and clinch Tyson to death.
I was jesting with my post TBH i don't think Tyson was at his best in Tokyo but i still think that version of Douglas would give any version of Tyson major problems.
Foreman picks are absurd. He had no defense and couldn’t finish a full fight. Ali and Lewis would be close to even money, but I think that’s about it.
Buster Douglas Muhammad Ali Lennox Lewis George Foreman Sonny Liston Joe Louis Joe Frazier Evander Holyfield Larry Holmes Riddick Bowe Vitali Klitschcko
