Larry Holmes wins rematch vs Spinks and defends title vs Tyson in late 86. How the fight goes?

Larry Loses still but we see him getting to at least the half way point.
Would be interesting to see a still active Holmes fight Tyson.

 

In my opinion, Holmes' biggest downfall in '88 was his inactivity. You just can't take a 2 year break when you're 38 and expect to be competetive against prime Mike Tyson. So on one hand, you have Larry who's younger and still active (coming off a good performance against Spinks in the rematch) and on the other you have less experienced Mike, who in the same year struggled against Quick Tillis. If Tyson fights Holmes in November 1986 when he fought Berbick, the fight would be much more competetive. On top of that, it would be scheduled for 15 round distance (IBF rules) and I'm not quite sure if Mike was prepared for it at that point. I think Tyson still wins on points, racking up an early lead and after that Holmes comes from behind, but can't catch up in terms of points. Tyson by UD.

 

Holmes was on a fast steep decline by then. He may last longer but still doesn't win

 

Not much better Holmes makes it to the middle rounds but still gets stopped.

It's debatable a prime Holmes could even beat Tyson let alone the fading version of that time.

 

I understand Holmes is coming in instead of Berbick ?
Tyson, as always, has the excuse that he was sick during this fight, but there was no indication of that in the ring. He was wild and very fresh back then, despite the tremendous pace he set for himself. I think he beat Holmes in a similar fashion, but the fight is much better than in 1988 because Larry is less defensive in the early rounds. I think that around Ribalta, Tyson was already the best heavyweight in the world. Not counting James Douglas, of course.