How Would The 88 Version Of Tyson, Fare Against The 1981 Hvght Landscape?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 5:38 AM.


How would Tyson do in 1981?

  1. He'd beat anyone then

    8 vote(s)
    53.3%

  2. He'd beat most but lose to Holmes

    7 vote(s)
    46.7%

  3. He'd have a few losses,a lot more than he picked up in the 1990s

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
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  1. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Tyson of 1988, how would he have done thrown in against the heavyweight s of 1981?
    Larry Holmes top gun, unbeaten 37-0.
    Gerry Cooney, rising challenge, heavy hitting.
    Old guard Shaver s, still dangerous though.
    Berbick, tough durable.
    Guys like Dokes, weaver,Snipes.

    Question is can Tyson beat the best around and become undisputed top dog again?
     
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 5:38 AM
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 5:38 AM
    #1
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  2. swagdelfadeel

    swagdelfadeel Obsessed with Boxing

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    Needs clarification. Does Tyson turn pro in ‘81 at 16? Or are we taking an ‘85 Tyson and throwing him in ‘81?
     
    swagdelfadeel, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:16 AM
    swagdelfadeel, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:16 AM
    #2
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  3. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    He'd reign for mine.
     
    JohnThomas1, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:28 AM
    JohnThomas1, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:28 AM
    #3
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  4. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    88 Version mate, he's just taken Spinks out then thrown right in to 81.
     
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 7:02 AM
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 7:02 AM
    #4
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  5. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    So pretty much the best version of Tyson but only a year or so left before his first loss.
     
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 7:17 AM
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 7:17 AM
    #5
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  6. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    The 88 HW landscape was better than the 81 HW landscape. By a lot.

    Cooney seems like a tough out but if Spinks could beat him see no reason to doubt Mike.
     
    HistoryZero26, Oct 6, 2025 at 2:09 PM
    HistoryZero26, Oct 6, 2025 at 2:09 PM
    #6
  7. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I think he’d beat that whole 1981 top 10 and most likely Holmes as well.
     
    mr. magoo, Oct 6, 2025 at 2:32 PM
    mr. magoo, Oct 6, 2025 at 2:32 PM
    #7
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  8. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    mr. magoo, Oct 6, 2025 at 2:55 PM
    mr. magoo, Oct 6, 2025 at 2:55 PM
    #8
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  9. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Would have been a journey man
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:47 PM
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:47 PM
    #9
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  10. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Give him the three and a half years of top prime he had and he would clear out that division. But cocaine, booze and broads would still be there waiting with open arms.
     
    Seamus, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:50 PM
    Seamus, Oct 6, 2025 at 6:50 PM
    #10
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  11. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Tyson may have to watch out for Leon Spinks and Tex Cobb
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Oct 6, 2025 at 9:23 PM
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Oct 6, 2025 at 9:23 PM
    #11
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  12. Sangria

    Sangria You bleed like Mylee Full Member

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    Might even be an easier gamut to run through.
     
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2025 at 10:29 PM
    Sangria, Oct 6, 2025 at 10:19 PM
    Sangria, Oct 6, 2025 at 10:19 PM
    #12
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  13. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    **** I'd forgotten about King Cobb and Neon Leon!!
     
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 11:12 PM
    Fergy, Oct 6, 2025 at 11:12 PM
    #13
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  14. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    He'll win against Holmes and Cooney, and then lose to some Tokyo Douglas of the time. It could even be Trevor Berbick, who wasn't as good in 1981 as he was in 1996. It would probably be Larry in a rematch, though. Mike Tyson is literally Leon Spinks 2, with a slightly longer list of victories.
     
    Jakub79, Oct 7, 2025 at 2:50 AM
    Jakub79, Oct 7, 2025 at 2:50 AM
    #14
  15. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Holmes is the only one I can see who poses a real challenge. Hard to say how that one would have gone.
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2025 at 7:39 AM
    Bokaj, Oct 7, 2025 at 3:43 AM
    Bokaj, Oct 7, 2025 at 3:43 AM
    #15
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