Who's the biggest threat to Muhammad Ali H2H, Wladimir Klitschko, Mike Tyson or Oleksandr Usyk

All three are great match-ups but I think probably Tyson stylistically. Near as fast as Ali and a variety of punches with both hands. And the power.

Wladdy had a beautiful hook, Ali's toughest punch to defend, but I just can't see him catching up to Ali.

Uysk-Ali is a great fight, and Ali himself said Mildenberger was a tough fight, although some have pointed out that the travel and other factors may have something to do with that. I struggle a lot with this one. Usyk's southpaw technical excellence against Ali's speed and athleticism. I just think its a great fight in which each guy is seeing something they haven't seen before.

 

To just comment on the Tyson situation, I’m not sure Mike could handle the grit, heart and toughness of Ali. Tyson generally liked to be the intimidating one and Ali is probably the toughest hw ever lived. Never mind the physical attributes.

Also think Frazier was different stylistically, he was an all out pressure fighter with toughness and heart, whereas I think Tyson was quicker, more polished and although he was aggressive, he wasn’t relentless with pressure and there was more nuance to his pressure.

 

All are interesting but I think prime (pre-Don King) Tyson would have been a real problem for Ali.

I always regretted Ali and Teofilo Stevenson never faced off.

 

I always believed Tyson beats Ali in their respective primes. It’s just not a good stylistic matchup for Ali.

I don’t think Usyk wins because prime Ali is so much quicker he would just out land Usyk and win a decision.

Wlad has the capacity to win but I think it would be similar to the Tyson Fury fight. Wlad can’t deal with boxers who are fast and agile.

 

Tyson Fury is all of 6'8 and Ali barely made 6'3. I'd agree that Old Wlad had a tough time against a giant slickster on an off night.

Meanwhile guys like Haye and Byrd were also fast and agile and Wlad had almost zero problems with either.

 

I think probably Usyk gives Ali the hardest time because he adapts so well in a fight, is more creative than Ali and nearly as fast. He also has stamina for days and is going as hard in the last as in the first.

Second hardest for Ali is likely Wlad because he is so huge and negative. Ali rarely had to force the action and never against a huge guy who would actively try to kite him and impale him on his jab. Wlad has the added luxury of being against a smaller hit n holder and a guy that has less than average power at heavyweight. Not having to worry about his chin would make a refreshing change.

 

You aren’t seriously comparing the movement of Haye and Bird to the movement of Ali. Throwing fast punches and moving out the way of punches quickly are two different things. Ali could do both whilst Haye and Bird could only do the former.

 

Wladimir I’d say

 

Tyson, Wlad is too basic for Ali, who IMO would have been KO'd. Usyk would be a difficult fight for both, and maybe not even a very entertaining one.
Styles make fights. Boxer beats a puncher and an inferior boxer, but struggles with a swarmer.

 

Tyson is the greatest threat, but he ain't beating Ali. He's not mentally strong enough

 

All three starch Ali.

 

I agree it’s a tough style match up, but mentally and toughness I don’t think think Tyson could handle that. He pretty much lost to any fighter who wasn’t scared of him. Ali was truly fearless and one of the toughest guy you can come across.

 

OP wrote H2H. Tyson would win, more convincing than Frazier 1. Usyk would win more convincing than any of the Norton's. Wlad is 50/50, could lose a decision ala Fury.

 

I'd pick Ali to beat all three.

But I think Tyson would give him the most trouble, especially in the early rounds.