would 1996 tyson cleaned up today's scene?

The 96 Tyson only loses to Vitali, nobody else today whatsoever.

Wlad would not beat the 96 Tyson, when you consider his natural abillity of going down when hit, Wlad would be scared of Mike despite his size.

You can't erase Wlad's losses from the memory bank against guys who would be beaten by a 96 Mike. Yes Wlad has improved, but he never engages weaker fighters he faces and looks scared of being hit. The crude Sam Peter had successes v Wlad, what would a 96 Tyson do to Sam Peter?

 

Tyson would have had a tough time with Wlad too at that point. Wlad is super fast with his jab lefthook and right hand and Tyson was not a spectacular defensive specialist at that time. Emanuel Steward is really making him better at holding and leaning on his opponents on the inside, something a guy like Frank Bruno could never do.
That would have taken its toll on Tyson a lot quicker than Holyfield as Wlad is a big big man.
That doesnt mean Tyson couldnt land something either, but I think Wlad now is leagues better than Frank Bruno was, and would be a little harder for Tyson to land his shots on.
For me Vitali is less of a big hitter so I believe Tyson would have a better chance against Vitali, as he would be able to absorb more punishment to get close.

 

Yes, with the possible exception of the Klitschkos.

I'd make him an odds on fave to beat both, by stoppage obviously.

[From a Tyson hater, btw]

 

:roflpatschhi:

 

:good

 

One of the least biased posts I've ever seen on general OR the classic forum.

Kudos. We need more posters like you.

 

Like most everyone else I can only see the Klitschkos giving him problems. I'd give him the edge against Wlad as I think he'd smother him and be too fast inside...Wlad hasn't been the best under pressure. Vitali is kind of a toss up for me. If Tyson can get inside I see him doing a lot of damage to Vitali with his hand speed and power but if Vitali could kept him at bay with jabs the damage over the rounds would probably get to Tyson. Everyone else I see as pretty easy wins for Tyson, I mean it's pretty laughable trying to picture most of the heavyweights of today against him of that time period. I'd love to see these overweight heavyweights of today try and take the body shots he dished out.

 

nahh.............tyson was not the same fighter he was in 1991..............

 

I don't see Wlad beating 96 Tyson. Say what you will, but 96 Tyson was still super, super explosive.

The Vitali of a few years ago beats him, but I think that this Vitali may very well lose. He's slipped.

 

I'd take Vitali to beat him on chin and character, though with the caveat that Tyson has a good shot to beat him early when his legs are still fresh. Vitali does have those hands way low, and Tyson could just burrow through his rapid and oddly angled arm punches to get to the body of the helicopter.

As said, the odds for me are on Vitali.

 

You want to match someone with no guard, slow hands and none concusive power against '96 Tyson, I'd take the bet. Vitali has skills but I see him paying for those stylistic weaknesses here.

Wlad has a heart attack on the way to the ring and the fight gets called off

 

But Vitali is an expert at stepping back, to the side, and pulling his head away from punches. He keeps his distance very well indeed, hence he's not an inside fighter. If Vitali was a flat-footed plodder, then id side with yourself.

 

I dont think so, I was never that impressed by any 90s version of Tyson... part of that is because of how high I ranked the 80s version tho, it was like a completely different fighter.

The 80s Tyson would clean up today for sure tho.

 

i believe tyson would have a good fight with the klit brothers but would still be champion in the end

 

Tyson wasn't the same fighter in 96. He didn't throw combinations anymore. It's hard to think of any he threw against Bruno or Holyfield. He's was a lot more stationary and easier to hit. Very dangerous early on but good movement and power could keep him at bay.

2009 Wlad might have a couple of scary moments early on but it's gonna take more than 1 big punch to take him down. I like Wlad by late stoppage or wide pts.

I think Vitali would put a massive beatdown on 96 Tyson en route to a mercy stoppage.

Peak Tyson is a different kettle of fish though. I'd pick Tyson early against Wlad. If I could make 1 Prime vs. Prime fight, it would be Tyson-Vitali. Don't know who would win that one.