1974 Muhammad Ali vs. 1996 Mike Tyson

Great post. I too would favor Ali by decision here. I do not see him KOing Tyson late. Tyson's chin is quite underrated. He was never sparked in his entire career, which included some massive punchers. And all of his KO losses came after insane amounts of punishment and fatigue. Can Ali become "the bully" to do that?

 

Tyson has a good early shot against Ali, lets face it anyone can get stopped. I think though as the fight goes on Ali the stronger fighter mentally and Tyson will tire...I see Ali coming on after 8-9 rds after Tyson shoots his wad and Ali comes on....Always a tough fight...I like Ali close in 12 and big in 15

 

Ali uses his reach and ties Tyson up when he gets close all night for a UD.

 

THis would be a great high tempo fight, but Ali's extra class and skills would discourage Tyson - and the difference in class between the brilliant long range box and hold skills of Ali (and his general confidence and defiance) - compared with the limited self belief and reliance on getting his big punches on (of Tyson) would show in the end - Ali definately wouldn't being using much of the rope-a-dope in this one (but then again - in my opinion he hardly used it a tremendous amount vs Foreman anyway) but Ali did show what genius he had and what he really could do against Foreman whereas Tyson in his 96 matches showed tell tale signs of limited imagination aswell as frustration - Ali pulled off a great against the odds upset which was quintessential Ali whereas Tyson was the victim of one. Psychologically everything would go in Ali's favour over the course of this one. Would expect a stoppage (late) - only because everytime someone beat Tyson he didn't see the final bell.

 

Ali was younger, healthier, and less shopworn than a '96 Holyfield, and arguably was a better fighter to begin with. He would outclass Tyson all the same.

 

74 Ali? This Ali was wiser and hit harder then the 66 Ali. Since Tyson's chin is questionable the punching power would make the difference. Tyson would not slip Ali's jab even at Ali's stage of his career, it was still very accurate and he could double up on it very well.
Ali would definitely get hit more and punished by Tyson, but would Ali take it? Of course. He would hold on to Tyson and the reff would break them up, and then Ali would probably wave him in again and then pretend he's not hurt. Then move off the ropes and throw some steady combos and nail tyson in a late round TKO.

 

Ali by TKO

 

A prime version of Tyson may have given Ali stiffer opposition than a prime Foreman did,but the '96 version of Tyson would n't. A 1974 Ali would have quite an easy time of it,using ring centre and avoiding most of Tyson's still dangerous punch power. The few times that Tyson would connect cleanly,Ali would take it without much evidence of being hurt too much. Ali would wear Tyson down and stop him in about ten rounds.

 

Good point. Ali was a lot fresher in 1974 than Holyfield was in '96.