1984 top 10 heavies v 1988 top 10 heavies

Was the ring magazines top 10 heavyweight contenders better than the top 10 heavies in 1988 including the two champs of each respective year also? I am trying to work out why fans are saying Lewis was scared to turn pro in `84 compared to `88.
Heavyweights
Larry Holmes, Champion

1. Pinklon Thomas
2. Greg Page
3. David Bey
4. Tim Witherspoon
5. Gerrie Coetzee
6. Mike Weaver
7. Michael Dokes
8. James Broad
9. James (Bonecrusher) Smith
10. Gerry Cooney