ATG: Who Ranks Higher? Tyson or Frazier?

Tyson, more devastating at his peak & would likely win the H2H.

 

Joe Frazier - beat better opposition

 

All-time: Frazier

Head to head: Tyson

 

I think this is very close. Frazier's run until after FOTC is probably slightly better than Tyson's until after Spinks. They beat a similar amount of ranked opponents, and even though Tyson did so in a more dominant fashion, Frazier's win over Ali is a victory that cements greatness. Tyson had no such victory.

When it comes to their subsequent careers Tyson has an embarasssing and one-sided loss Douglas as well as clear losses to Holyfield and Lewis, and victories over Ruddock, Stewart, Bruno, Seldon and Golota. Frazier has two one-sided losses to Foreman, and two losses to Ali that doesn't really detract from his standing. His wins after FOTC are nothing special, though. He has wins in rematches against Ellis and Quarry and one over Bugner.

All in all I think I favour Frazier, since he has the clearly better win and no losses as embarassing as the one against Douglas or the rematch against Holyfield. In Manilla especially he also showed a battling quality that Tyson never did. And this quality is really a prerequisite for a great champion.

 

I have to go with Frazier. Tyson's first run as champion, and Frazier's time as champion are the same in terms of number of fights. Both made 9 successful defenses. I think that Frazier has the better resume. Tyson's wins came against the best available, but fall a bit short on quality when compared to Fraziers.

For the record, Tyson is currently my #10 heavyweight all time. Frazier is my #9.

 

Don't you think it's maybe best to let a thread gain momentum before starting another? You really love starting threads as if they are going out of fashion.

And who's "us" when making a top 100 ATG?

 

Note: Frazier is my #8 heavy all time

 

Tough call. I'll give Tyson the edge because I feel he was a better fighter, but I am aware a very strong argument exists for Smokin Joe.

 

Yeah, h2h Tyson gets the nod. I don't think Joe had the style to beat him. But ATG, goes to Frazier. He fought better competition.

 

Those are my thoughts too.

 

absolutely no question on this one. joe frazier. his win over muhammad ali is *far* more impressive than anything tyson has ever done.