Better finisher: Ali or Tyson?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Bokaj, Aug 24, 2011.


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  1. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Tyson was of course the much more devstating puncher and better at hurting opponents to begin with. But once Ali had an opponent hurt he would almost always finish the job. And this against some very good and tough fighters. I actually can't see how anyone can be far and away a much better finisher than this.

    Frankly, an argument can be made that Ali finishing guys like he did without having any devastating power speaks more for his finishing ability, not less.
     
    Bokaj, Aug 24, 2011
    Bokaj, Aug 24, 2011
    #31
  2. EverLast

    EverLast Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I rate tyson, I seriously do, but this thread is massively flawed. The heavyweight landscape was totally different in Ali's era, those guys could absorb some serious SERIOUS punishment, which is why most of them can't talk straight today.

    My opinion is, given the fact that tyson is a swarming type fighter, his stoppages certainly look better on the eye and the finishes seem clinical, but Ali at his very best was also a methodical, effortless finisher. Very difficult to compare in my opinion, but put it this way, tyson was a legendary finisher when he put someone down, he was a concussive power puncher, so it was most likely over if they went down. But, the only real flaw in Mike's armour was what happens if they get up and survive Mike's onslaught, how would he react? Particularly if the opponents happened to be the calibre of opponents that Ali faced?

    Don't you feel in light of the above that its pretty hard to call tyson conclusively the better finisher than Ali?
     
    EverLast, Aug 24, 2011
    EverLast, Aug 24, 2011
    #32
  3. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Good point. If Ali didn't manage to finish a fighter when he had the first go, he would coast for a couple of rounds and then do the job (see for example Patterson I, Mildenberger and Lewis). But Tyson just about never showed the ability to have a succesful second go. Of course, his first was almost always good enough...
     
    Bokaj, Aug 24, 2011
    Bokaj, Aug 24, 2011
    #33
  4. Muchmoore

    Muchmoore Guest

    Wow this poll isn't even close holy ****. I expected Tyson to be in front as I consider him the ultimate finisher along with Louis and Dempsey but 22-4 :lol:

    I voted Tyson but Ali could punch and finish guys off. People talk about him having more power in the 70's which may be true but he had a LOT of snap in his first career. Pretty much all of his wins were by stoppage that I can think of outside the tricky one in Doug Jones and than two of his title defenses against durable Terrel and Chuvalo. Pretty similar KO percentage to Tyson probably.

    If I read the poll results before I probably would have voted Ali to even it up a bit maybe.
     
    Muchmoore, Aug 24, 2011
    Muchmoore, Aug 24, 2011
    #34
  5. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I agree. I thought most (probably rightfully) would lean towards Tyson, but the way many have responded here... There must at least be a case to make for the guy that finished off Patterson, Bonavena, Quarry, Lyle, Foreman, Frazier etc
     
    Bokaj, Aug 25, 2011
    Bokaj, Aug 25, 2011
    #35
  6. cuchulain

    cuchulain Loyal Member Full Member

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    Terrell doesn't fit that category.
     
    cuchulain, Aug 25, 2011
    cuchulain, Aug 25, 2011
    #36
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