Boxers who achieved ATG status in their pre-prime stage!!!

No version of Tyson was greater than pre-exile Muhammad Ali, who was making better opposition than an old, war torn Holmes and Berbick look like junior sparring partners.

 

Mike Tyson, from pro debut up to 1989
Muhammad Ali, from pro debut up to 1967

If both had tragic accidents and they were unable to box for the rest of thier lives; Its pretty clear that Mike Tyson would go down as the greater fighter.

Ali was great but lets not get carried away here.

 

Joe Louis depending on where you would identify as being his prime.

 

I remember during the build-up to Arguello-Escalera I that Alexis was already described as being a "legend." From what I recall about what was said of him at the time, he'd already achieved ATG status. Experts were saying he was the one man with the ability to defeat Duran for the lightweight title even before he turned Escalera into the "Bayamon Bleeder."

 

I always defer to Joe himself on this one. He always said his peak performance was against Max Baer.

 

I think he said that it was his "best" performence which is not quite the same thing.

Louis said that he thought that he was at the peak of his abilities at the age of 25 or so.

I might have ventured a bit later myself.

 

I would have said Schmeling II to Louis's induction into the army.

Of course that is just my take on it.

 

Thats arguable and guess work. His career was what it was, so he had his prime between 64 and 67.

 

Agreed. Liston was a much bigger win and more dangerous fight (and more of a shocking upset) than any Tyson had.

Why?

 

what about Jung-Koo Chang lost to (but beat him but obviously the judges were wathcing a different fight) Zapata at 19. didnt he?

although he was probably in his prime in his early 20s and finsihed by his mid to late 20s. Arguably his work before say his 23rd birthday made him an ATG.

 

Sanchez springs to mind, mayweather?

 

Muhammad Ali
Jim Jeffries

 

Tommy Hearns at Welterweight is a good shout I think. In his early twenties he was devastating and Hearns-Leonard 1 was a superfight for the ages. At 154 he cemented this against Benitez and Duran.

Regarding his prime I think everything from MW Shuler to LHW Hill. He was an ATG before he grew into his body and from 160 on looked a more complete fighter ( SRL, Virgil Hill and Roldan fights especially).

Of course, Tommy had the fights to make ATG status young. He had great fights with great opponents at a young age.....then went on to create another fine career !!

 

This is a thread tailor made for Tyson. I agree completely.