The meat of Tunney's heavyweight career consisted of 3 title fights, one each in 1926, 1927 and 1928. Granted it's not much to grab on. In the first two of those three fights, however, Tunney deflated the legend of Jack Dempsey. The finest artistic boxer to hold the title since Johnson. But his triumphs over Dempsey, his exquisite methods and thinking mans strategy and outstanding record of 77-1-3 place him in the pantheon Unfortunately for the erudite champion, Tunney was basically a light heavyweight who never boxed at more than 192 pounds. As Michael Spinks might attest to, such a handicap is not easily overcome against Tyson. Determined to extend the bout as best he could, Tunney would circle the ring and limit his offense to an occasional jab. Such a strategy would initially frustrate Tyson, who would begin the chase at the start of round one and, in the middle of the third, complain to the referee that Tunney wasn't doing any fighting. Banging to the body from a distance, Tyson would gradually draw closer and closer to his foe, and Tunney would begin to decelerate and clinch. In the sixth, Tyson would dig a particularly vicious hook into Tunney's ribcage. Doubled over, Tunney would slump to the canvas, rise and cover up. But there would be no escape. Tyson by TKO in the sixth.
In my opinion NO Lightheavy or former lightheavy in the History of boixing beats a prime Tyson. You see what he did to Michael Spinks who is easily a top 5-10 light heavy hisself. Who would you put in front of him besides Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, Billy Conn and Bob Foster. All get crushed with the exception of Charles who May last the distance.
Another crap article. While a guy like James Tillis (and Steve Zouski, Tony Tucker etc.), actually came to box Tyson with a purpose, Gene Tunney would supposedly "circle the ring and limit his offense to an occasional jab" !? To the point where Tyson complains to the ref that Tunney's not there to fight ! Talk about insulting a great fighter. I thought the idea of fantasy matches was to imagine the fighters AT THEIR BESTS. Apparently, they have Tunney down as a choker, scared and running like a thief. Pile of crap.
I'm not sure I can see a light heavy beating Tyson. Tunney may be tough enough to last the distance but I'm not sure if he'll win the rounds. It's tough cos Tunney can certainly box but Spinks, even old Holmes could too.
Out of all the great heavyweights Tyson is likely the most suited to destroying light heavyweights moving up.
