If a young Mike Tyson burst into Boxing in the late 60s when Ali was retired?

To be honest, it ultimately depends on who is in Tyson's corner. For example, if he had Cus in his corner, he'd beat Joe Frazier. Without a good corner, I think Tyson would get discouraged when Joe keeps rising from the canvas from numerous knockdowns and keeps fighting back, resulting in Tyson quitting or losing self confidence.

I see Tyson losing to Foreman and Holmes. I believe Tyson would murder Norton, but he'd lose to the FOTC version of Ali.

Just my thoughts.

 

Assuming that whatever the circumstances of the times were and that they didn't effect him negatively, I think he would have cleaned out the division, and by 1971 ended up as Ali's opponent in fight of the century. I don't see men like like Ellis, Quarry, Mathis, Patterson, Martin, Bonavena or even Frazier as being a huge problem for him. He also may very well have bested a post exile Ali, though that is subject to debate. Had he continued to reign through the early 70's, I think he would have compiled a series of defenses comparable to what his actual career looked like in the late 80's. In 1973 however, George Foreman would have made an extremely formidable foe, and one that may very well have put an end to his reign, but I say this with no real conviction.

 

I think a young, prime Tyson beats a seventies Ali. Before the suspension Ali's quick enough to wear Mike down but after I think Tyson knocks him out.

 

You really have to look at what James "Quick" Tillis was able to do against Tyson at his Prime (21 year old) with an effective jab and similar style to prime Ali. Eventually, Mike wore down Tillis and won a decision. However, when you realize that Tillis was less than half the fighter Ali was, and you have to give Ali a great chance of controlling the fight and winning a unanimous decision. Quick Tillis was a cheap imitation of Ali after all. When I watch this fight I can see what Ali would do following up superior positions with combinations and winning rounds instead of backing off as Tillis did and dominating Tyson a majority of the time.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmZ3NfFG9g4"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmZ3NfFG9g4[/ame]

 

Tired of this argument. You could just as easily post the footage of Tyson-Holmes, Tyson- Biggs, which are even better examples. They both got destroyed.

Tyson was also an up and comer against Tillis, he wasn't at his best.

There's also a video out there showing a peak Tyson sparring Tillis, and it's a different looking fight to say the least.

 

Wrong. Tyson was only 19 when he fought Tillis. Yeah, 19.

And Tillis was by far the best fighter he had faced up until that point---it was his first ever "named" opponent. And the commentators talked about how Tillis was in the best shape of his career. And Tillis gave some quality heavies some tough fights.

Tyson still won by a significant margin. Not bad for a teenager. It was a big learning experience for him. He improved FAR beyond this fight as his career progressed.

And as such, I grow very tired of people holding this fight against Tyson.

It seems as though only Tyson ever gets dogged on for winning...:huh:-(

 

I cant imagine a Tyson in that era. IMO he was a a proper evolutionary progression from those eras.

Foreman - Depending on how old we're talking but I am becoming more convinced Tyson would LOSE to Foreman

Frazier - This would of been a great fight. I say LOSE via KO. Those pressure styles in Fraziera era are way too solid. therefore Fraizer has the experience and wouldn't succumb. plus he has that left hook.

Ali - WIN - KO. I'm sorry but if Earnie Shavers can nearly beat him. Tyson has more than a good chance. (im talking old Ali)

Norton - Tyson would smash Norton. Not without copping a good clipping in the process.

Holmes - I don't think an early Holmes and an old Holmes would be much differant in the premise to the fight. Larry can beat(and was) Tyson if he doesn't make the mistake caving to his emotions. That ones up in the air as far as im concerned.

 

Pretty much as I see things unfolding. Tyson's style would be murder for Frazier. Joe would n't have got a chance to get warmed up,and take Tyson to the deep waters of the later rounds. FOTC Ali may have been a little rusty,but I can't see any heavyweight since then beating Muhammad on that night. Tyson would n't have taken Ali's punishment as well as Frazier could. Foreman circa 1973-74 would have knocked out Tyson,imo.

 

I totally agree with this Tyson would definitely gone through the likes of Ellis, Quarry, Patterson etc. I also believe he would have to much for Frazier. But what a classic fight that would be for as long as it lasted. As for Ali vs Tyson, I still can't make my mind up on that one. The same with Tyson vs Foreman. George it would seem would be much the bigger and possibley stronger of the two. But I think Tyson's underated defence may make the difference. I don't see him going the same way as Frazier. I think it would be more down to how Foreman reacts after Tyson lands a big shot.

 

I agree about the 1977 Ali losing to Tyson,but I think this thread concerns a younger Ali. The early/mid 70's Ali beats Tyson,imo.

 

In 1982, he could have the kind of fight with Holmes that he had with Lewis in 2002. Afterwards, Holmes berates everyone for not respecting him and his Greatness.

 

I think Tyson could live with any of them, he might have trouble stylewise vs Foreman but Id probably make him favourite vs the rest of them in a h2h.

 

Good post.

 

round 7 in particular- foreman-holyfield

Foremans punch resistance is phenomonal. I don't think tyson would of rocked him a bit.