Mike Tyson 1988 vs. James Toney of 2003-2005 Heavyweight

Not suggesting that there was someone they hided that time. I ment 2003 Toney in their fantasy fight.
Young Tyson never met someone like Toney. While his way to the top, he was given opponents that fitted him - easy to KO. Can't blame the menagers, wouldn't alow myself less than 20 y.o fighter to fight skilled and slick veteran with a great chin. When one top in the late 80's I don't see no one like JT.

 

The version of James Toney, from the Holyfield fight.

 

Tyson has a decent chance of getting Toney out of there early, on account that Toney, certainly at HW, is a slow starter.

I'm a Toney fan, but I think he gets hurt pretty early and KO'ed late. Tyson's speed would overwhelm him, and the power would take its toll.

I really don't see Toney pulling a D, and a KO is out of the question.

 

Its needless to for me to say that this is a mismatch. Even a prime Toney would not have my vote to move up and beat a 1988 version of Mike Tyson, let alone taking this rendering of Toney.

I will say however, that James is very underrated. To have fought in some 80 pro bouts, against a multitude of fighters who range from good to great, and to have never been Kayo'd even after fighting into his late 30's and jumping weight classes god knows how many times is incredible.

 

Yes, yes, yes Tyson 88' was invincible bla bla bla

 

Remember what Tyson's bodyshots did to Tubbs...?

 

I'm very glad you've acknowledged this.

 

True. But Tony is no Toney.

They are both tubs, however.

 

Invisible is a stretch, but theres VERY few heavyweights in history who beat the 88 Tyson... and James Toney sure as holy **** isnt one of them.

Tyson via murder. Toney's chin would mean nothing. He's never been hit with anything close to the power, and speed of a prime Tyson, and best believe Tyson would nail his soft midsection with wicked body shots. Toney doesnt have the power to discourage Tyson... doesnt have the physical strength to push him back.... and above all.... Toney never ever clinches. All those things add up to Tyson via KO.

 

I don't even think Toney could beat Spinks. Hell, he couldn't even beat Tiberi.

 

Bull****. Tyson fought everyone there was to fight. He fought a world champion when he was freaking 20 years old and only a professional for 2 years, yet you have the guts to say that his opponents were "picked"? :rofl In 1990, the only man left standing was Holyfield, but he took a tune-up fight against Douglas before that...

 

"Not suggesting that there was someone they hided that time. I ment 2003 Toney in their fantasy fight."

After Berbick - yes, he did fought everybody. Before - no, he didn't fought top challengers (Marvis Frazier?).

How many Tyson's opponents prior to the Berbick fight was ranked/considered top 10 in HW? Not trying to diss Tyson's achievment, but got to be aware of the quality of his opponents.

I said that there was no fighter similar to Toney in HW that days, and that's not Tysons fault. I find that match-up very interesting. I ain't saying that Toney would win that fight, but his got chances. We never saw prime Tyson fighting slick counterpuncher. We don't know how Tyson would act mentally and we can never underrate strategy and tactics in the ring, and James is a great ring general.

 

tyson without a doubt. i was a toney fan when he fought at super middle but i agree with xplosive, the 88 version of mike would have walked though him, like he did everyone else back then. mike by KO, but i won't speculate on what round. toney's got a lot of heart and good defence so who knows, but tyson would have found the knock out shot eventually.

 

Michael Spinks? A lot of knowledgeable people thought he would give Tyson his toughest test....

In fairness, I don't think you can read too much into that 90 second blowout.