We have Joe Frazier in his best form from the FOTC and Mike Tyson after prison, in the fight against Frank Bruno (or Holyfield, if you think that was a better performance). Who wins and how?
I am picking Frazier by KO, but I'll say as I have before that part of Frazier's greatness that night stemmed from his personal hatred of the specific man standing across from him, which wouldn't exist if Tyson was in front of him, and that prime Mike Tyson was capable of beating any heavyweight who ever lived on a given night.
Frazier was a notoriously slow starter, whereas Tyson was one of the fastest starters in boxing history, bringing explosive speed and intensity right from the opening bell. Tyson was not only significantly faster but also far more dynamic than Frazier, who relied on a steady, relentless approach to break opponents down over time. Additionally, Tyson possessed much greater punching power and a more diverse offensive arsenal compared to Frazier, who primarily relied on his devastating left hook and excellent inside fighting skills. Overall, I would favor Tyson in this matchup.
Frazier drags 96 Tyson into deep waters and drowns him. Tyson still had his world class power and hand speed, but his defense, technique, timing, and accuracy weren't half as good as they were in the 80's. Frazier would meet him ring center, unafraid, snorting and smoking as he digs into the body and cracks the head with a non stop barrage of combinations. Tyson has his moments early since he could still explode out his corner at the opening bell, but his diminished stamina is what really kills him in this scenario. The last place on earth you want to be is a boxing ring with Joe Frazier when you're huffing and puffing. 96 Tyson has maybe a 30% puncher's chance, but doesn't have a prayer of winning a decision. His KO prospects rapidly dwindle the longer the fight goes on. Frazier by KO within 8-10 rounds. He may have to get off the floor, but he gets it done. 96 Tyson just wasn't in FOTC Frazier's class as a fighter.
Tyson 95/96 wasn't even half the fighter he had been in 1991. He still had power but his speed had lost a step though it was still superior to the rest of the division.Timing and his combinations had deserted him and he was more vulnerable mentally than he had ever been. He seemed desireless and essentially was only fighting for money to fund his lewd proclivities and lifestyle. Joe Frazier would inflict a sustained beating and the ending would be similar to the Danny Williams fight or the Lewis execution.
Prime Frazier V Prime Mike? - I think Tyson would have been too quick for him especially with his uppercuts. Can see the argument for Frazier winning though. 1996 Mike? Frazier would have won this similar to how Holyfield beat Tyson IMO.
Still a dangerous fight for Frazier even against the 1996 version of Tyson and stylistically Frazier is still at a disadvantage. Because Tyson is one of the fastest starting Heavyweights ever against one of the slowest and Tyson is considerably bigger and IMO takes single punches better. But Tyson's skills had eroded quite considerably by this time he was mostly a head hunter and had lost his combination punching. But i still think Tyson was at a good level and could still beat a number of notable Heavyweights. All in all though i'm going to pick Frazier his form vs Ali in their 1st fight was one of the highest peaks ever for a Heavyweight and he was literally a fighting machine with an unbreakable will. Yes Tyson is still dangerous at this stage in his career and still has a stylistic advantage but i think Frazier could overcome the early storm and stop Tyson late. Frazier's peak was too good at this time for Tyson who wasn't able to go 12 hard rounds anymore. I think a peak Tyson stops Frazier early though for reference.
