Mike Tyson 86-88Version Vs Prime Vitali Klitschko?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Sep 13, 2025.

?

Who wins ?

  1. Tyson

    76.9%
  2. Klitschko

    23.1%
  1. SouthpawsRule

    SouthpawsRule Well-Known Member banned Full Member

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    Yeah but fast hands and movement were things he struggled a lot with as well. Herbie Hide was tagging him a lot before Vitali cracked his glass chin. Byrd’s attacks from the sides also allowed him to tag Vitali pretty easily. Prime Tyson did a lot of pivoting and angle switches when throwing and he has a lot more power than Vitali, and had excellent head movement / counters over the jab at his peak.

    Douglas was throwing some of the best combinations Ive ever seen in the division in the pocket, Vitali barely even fought at that range, he strictly threw straight punches.
     
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  2. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    Just looked at the Hide fight. You're right, Hide was doing pretty well early on in the fight, but notice how most of the stuff that touches Klitschko is focused more on speed and getting 'in and out' rather than applying the power. When Hide sets himself to throw big looping power punches Vitali is able to cope with that much better. Tyson likewise was focused on applying the power rather than outboxing a guy. I'm not convinced that he'd be able to land his hooks consistently enough to matter.
     
  3. SouthpawsRule

    SouthpawsRule Well-Known Member banned Full Member

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    Yeah but throwing power shots on the move was basically Tyson’s forte as he was trained to dismantle Ali knock-offs in 80s, that will be especially handy here given Vitali’s lean-back style exposes his body, makes him off-balance and erases his chance to counter unless he baits one in the first place. Nevermind Tyson’s level changes and ability to switch angles which Byrd also used to create very positive results. It’s a close fight, I just struggle to see any long-range fighter beating Tyson without clinching and framing.
     
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