Mike Tyson vs. A Faded Ali

It would be a one-sided thrashing in favour of Mike. Honestly, this would get ugly.

 

I would be confident betting on a prime Tyson over the faded Ali of the Shavers fight

 

It's not popular, but I'd be confident betting on Tyson vs. the post exile version of Ali that Frazier fought and onwards, no problems at all.

I'd even pick Tyson and throw down an interest bet against a peak Ali. Mike would have definitley landed his best for the first 5-6 rounds, the only thing that worries me is the 15 round affair, but I think he could do enough damage early and keep the pressure on and put Ali away about 10 or 11.

 

We would find out how good Ali's chin was.

 

His chin is legendary, but being backed up and exploded upon usually has a different effect than a standard powershot does, this is how he TKO'd Holmes, who was also very sturdy in the chin department.

 

I agree with this and prefer not to think of it. This one would perhaps be even more one-sided than the Holmes vs Ali fight (and Larry took his foot off the gas mid-fight).

 

I wouldn't quite go that far. In saying that though I would have to place peak Tyson as favourite against any version of Ali post '75 (after "Thrilla...")

Outside of that any other version of Ali decisions Tyson more often than not. Probably contary to popular opinion I actually think that post exile version Ali (71-75) would do best vs Tyson stylistically. As great as he was in the 60's he did have that tendancy to showboat a little too much on occasions just for the sake of it. I'm not saying he'd do this against Tyson, but if he does get caught cold (floored) as in Banks, Cooper fights there is a definite question mark there as to whether he'd brave out the storm against as great a finisher as Tyson. That said I don't think he'd let that happen in this case, respectful of Tysons ATG power.

70's Ali didn't quite have that electrifying speed, evasiveness or movement of before and generally took more big shots (from Frazier and Foreman etc) than before, he did so well. It's at this point in his career where his chin and fighting heart were tested, those tests were passed with fllying colours. :good

 

Holmes was doing all right aginst Tyson intill he got careless. I would expect Ali (any version) to get carelessat some point in a fight with Tyson. While a younger Ali might be fast enough to get away with it. A faded verson of Ali is going to get hit by Tyson. I've stated in at least one of the many Ali vs Tyson threds that I beleve a prime Tyson would beat a prime Ali. While I can also see where a prime Ali would beat a prime Tyson, I can not see a faded Ali beating Tyson.

 

A younger Ali was quick, but he was found with nearly every right hand that Folley timed when he threw them in the early rounds, Tyson had a great lead right and a great jab and Ali is vulnerable to swarming by default.

Tyson definitley can get to him in speed area also. I just think Tyson wins, Holmes' Jab may be correct though that the 70's tactical version presents bigger issue's, I am going to reflect on that theory, it has validity to it. But I'd still pick Tyson, Ali is the #2 on my list, but because of his fame and legend, he tends to get overrated like most in this type of massive notoriety.

 

A lot of boxers would've beaten Ali on the night he fought Shavers.
6-0 Leon Spinks did in the very next fight. Can't imagine all time greats missing their shots.

 

Tyson of '88 beats the Ali of '77 comprehensively.

But I doubt Tyson would knock him out. Ali would hug and hold and stall the action, hold the back of Tyson's head. He'd survive.

 

Good Point.

In the '88 title fight vs Tubbs, Tyson employed a double/triple jab tactic during the opening round or so preceding the KO, which worked to great effect. It added an extra dimension to his technique around this time.

I always thought that specific punch was a good/useful weapon in his armoury, but one he didn't exactly throw that often- especially post-Rooney and during his second career.