Mike Tyson vs Joe Louis

Great fight. Nobody else in history matches these two for the blend of handspeed & power. I like Louis’ jab to be the deciding factor, but you can’t tell me you’d be shocked if Tyson won.

 

Tyson is a clear favourite in my mind

 

Holyfield would always beat him because he studied him inside out tactically, he was always obsessed with beating Mike Tyson years before they fought, he knew how to use the clinch better than Tyson, he was stronger as well, he knew how to get punches off and then clinch before Tyson had a chance to get his work off, would also push him on the way out of the clinch every single time so Tyson couldn’t get any punches off and when he’d get punches off in the clinch, on the way out Tyson would look to respond, but Holyfield had his timing and was able to counter him effectively in those situations, he just had his number technically.
Foreman would time him on the way in with them uppercuts, no one who was a pressure fighter would beat Foreman, you can’t get away with fighting like that against Foreman, especially the bobbing and weaving, Foreman knew how to get you bobbing and weaving by throwing straight punches and hooks and would then fit and uppercut in as you were in motion.
Lennox Lewis wouldn’t allow Tyson to get any work off on the inside, he’d wrap him up every time and lean on him until he gassed and would take him out.
I’m confident all of these guys would beat Tyson because all of them can either get the better of Tyson on the inside or at least neutralise him, if you can do that, then Tyson has no answer

 

I stand by my comment.

 

All I can say is Tyson early and Louis late. IMO, Tyson would be a more dangerous opponent than say a Liston or Foreman. Tyson would be much faster with better defense, therefore leaving Louis with less counterpunching opportunities.

 

WOW!! I've stated in the past that there are some hypothetical "what if" matchups I'd fork over 5 bills for a ringside seat to witness--this one might be at the top of the list!!

A VERY tough call--but if I HAD to choose I'd go with Louis as I think he'd survive Tyson's early onslaught then would start landing heavy power shots with his usual brutal efficiency. Louis by KO or stoppage 10-12 rounds.

BUT--a KO by Tyson within, let's say 6-7 rounds is totally possible! (Like I stated-this one's REALLY tough to call-almost a coin flip. I give Louis the slight edge overall. If they fought 100 times I think Louis wins 53-Tyson 47.)