Ali? A harder puncher? Than... Than Evander? Evander Holyfield? It's not even debatable? I'm lost for words
You imply that those guys couldn't possibly make it the distance with Ali, especially in 10 or 12 rounders. Tyson was a body puncher extraordinaire. And those guys he went the distance with, he beat decisively.
What i meant was Prime Mike Tyson quits on his stool, not by any knockdowns or power punches, but by sheer exhaustion and frustration, trying to catch a fleet footed prime Ali, 1964-1967, who laughs at Mike, like he did against his other 1960's opponents. But like I say, rethinking it, Ali wins by decision. Do not mean to offend anyone, but I have followed both, Biggs is no Ali, neither is Buster Douglas. I could possibly see a post prime Ali, 1970-1981, losing to Tyson, with the Rope A Dope.
Truth is his best KO was Tyson and he was already knocked out once. Ali has some solid KOs TKOs in Liston, Foreman, Bonavena, Ellis, Quarry, Lyle, And if u count Frazier’s retirement. I suppose it’s “debatable” but it really shouldn’t be.
Which is the reason I mentioned his knock down and almost "knockout" vs Henry Cooper. This was a young Cassius Clay in his physical prime.
Everyone honest with themselves know Ali was clowning trying to get to his prediction when he got caught by Cooper...... Any fighter can be put on there ass if their clowning in a boxing ring. Some much harder punchers , and much better fighters couldn't do that to Ali. So take that knock down with a grain of salt.... And I absolutely could guarantee Ali wouldn't been clowning if Mike Tyson was in the opposite corner...
Ali was stronger mentally generally speaking -when Tyson was fit and had the team Cus & co with him- he had the support he needed to win- Tyson got lost after Cus died and slipped slowly away from the spartan trained young champ. I called the fight a draw because a prime Tyson would be a hard fight for Ali, Tyson could hit with both hands and could switch angles but had an excellent left hook as well as a right hand. That being said Ali had speed and movement and confidence but all of that did not help him beat the 205 lb Joe Frazier but helped him get up in the 15th rd where many would not or could not have. prime for prime a tough fight-was Tyson better than Frazier? Was Tyson able to take as many punches as Frazier and continue? I think this fight depends on when they fought - prime vs Prime would be Ali (of Ziare) or Ali-Liston or Ali-Frazier(FOTC) Prime Tyson would be Spinks- Berbick-Holmes- Thomas- all very dangerous Tysons I can see either man winning and losing in a series
Tyson by KO within 5 rounds. Ali is the most overrated boxer in history. He had too many weaknesses for Tyson to exploit. Ali's stupid dancing and clowning won't do him any good. Tyson was trained since he was a kid to beat Ali type fighters. There are only 3 HW's in history that stand a chance of beating a fully focused and prepared Tyson: Liston, Foreman and Bowe.
Foreman was from exhaustion Liston was clear dive Quarry was on cuts Bonavena is good Ellis is also pretty good but by the standards you hold Holyfield to, he was already savaged by Frazier. Lyle wasn't very tough. Holyfield rocked and/or dropped old Foreman, Bowe, Mercer. Stopped Tyson, Cooper, Dokes, Douglas and Rahman. Holyfield definitely hit harder. It's actually clear on film too.