''Samuel Peter surely hits harder than Tyson''

Tyson also one-shotted Botha iirc, saving his as s from an ignominious beatdown.

That said, and to repeat: Peter had huge punching power but little technique. Tyson had power AND skill. It's the second factor that is decisive.

 

Agreed. Almost everyone Tyson Ko'd was taller than him.
His combo of incredible skill with the added benefit of power made him what he was. Look at the post prison Tyson. His power was very much intact, but with less skill.
He was at his best one of the best jabbers around!
He out jabbed many tall heavyweights.

 

While I don't agree with this statement I do believe power is always misinterpreted.

Tyson was a strong puncher with a lot of speed and ferocity to match, also throws from awkward angles to defend.

Sam Peter may be incredibly heavy handed however rather slow with limited technique and ability therefore makes it more difficult to ko people.

Wlad is seen as the puncher in the heavyweight division, he ko's people, I believe his ko's are from a blend of speed and strength of the shot and technique. There maybe other guys with more force than wlad without the other attributes to back up.

 

If taken rawly then maybe. But that's irrelevant anyway because nobody lets you just tee off on them.

How hard you can hit a machine isn't anywhere as near as important as being able to actually land a good shot on a top drawer opponent.

Obvious I know...