Theoretically, yes. But Tyson never showed that sort of cunning patience when behind and taking a good amount of punches. The only time he managed to turn that kind of situation around was with one devastating punch against Botha. Against Douglas, Holyfield and Lewis he just got caught deeper and deeper in the mire. And while these guys were heavier punchers than Ali they didn't have his enormous bag of tricks. Ali would be hitting him from all angles and from all kind of positions, luring him to punch at the wrong times and frustrating him at all turns, everything done behind one of the best jabs the division's ever seen. Tyson never showed the capability to cope with that kind of opposition.
You seem to be concerned with what Ali is going to be doing to Tyson rather than the other way around. Well what should be taken into account is that if Tyson were going into a match up with Muhammad Ali I'm certain that if Ali was incumbent champ Tyson would certainly prepare himself accordingly. We are talking about Tyson from the 80s right?
He would no doubt be prepared, but then you have to execute it in the ring. Tyson never showed the capabilities to deal with harsch adversity in the ring. He never showed that he could scale a steep up hill slope, he just slid. With that lack of mental toughness I can't see how you can beat Ali.
You know what Ironchamp, I really shouldn't be so sure picking Ali over Tyson. Tyson was a great fighter, and even if I think Ali would win no one should be picked ahead Tyson with such certainity. But I do have a hard time seeing Tyson turn it around if Ali dominates, though.
I pick Ali, Foreman, prime Liston, and prime Holmes to stop Tyson (Ali & Holmes late in the fight). A fight with Frazier could go either way, but I'll give Tyson the edge due to his faster hands, superior strength, and better offensive skills. If he gets hit by Shavers, he might not be able to stay in the fight, but I'll say Mike lands enough to stop Shavers before Earnie lands a serious punch. Tyson could force Norton back and land clean shots, as Norton struggled going backwards. Norton gives a few problems, but Tyson most likely stops him in 6. Lyle could hurt Tyson, but like Shavers, Mike would probably land enough to finish him before being badly hurt himself. If Tyson can get to Young he could potentialy stop him, but I'd pick Young to outbox Tyson early, survive a few shaky moments, and take a decision. He likely stops the other heavyweights worth mentioning from this era.