Another "what if-thread". Holmes get the decision many feels he deserved and regains the IBF title. How do things unfold? Ps: Interesting fact is that Tyson himself recently said in an interview with Sky Sports that he wasn't ready for Holmes in 1986 and that he found a rusty Holmes to be a difficult opponent when they met two years later.
Any opinions? Let's say Holmes has one easy defence before facing Tyson in a unification bout in mid 1987. Can he pull an upset? Should he perhaps try to get Tyson earlier, say in late 1986? Would he?
I have my doubts about him beating Tyson post 1985, but I think that a more active Holmes in 1986, against a less developed Tyson would have been a better match than what actually happened. With any luck, he may have extended Tyson the distance and lost in smiliar fashion to the way that Tony Tucker did.
i think holmes might of stood a chance in 86 but he would of had to fight in spurts, start the rounds by nullifying tyson rushes by clinching in close but obviously not as much as james smith and at times put together some shots in short spurts in mid round and finish the rounds by landing well with eye catching combo's to try and steal them and hope to tire and confuse tyson so that he could finish the fight strongly against a frustrated and tired tyson
The interesting thing is that every passing month would work against Holmes and for Tyson. If the fight happens in 1986, I think Holmes chances are very much alive. Would he try and force the showdown early or would they let it build a bit to increase the gate? A unification bout would probably give the best earnings and such a fight probably wouldn't happen until 1987 (as it did in reality).
even in 87 a fit and ready holmes could pull it off a big ask yes but it would not of been a huge surprise say like tyson/douglas
tyson would ko any holmes post 85. tyson might well ko a prime holmes, larry was ko against shavers, ko!!! but earnie was very tired and he was very bad finisher. you put tyson in this fight and you get holmes ko. weaver,spoon.. they did hurt larry seriously
i think that larry was wrong for tyson, i think that if george foreman had come back in 1985, he would have knocked out tyson in 1987-88. he was completly wrong for mike
Against Tyson, Holmes has to make it to the 6th round, and be in enough shape to win the championship rounds on the judges' cards. Holmes needs to avoid knock downs, or he won't have enough rounds to win a decision. It's going to be hard for Holmes to pick up a round through the first 5. A year or 2 earlier would definitely increase his chances, especially if he avoids taking a year or more off.
Holmes or Goerge would have handled Tyson. And what do you mean upset, Holmes was the man then. I don't remember if Tyson had a title then, but Holmes would have if he got the dec. he deserved vs. Spinks. That was a total asskicking as I remember it. Tucker, Smith, James (Mike Cicely Tyson) Green Took hom the distance, and did fine, you don't think Holmes could take him?
interesting thread and agree with most of the posts. cus trained tyson for holmes...specifically for holmes. past 85, i agree with combates, tyson wins.
Larry was knocked down by Shavers but I know what you meant lol.Shavers put down Holmes with possibly the best right hand he threw in his career. TBH I don't see Shavers or even a prime Mike ever stopping a prime Holmes. It's possible but I don't think it would ever happen. Don't know about old George but I think any prime George ko's Tyson. You're alright with me in this thread:good.
I don't see what happens if Larry got the nod but I think most people felt Larry deserved the decision in the rematch.