Which is the better win, Marciano over Louis or Tyson over Holmes?

Tyson over Holmes. Holmes wasn't as physically spent as Louis. He was still able to continue to be a factor in the division and get a title shot 5 years later. He had never before or after been dispatched in such a fashion.

 

Tyson over Holmes is a far better win. Not even close, really.

 

Tyson over Holmes.....proves that Prime Tyson was the best ever HW Champion

 

Tyson was unbeatable that night

 

good

 

They are both fair wins over legendary past prime fighters.

Marciano beat Louis on 10/26/51, KO8. Louis had went 8-0 (3) since his decision loss to Ezzard Charles on 9/27/50. He had beat Cesar Brion W10, Freddie Beshore KO4, Omelio Agramonte W10, Andy Walker KO10, Agramonte W10 (again), Lee Savold KO6, Brion W10 (again), and Hall of Famer Jimmy Bivins W10. Louis was an active fighter who was still beating decent fighters. He weighed in at 213 3/4 Lbs. vs. Marciano but in his previous fight he had weighed in at 203 Lbs. It really was a good win for the up and coming Marciano. Louis wasn't as sharp as he once was and he wasn't as explosive... but he was still strong, he was still tough, and he was still very crafty.

Tyson beat Holmes on 1/22/88, KO4. Holmes had not fought since 4/19/86 or won a fight since 5/20/85. Sure, he was able to fight in world title fights in 1992 and 1995 but that doesn't mean that he was better in 1988 just because he was younger in 1988. Holmes was obviously not at his best when he beat Carl Williams in 1985 but he did manage to win a close decision. He lost a close fight to Michael Spinks in 1985. In 1986 he lost a close fight to Michael Spinks that many felt Holmes deserved to win.

When Holmes fought Holyfield in 1992 he had won 6 fights in a row (3 by KO) including a near shut out decision win over highly ranked and previously undefeated Ray Mercer, W12. Mercer had vacated the WBO belt after holding the belt for nearly a year. I think Holmes was better prepared in 1992 but I doubt he would have been able to beat a prime Tyson that night.

 

I think Hollyfeild v Holmes is a much closer comparison to Marciano vs Louis than Tyson vs Holmes.

Holmes was dug up for Tyson. He was not ready. It was three years since Larry had even beat a heavyweight contender!

 

Yes, I know. AND Louis knew. He Was a creaky one handed fighter who couldn't pull the trigger.

 

A one handed fighter who decked Agramante with his right hand? If Louis only had one hand surely Joe would have decked him with a left instead?

Incidentally, later on an unbeaten Cleveland big Cat Williams did not knock the same guy down with his left or right hand.

 

I find Marciano win over Louis more impressive.

 

No, it is close. What makes you think it's not?

 

I think Louis was the qualified no. 1 contender or at least no. 2. Holmes was retired and didn't have long to get into fighting shape.

Still, it's an intriguing question as Holmes did do a bit subsequently while Louis retired for good.

I'll go with Marciano's win, but a case can be made for either.