Who was the better finisher of Louis and Tyson?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Bokaj, Jul 21, 2008.


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  1. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Incredible finisher that Louis was, I would probably give Tyson the nod here because of his superior power and speed.

    It's really hard to see how you can improve on his finishing off of Berbick, Thomas, Holmes and Spinks to name a couple. What do you think?
     
    Bokaj, Jul 21, 2008
    Bokaj, Jul 21, 2008
    #1
  2. DamonD

    DamonD Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Oof. This is a rough question...I consider Louis to be the finest finishing machine in heavyweight history, but if anyone was close to that it was Tyson.

    Improve the Thomas knockout? Well, Joe could've done it in fewer punches... ;)
     
    DamonD, Jul 21, 2008
    DamonD, Jul 21, 2008
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  3. Holmes' Jab

    Holmes' Jab Master Jabber Full Member

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    Draw.
     
    Holmes' Jab, Jul 21, 2008
    Holmes' Jab, Jul 21, 2008
    #3
  4. rekcutnevets

    rekcutnevets Black Sash Full Member

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    I'll go with Louis.

    Tyson was loaded with fast twitch muscle fibers, and this is why he doesn't have many ko's past the 5th round. Tyson still had power past the 5th, it just wasn't as overwhelming. Louis had his share of fast twitch fibers, I'm sure; but he seemed to carry his power a little longer.

    Tyson's offense was also heavily dependent on his athleticism. He threw punches with good form, but landed many because of his speed. Tyson was blessed with so many physical gifts, he could often get in the ring and simply go through the motions and get a ko. Louis' offense seemed a little more calculated.
     
    rekcutnevets, Jul 21, 2008
    rekcutnevets, Jul 21, 2008
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  5. Minotauro

    Minotauro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Louis was a better finisher I feel he was better at infighting and from long range as well as more late round power.

    Best Finisher:
    Joe Louis
    Mike Tyson
    Jack Dempsey
     
    Minotauro, Jul 21, 2008
    Minotauro, Jul 21, 2008
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  6. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    I wouldnt rate jack dempsey up there. He needed many punches to dispose of stationary punching bags, plus he was allowed to stand over the fallen opponent and hit them once they got up. I think liston and marciano were better finishers than jack and didnt leave themselves so vunerable like jack did vs firpo, although dempsey at his very best was quite ferocious and rates up there.
     
    SuzieQ49, Jul 21, 2008
    SuzieQ49, Jul 21, 2008
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  7. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    As for the thread, I think its a toss up. take your pick. both knocked out cold top contenders who had never been knocked down before, both made top opponents do the jiggy dance.
     
    SuzieQ49, Jul 21, 2008
    SuzieQ49, Jul 21, 2008
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  8. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Good distinction.

    True, but I see athleticism as an integral part of finishing ability. Joe was defintely a more calculated fighter, but Tyson's combination of power and speed is was made him special.
     
    Bokaj, Jul 21, 2008
    Bokaj, Jul 21, 2008
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  9. wooz

    wooz Active Member Full Member

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    Tyson
     
    wooz, Jul 21, 2008
    wooz, Jul 21, 2008
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  10. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    what about joes combination of power and speed? he lifted 235lb rock chinned galento off the floor with one punch, he drove granite chinned paolino uzcudens teeth into the stands with one right hand. His combinations against max baer were as fast as any i have ever seen.
     
    SuzieQ49, Jul 21, 2008
    SuzieQ49, Jul 21, 2008
    #10
  11. Chinxkid

    Chinxkid Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I'd say Louis because he truly was a one-punch finisher.
     
    Chinxkid, Jul 21, 2008
    Chinxkid, Jul 21, 2008
    #11
  12. Loewe

    Loewe internet hero Full Member

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    Care to explain?
     
    Loewe, Jul 21, 2008
    Loewe, Jul 21, 2008
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  13. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Joe had great power and speed, no doubt, but Tyson's was even greater. No one has ever combined power and speed like Tyson IMO. Louis was better at putting a lot of power in very short punches, though, even if Tyson could do that as well. But that really was Louis speciality, I would say. His short, compact power punching really stands out.
     
    Bokaj, Jul 21, 2008
    Bokaj, Jul 21, 2008
    #13
  14. godking

    godking Active Member Full Member

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    And Tyson was'nt ?

    And old past his prime Tyson ended Botha with 1 punch.
     
    godking, Jul 21, 2008
    godking, Jul 21, 2008
    #14
  15. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Listen - you're agruing about 120 megatons and 120.1 megatons. Either one with the bit between the teeth is seeing you off to sleep. If there is a difference it's of no real consequence. These two plus Dempsey are the ones.
     
    McGrain, Jul 21, 2008
    McGrain, Jul 21, 2008
    #15
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