----- Tyson ruled the division from 1986 until 1990, defending the title 9 times. Best wins: Michael Spinks, Razor Ruddock, Frank Bruno, Tony Tucker, Pinklon Thomas, Trevor Berbick. Wladimir Klitschko rules the division since 2006, two years more than Tyson, accomplishing 12 successful title defenses. Best wins: David Haye, Chris Byrd, Ruslan Chagaev, Sultan Ibragimov, Sam Peter, Eddie Chambers.
I do this question because I think its pretty close actually. Both definitely in the Top15 and arguably in the Top10.
When it's all said & done the record books will have Klitschko in almost every category. Tyson's contributions can't be measured by numbers. Strictly boxing I'd agree on the Klits will go down as greater than Tyson.
Tyson is greater. Wlad doesn't have a victory as good as one over an unbeaten Spinks who is a top 5 ATG at 175 and had 2 wins over Holmes (who was unbeaten). Head-to-head i think that Tyson is the ultimate nightmare for Wlad aswell. It doesn't go 3 rounds.
Collectively yes. But, were talking about one fighter. Problem is, a lot of fans like to lump together Wlad and Vitali without realizing the little game of tagteam they play with the opponents who are right for whichever brother. Individually, Tyson had better defenses against better fighters.
Wlad's career best win is barely as good as Tyson's 5th best win. Even if you combine the resumes of both Klitschko's it still falls short of Tyson's resume by a comfortable margin.
As dominant as Wlad is, his opponents aren't really that great. Tyson's wins over Spinks (and probably even old Holmes) are better than anything that Wlad has. Even Bruno and Ruddock would be stand out wins on Wlad's resume. It's not Wlad's fault, I think he would do very well against Tyson's competition, but that's not what the question is asking.
Solid argument. Tyson did great from 1986 to 1990. The win over Spinks is important. Wlad's win over Haye, an ATG cruiserweight, is also important. But the way Tyson crushed Spinks in 90 seconds makes the difference.
Tyson is arguably also greater than Holyfield, who was never as consistant as Mike. Holyfield defeated a past prime Tyson, who was 7-10 years above his best. They both lost to lesser fighter, as Klitschko did too.