Based off of this argument, and considering you have Tyson as an ATG, then that makes James "Buster" Douglas an ATG. considering he sparked Tyson.
Sorry, Wladmirs opposition isn't greater than Tysons. He has dominance yes, but he also doesn't share his era with Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.
I was referring moreso to the opponents he Defeated, and Wlad's era of dominance vs Tyson's era of dominance. You are right in that aspect that, as though Klitschko was in the era of thoe 2, he did not face them.
That's the whole point. If you took Holyfield and Lewis out of the equation and pretend they never existed would Tyson be seen as the best heavyweight from 85 onwards? Most likely. The point I'm trying to make is, Wlad doesn't share his era with other great fighters, hence why he has dominance. Would Wlad have had such long dominance if Vitali hadn't been his brother and they fought each other?
Tysons opposition was just as good as Wlads if not better. Wlad has had a lengthy reign im not denying or disputing that but Tyson too carved his name in boxing history with his reign. Tyson was a short guy in a big mans division, despite that, he destroyed much bigger men in the most dominating fashion seen at heavyweight and he ruled his division for 4 years. Wladmir, despite being the bigger guy has to hug, clinch, throw the occasional jab and right hand and win in the most risk free way possible. But his style works and he has dominated a decade I give him that
Tyson did not share his time of dominance (which was only 4 years)with those fighters either. Not facing them anyway. You could equally asked had Tyson faced Lennox earlier would people see him as a potential ATG. See how that works
I don't wanna turn this into a Wlad vs Mike debate. Or it's gonna come out how truly overrated I think Mike is (oops). lol
Tyson didn't really share his era with Lewis because Lewis turned pro in 89 I believe, near the end of Tysons reign. So realistically, Tyson Lewis had no chance of happening prior to Tysons prison stint.