Interestingly, both these fighters faced this exact scenario. Frazier had a Split Decision with arguably the greatest fighter ever and Tyson had a round 1 destruction of Michael Spinks, arguably the greatest light heavyweight champion ever. Incidentally, Tyson also faced the same situation when he unified with Tony Tucker in a less impressive, but still totally dominant fashion. If given the chance, i think i take Frazier.
Did you read the article about what Foreman said about Frazier before they fought? How Frazier had lost his fire and was only in it for the money at that point. Sure, it was to a degree Foreman trying to boost himself before the fight, but few pre-fight commentaries have seen so spot on afterwards.
I lean towards Tyson. If nothing else, Frazier has a reputation for being a slow starter, and could be put on his ass and wobbled, which I didn't see with Tyson.
Yeah Bokaj, I heard about Foreman saying "Frazier is ready to be had," and George was exactly right. According to Eddie Futch, Frazier was doing a lot of partying in Jamaica, totally underestimating Foreman as an athelete and boxer. If Frazier's two fights, Daniels and Stander, before defending against Foreman weren't visual indications of his decline, Futch calling off the sparring sessions with Norton in Jamaica is plain evidence. Norton was never able to handle Frazier at any time sparring, in their careers. Before the Foreman fight, Futch's concerns were justified because Frazier looked awful in training and Norton was handling him soundly. I still fear prime Frazier as opposed to prime Tyson.
I'd have to say, for the most part, Tyson! Tyson had more skills and had a better repertoire of punches in his arsenal; he could hurt you faster and with more variety than could Frazier.
For me Frazier's state against Foreman is very close to Tyson's against Douglas. They both had reached the absolute top and were mostly going through the motions. The difference is that in Tyson's case it was all about attitute, but in Frazier's there were probably some regular physical decline as well.
Clearly Tyson. More intimidating and explosive is far scarier than facing someone with heart and stamina. Which is more in the 'frustrating' bracket. Obviousy Joe had very 'scary' tools- great left, insane pressure but not like Tyson did, who was nearly as 'scary' as Liston.
Thanks Turps. Off to London right now for a night on the tiles and Wembley tomorrow. Have a good 'un all.
Mind your P's and Q's while you are down South ,we don't take no **** from you Scousers pal ps Have a good one !
Back to the topic, who really cares anymore..?? If Tyson and Frazier are both title holders, why not take the weak option and fight for the IBF, IBO and WBO H/W title.. hey? If that fails, then take on the winner of McCall vs Hopoate for the IBA title.
I think Dinner has nailed it. Tyson wrecked far scarier early-round mayhem over larger opponents. He was fast, and equally devastating with both hands, which he put together into unprecedented blazing combinations. He was much bigger and had the much more menacing aura, even when simply shrugging. I can't imagine Joe intimidating the likes of Holmes and Spinks as Tyson did.
If I have awesome one punch power on the level of a freak like Foreman, then give me Frazier. Otherwise, give me Tyson. If I can frustrate Tyson, and I am a good sized man with decent skills, then I stand a better chance with him than Frazier. Frazier scares the **** out of me because he won't give up and just keeps coming. I would find myself in a war and if I can't shut him down and if I start to tire, then I'm in big trouble. Tyson doesn't have Frazier's stamina or will to win. Tyson is a bully. If I stand up to him, he stops fighting. Frazier won't back down.
I wonder how Tyson would have stood up to the punching power of Foreman. IMO I believe George would have done the same thing to Mike he did to Joe. Neither Joe nor Mike could fight backing up and once Mike realized George wasn't afraid to bang with him the writing is on the wall. I don't believe that Tyson would be getting up as many times as Frazier did though.