Would a prime Mike Tyson be as dominate as he was if he had boxed in the 1970`s?

If we’re talking the Foreman showing the same form as in the Frazier1 and Norton matches then stylistically Tyson has the same problem as Joe.
Fair enough Tyson wasn’t the in close expert swarmer that Joe was, he was better from mid range, but simply having the big reach disadvantage he’d still need to get close enough to Foreman to unload those devastating combos.
You just wonder how he’s going to avoid those devastating long leading uppercuts that George threw. Plus the sheer physicality of Foreman if Tyson did get inside those leads, if he didn’t manage to land he’d simply be pushed back.
Tyson with his great hand speed and power certainly has a shot here though, it simply depends if he could avoid those bombs.

 

Would a prime Tyson have dominated the 1970's HW's ??

Nah, he would have been good enough to win the title but not good enough to hold on to it for long, too many guys with the attributes to beat him plus as HW champ in the 70's it was one dangerous opponent after another all with different styles. So you could have a career defining win at one point (Frazier over Ali, Ali over Foreman) or you fight an oponnent who is your stylistic nightmare (Frazier-Foreman and Ali-Norton).
You had ferocious punchers like Foreman, Frazier, Shavers, master boxers like Ali, Holmes, Norton, Lyle and wild cards like Spinks, Ellis, Young etc.
For what it's worth here's how I think he'd do against the top 70's HW's :

Ali - Ali late TKO
Foreman - 50/50, Tyson ain't Frazier, Joe may have had more heart but Tyson had the speed, ferocity and variety of punches that Joe never did, Big George could see everything JF was going to do and negate it, he would not have that luxury here, Tyson too much speed and movement to be telegraphed. Could George take Tyson out early ?? Damn right he could, nobody other than Ali could take GF's punches but who would land first and consistently here ?? 50/50
Frazier - Money on Frazier for a late TKO, fight may look like Holyfield 1 but again it's close to a 50/50 I'll say Joe's heart and stamina may well be the deciding factors but he'd have to take a hell of a of punishment win, lose or draw against Mike
Holmes - Holmes decision or late TKO
Norton - Mike TKO
Spinks - Mike TKO
Ellis - Mike TKO
Shavers - Mike KO takes him out early, Eanie has a chance here of course like he does against HW in history because of his power but his chin I don't believe was sturdy enough to last against a guy with almost equal plus a rock solid chin in Mike

 

Let’s Settle This in the Ring

March 6, 1965:

Under the tutelage of Cus D’Amato, Mike Tyson turns professional winning by a first round TKO over Joe Thames.

December 31, 1965:

By the end of the year, Iron Mike has an undefeated record of 14-0, 13 KOs and the boxing public is beginning to take notice. Fans are in awe of his speed and power with some touting him as the man who will dethrone Muhammad Ali.

January 15, 1966:

Tyson defeats trial horse Willi Besmanoff by a 5th round TKO to improve his record to 15-0, 14 KOs.

April 30, 1966:

After four more stoppage victories, Tyson’s record stands at 19-0, 18 KOs

May 20, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Amos Johnson

Iron Mike wins by a first round knockout to improve his record to 20-0, 19 KOs.

June 10, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Henry Cooper

Tyson is floored for the first time in his career by a Cooper left hook in the first round. The fighters clash heads in the 4th, opening a nasty gash over Cooper’s left eye. The fight is stopped and Tyson is awarded a controversial technical decision:

Tyson wins Technical SD 4

August 31, 1966:

After two more knockout victories, Iron Mike’s records stands at 23-0, 21 KOs

September 17, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Thad Spencer:

Tyson dominates from the outset dropping Spencer five times on the way to a stoppage victory.

Tyson wins TKO 7

November 30, 1966:

Tyson stops his next two opponents to run his record to 26-0, 24 KOs

December 17, 1966: Mike Tyson vs Henry Cooper II

Tyson dominates the rematch from the start and by the fourth round Cooper’s face is a river of blood. Tyson wins by TKO.

Tyson wins TKO 4

March 30, 1967:

Tyson stops his next two opponents to improve his record to 29-0, 27 KOs

May 5, 1967: Mike Tyson vs George Chuvalo

Tyson controls the fight but is unable to finish the iron chinned Chuvalo. Tyson wins by unanimous decision: 99-92, 98-92, and 98-93

Tyson wins UD 10

June 30, 1967:

Tyson, now with a record of 31-0, 28 KOs, qualifies for the WBA 8-man championship tournament after Muhammad Ali is stripped of the title.

August 18, 1967: Tyson vs Ernie Terrell

Tyson faces Terrell in the first round of the WBA tournament. Ernie’s height and size give Tyson problems over the first half of the fight. However, Mike wears him down with his speed and accurate power shots. A 12th round knockdown puts the stamp on a Tyson decision: 117-111, 117-111 and 117-110 on the scorecards.

Tyson wins UD 12

December 31, 1967:

Tyson ends the year with a record of 32-0, 28 KOS and has advanced to the final four of the WBA heavyweight tournament.

February 17, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Jerry Quarry

In the tournament semifinal, Tyson is just too strong and fast for Quarry, punishing him on the way to a 6th round stoppage.

Tyson wins TKO 6

April 13, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Jimmy Ellis

Tyson and Ellis square off for the vacant WBA heavyweight title. Ellis boxes cleverly over the first four rounds but after that it’s all Tyson. Tyson floors Ellis 3 times in the 7th leading to a stoppage. Tyson wins the WBA heavyweight championship and improves his record to 34-0, 30 KOS.

Tyson wins TKO 7 (Wins WBA heavyweight championship)

July 13, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Leotis Martin

Tyson makes the first defense of his WBA heavyweight title against Martin: This is a mismatch from the outset as Tyson floors Martin five times leading to a third-round stoppage.

Tyson wins TKO 3 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

September 21, 1968: Mike Tyson vs Floyd Patterson

Patterson outfoxes Tyson over the first 3 rounds but Iron Mike quickly assumes control with his power punching. One final uppercut from Tyson closes the show in the 6th.

Tyson wins KO 6 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

November 16, 1968: Mike Tyson vs George Chuvalo II

Chuvalo once again proves to be a rugged opponent for Tyson. Tyson wins virtually every round over the first 8. By the 11th, Chuvalo is badly cut over his left eye. The referee steps in and stops the fight in the 12th. Tyson defends his WBA heavyweight championship successfully for the 3rdtime and improves his record to 37-0, 33 KOs

Tyson TKO 12

February 8, 1969: Mike Tyson vs Buster Mathis

In his fourth title defense, Tyson dismantles Buster Mathis, flooring him twice in the fourth round before stopping him in the fifth.

Tyson wins TKO 5 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

November 8, 1969: Mike Tyson vs Zora Folley

Tyson defends the WBA heavyweight championship for the 5th time with dominant victory over Zora Folley. Folley is down 4 times in the fight before the referee stops it in round 7. Tyson’s record now stands at 39-0, 35 KOs.

Tyson wins TKO 7 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

 

February 6, 1970: Mike Tyson vs. Joe Frazier

Madison Square Garden is filled and millions around the world are watching on closed circuit TV as Iron Mike Tyson faces “Smokin” Joe Frazier for the Unified Heavyweight Championship. Both men enter this fight undefeated. Tyson is 39-0, 35 KOs and Frazier’s record stands at 24-0, 21 KOs. Tyson is a solid 9-5 favorite according to Las Vegas oddsmakers with many experts touting him as the finest heavyweight fighter they’ve seen since the days of Joe Louis.

Over the first four rounds, Iron Mike lives up to the billing as Frazier cannot cope with his blinding hand speed and bone-jarring punching power. Frazier is down twice in the second round, and Tyson nearly finishes him with a barrage of devastating punches in the 4th. However, Frazier survives and refuses to back down. By the end of the 6th, Mike is shaking his head as if to say, what else to I have to hit this guy with.

Frazier’s body punching begins to take its toll over the next three rounds as Tyson becomes discouraged and tired. Smokin Joe lands a crackling left hook which sends Tyson to the canvas in the 10th. Tyson absorbs a horrific beating in the 11th before Frazier closes the show in the 12th with a devastating left hook. Iron Mike suffers his first professional defeat.

Frazier wins KO 12 (Tyson loses the WBA Heavyweight Championship)

October 10, 1970: Mike Tyson vs. Mac Foster

Tyson recovers from his loss to Frazier with a convincing victory over fringe contender Mac Foster.

Tyson wins TKO 4

March 8, 1971:

In the battle of the century, Joe Frazier wins by a unanimous decision over Muhammad Ali to win universal recognition as heavyweight champion.

April 3, 1971: Mike Tyson vs. Jurgen Blin

Tyson dominates from the beginning and stops Blin in the 5th round.

Tyson TKO 5

October 17, 1971: Mike Tyson vs. Oscar Bonavena

The durable Bonavena gives Iron Mike fits over the course of a very tough 10 round affair. Neither man is down in the course of the fight. In the end, Tyson lands the harder punches and secures a closer than expected decision victory. 97-94, 97-94, 96-95

Tyson wins UD 10

December 31, 1971:

Tyson ends the year with a record of 42-1, 37 KOs and is hoping for a second chance at Joe Frazier.

March 11, 1972: Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis:

In the rematch, Tyson chops down Buster Mathis in 7.

Tyson wins TKO 7

June 17, 1972: Mike Tyson vs. Cleveland Williams

Tyson destroys an ancient Cleveland Williams in 93 seconds, dropping him for the count with a vicious overhand right.

Tyson wins KO 1

August 25, 1972:

Tyson signs to face former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali for the NABF Heavyweight Championship. This is a highly anticipated match-up as both men are seeking to rebound from their respective losses to Joe Frazier.

November 18, 1972: Mike Tyson vs. Muhammad Ali

Over 40,000 fans flock to the Houston Astrodome to watch this highly anticipated match-up of former heavyweight champions. Tyson has won six straight fights since his 12th round knockout loss to Joe Frazier in February 1970. Iron Mike comes in with a record of 44-1, 39 KOs. Ali has won 8 straight since his decision loss to Frazier in March 1971 and entered with a record of 39-1, 30 KOs. The fight has been tabbed a pick em affair by the odds makers. Heavyweight champion Joe Frazier is among those in attendance for this fight.

Ali has been driving Iron Mike crazy with trash talking in the weeks leading up to this bout and Tyson has vowed to “bury him six feet under.” As the fighters enter the ring, Tyson looks utterly crazed. The bell rings for round one, and from the beginning, Iron Mike is completely outclassed. Ali moves cleverly and keeps his jab in Tyson’s face over the first four rounds. By the 5th, Ali is taunting and tormenting Tyson in the center of the ring as Iron Mike simply has no answers. Tyson finally lands a left hook which rocks Ali in the 6th.

However, Ali backs Tyson off with a hard right in the 7th which staggers him. By the 8th round, Ali is in complete command, and Iron Mike is badly swollen around both eyes. It seems like Ali can finish Tyson at any time, but he’s determined to humiliate Iron Mike, taunting, clowning and landing his jab at will over the next two rounds. Muhammad openly scoffs at Iron Mike as he returns to the corner at the close of round 10. In round 11, an enraged Tyson nails Ali with a left to the groin. Ali goes down in a heap, and the fight is delayed for several minutes. Tyson has penalized two points, but the referee lets the fight continue. Angelo Dundee screams in protest from Ali’s corner.

The fight resumes. Ali lands a hard right which snaps Mike’s head back. Tyson lurches forward, lifts Ali off the ground and slams him to the canvas. The referee immediately disqualifies Tyson, and a melee ensues in the ring. It takes the Houston police department twenty minutes to restore order. Tyson leaves the ring to a chorus of boos. He is essentially banned from boxing after the fight as no commission is willing to offer him a license.

Ali wins DQ 11

June 15, 1974: Mike Tyson vs. Bob Stallings

Finally, after 19 months, the city of Las Vegas is willing to sanction a Mike Tyson fight. Tyson ices Bob Stallings in under 50 seconds.

Tyson wins KO 1

October 30, 1974: Mike Tyson vs. Ken Norton

Tyson squares off against Norton on the undercard of Foreman-Ali in a battle of heavyweight seeking redemption. Norton keeps Tyson off balance over the first three rounds with his awkward style and left jab. Tyson lands a vicious left hook which sends Norton to the canvas in the 4th. Iron Mike drops Norton twice in the 5th, and the fight is stopped.

Tyson wins TKO 5

December 31, 1974:

Mike Tyson ends the year with a record of 46-2, 41 KOs.

April 5, 1975: Mike Tyson vs. Joe Bugner

Tyson dominates from the outset. By the middle rounds, Bugner’s face is a river of blood. The fight is stopped in the 6th.

Tyson wins TKO 6

September 20, 1975: Mike Tyson vs. Jimmy Young

Young outboxes Tyson over the first two rounds. However, Iron Mike lands a devastating left hook in the 3rd which sends Young to the canvas. Tyson drops Young twice in the 4th leading to a stoppage.

Tyson wins TKO 4

December 31, 1975:

Mike Tyson ends the year with a record of 48-2, 43 KOs.

 

May 31, 1976: Mike Tyson vs. Muhammad Ali II

50,000+ fans gather at the Superdome in New Orleans as Tyson and Ali square off for the second time. Since the first match 3 and ½ years ago, which was an utter debacle, Iron Mike’s behavior has been exemplary. Ali, himself, has kept the trash talking to a minimum and says simply: “I plan to do my talking in the ring.”
From the beginning, Ali looks all of his 34 years of age. Tyson dominates the first six rounds, keeping Ali on the ropes and pounding him to the body and head. Ali mounts a rally over the next three rounds, keeping Iron Mike at bay with quick, precise combinations. However, by the 10th, he seems to be exhausted and Tyson works him over.

By the end of the 12th, Ali is badly swollen around both eyes and seemingly well behind on points. Ali grits his teeth and lands a right which staggers Tyson early in the 13th. Ali pursues and pounds a wobbly-legged Tyson with power shots. One final right from Ali ends the night, sending Iron Mike down for the count. Ali comes back from behind to win by knockout.

Ali wins KO 13

November 6, 1976: Mike Tyson vs George Foreman

Two former heavyweight champion destroyers square off on a Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas, NV. Coming off a devastating rematch loss to Muhammad Ali, Tyson comes in today with a record of 48-3, 43 KOs. Foreman enters with a record of 44-1, 41 KOs and has won 4 consecutive fights since his shocking loss to Ali in October 1974. Foreman is a 9-5 favorite over the Las Vegas odds makers.

The action is fast and furious from the start of this one. Tyson strikes first, landing a right uppercut which sends “Big” George reeling early in the first round. Iron Mike excitedly moves in for the kill and lands a left hook which leaves Foreman desperately holding on. Big George survives and lands a tremendous right which rocks Tyson with one minute remaining in the round. He follows up with a left hook that nearly decapitates Iron Mike. Both men trade hellacious shots over the final 20 seconds of the round.

Cus D’Amato implores Tyson to exercise patience between rounds but Iron Mike fails to heed his advice. The two men meet in the center of the ring and exchange bombs. A left hook by Tyson shakes Foreman. However, Mike leaves his chin exposed and catches a right uppercut that sends him crashing to the canvas. Tyson rises at the count of 7 but his legs are completely shot. 15 seconds later, Foreman catches him with a winging left which sends him down again. Tyson beats the count but has no idea of where he is. The referee stops the fight at the 1:03 mark of the second round. Tyson suffers another crushing defeat!

Foreman wins TKO 2

August 25, 1978: Mike Tyson vs Scott Ledoux

In his first fight in nearly two years, Tyson looks listless in winning a close decision over Scott Ledoux: 97-94, 96-94, 96-94 on the scorecards.

Tyson wins UD 10

November 17, 1978: Mike Tyson vs John Dino Denis

Iron Mike looks better in this one, battering and bloodying Denis over three painful rounds.

Tyson wins TKO 3

December 31, 1978:

Tyson ends the year with a record of 50-4, 44 KOs

June 2, 1979: Mike Tyson vs John Tate

Tyson squares off against undefeated former US Olympian John Tate in a title eliminator. Tate keeps Tyson at bay with his size and strength in round one. However, Iron Mike ices “Big” John with a devastating left hook in the second.

Tyson wins KO 2

October 20, 1979: Mike Tyson vs Gerrie Coetzee

Tyson faces South African Gerrie Coetzee for the vacant WBA heavyweight championship. Coetzee shakes Tyson with a hard right in the first round. However, by the 2nd, Iron Mike is in command, tattooing Coetzee time and again with hard power shots. Tyson closes the show with 3 knockdowns of Coetzee in the 5th. Iron Mike becomes only the third man in history to regain the heavyweight title.

Tyson wins TKO 5 (Wins WBA heavyweight Championship)

December 31, 1979:

Tyson ends the year with a record of 52-4, 46 KOs. He has rebounded to become one of the most exciting fighters in boxing again. Speculation begins about a unification match between he and undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Larry Holmes.

March 31, 1980: Mike Tyson vs Mike Weaver

In his first defense of the WBA heavyweight title, Tyson catches Weaver cold with a left hook and ices him in 93 seconds.

Tyson wins KO 1 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

October 24, 1980: Mike Tyson vs Leon Spinks

Tyson defends the WBA heavyweight championship for the second time against former champion Leon Spinks. This is a mismatch from the outset as Tyson staggers Spinks with an overhand right 30 seconds into the fight. A devastating left hook, right uppercut combination knocks Spinks cold. Tyson wins by knockout at the 49 second mark of the first round.

Tyson wins KO 1 (Retains WBA heavyweight Championship)

March 5, 1981:

Mike Tyson signs to face WBC heavyweight champion Larry Holmes in a unification match.

June 15, 1981: Mike Tyson vs Larry Holmes

Tyson faces Holmes in the heavyweight division’s first Super Fight since the retirement of Muhammad Ali. The resurgent Tyson enters with a record of 54-4, 48 KOs and has defended his WBA heavyweight championship two times successfully. Holmes comes in with a record of 37-0, 27 KOs and has defended the WBC heavyweight title 9 times since winning it in June 1978 against Ken Norton. Yet, he still struggles to gain the respect of the experts and boxing public at large. Iron Mike comes into this one as a prohibitive 2-1 favorite according to the Las Vegas odds-makers.

Holmes surprises all by dominating this one from the outset. He pitches a shutout over the first 7 rounds, keeping Tyson on the end of his jack hammer jab and pulverizing right. By the end of the 9th, Tyson is badly swollen under both eyes. Tyson rallies in the 10th and rocks Holmes with an overhand right in the 11th. However, Larry manages to survive. By the 13th, he is in complete command. A Holmes right drops Tyson to one knee in the 14th. Tyson can no longer see the punches coming and the referee steps in and stops the fight.

Holmes wins TKO 14

June 11, 1982: Mike Tyson vs Earnie Shavers

Two aging destroyers are matched up on the undercard of Holmes and Cooney as a 35-year-old Tyson squares off against 37-year-old Earnie Shavers. Tyson strikes first, flooring Shavers twice in the first round. He pummels a defenseless Earnie against the ropes but is unable to finish him. Tyson continues to dominate over the next two rounds and by the end of the third Shavers is badly cut over the left eye. However, Shavers turns the tide with a devastating right that sends Iron Mike to the canvas in the 4th. Now is it Tyson who is nearly out on his feet. Shavers pursues him to the ropes and lands a left which nearly sends him through the ropes. Tyson barely survives the round.

However, this proves to be Earnie’s last hurrah. Having punched himself out, he tires in the 5th while Tyson clears his head. Iron Mike sends Shavers to the canvas for the third time in the fight with right uppercut in round 6. He pummels a defenseless Earnie along the ropes, prompting the referee to step in and stop the fight.

Tyson wins TKO 6

November 19, 1982: Mike Tyson vs James “Quick” Tillis

The youthful Tillis controls this one from the beginning, keeping Iron Mike at bay with his jab and clever movement. Tyson simply has no answers for Tillis’ boxing skills as the later keeps putting round after round in the bank. The crowd keeps wait for the big shot from Iron Mike that never comes. Tillis wins by a convincing decision: 99-91, 99-92, 98-93.

Tillis wins UD 10

April 7, 1984: Mike Tyson vs James “Bonecrusher” Smith
A now nearly 38-year-old Tyson returns to the ring to face rising young contender James “Bonecrusher” Smith. By the end of the 1st round, it’s apparent to all at ringside that Iron Mike is completely shot. Its target practice for Bonecrusher. A smashing right from Smith sends Tyson to the canvas in the second. With 1:00 remaining in the 3rd, one final right from Bonecrusher closes the show, sending Iron Mike down for the count. Tyson retires after the fight.

Smith wins KO 3

In this timeline, Mike Tyson retires with a record of 55-7, 49 KOs. He is a two-time heavyweight champion with a record of 9-3, 9 KOs in world championship fights. Experts and fans are sharply divided about his legacy. Critics point to his 0-5 record against the quartet of Ali, Foreman, Frazier and Holmes as evidence of his inability to rise to the occasion on the big stage. Proponents point to his numerous quality victories over the likes of Chuvalo, Bonavena, Mathis, Norton, Weaver, and Coetzee. Along with contemporaries George Foreman and Earnie Shavers, Iron Mike goes down as one of the most devastating power punchers in heavyweight history. Most expert polls have him ranked in the top-15 of the all-time heavyweight rankings who ever lived. Iron Mike Tyson is elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.

 

NOOOO!!! These are the only two I vehemently disagree with!! You have to show your work on these two!

 

I don't see how this is wrong.

 

I'm one of the minority who agree with you. Tyson was more skilled and quicker than Foreman and it's not like Foreman could just afford to walk through Tyson's punches either. Furthermore, there's the assumption that Tyson just falls over as soon as Foreman hits him. Yet Tyson withstood bombs from Razor Ruddock who punch for punch, probably rivaled Foreman in one shot punching power.

 

No he wasn't.

 

When did I say Tyson wasn't a top finisher Mark ?