Would Ali have intimidated Mike Tyson?

"Infighting skills"? Tyson's in-fighting skills consisted of swinging his elbows and occasional biting. Otherwise, he mostly looked to the referee for help to break it up. Just because a fighter is short and stocky does not mean he is a skilled "in-fighter." Tyson was at his best more in medium range than in short range; and he was in fact helpless at clinch. This is probably one gaping hole in Tyson's under-rated boxing ****nal, and it probably cost him in his losses. He was not - unlike other short guys who were in fact great in-fighters like Frazier and Duran - comfortable inside.

 

Tyson had a lot of mental issues, not simply that he was prone to fear when faced with another bully. He was also short-tempered, as well as easily frustrated. Their are so many ways he could have snapped, and Ali would exploit them all.

 

If Ali can get into the head of a mafia hit man, he would certainly mentally destroy the pigeon lover.

Seriously, I am a huge fan of Tyson who thinks he is under-rated by some old-timers; Ali is also an athlete whom I dislike most, to be charitable (I realize one should not speak ill of the dead, especially recently dead who happens to be a very popular figure). Still, you have to be objective. This is not a good a match-up for Tyson. Tyson would have a hard time getting into a punching range, and he'd get smothered in a clinch every time he gets in.

 

Ali would have eaten his cookies. Remember, his mind games we're not restricted to attempts to intimidate but also to mock harass and annoy.

I also have to object the initial premise of the question. I do not believe Tyson had the tools necessary to beat Ali. His speed both foot and hand, his skill, and ability to tie an opponent would have won the day for him.

 

Yes, I agree with everything you say.

If Tyson had Frazier's temperament and in-fighting skills, then it's possible. But that's a lot of "ifs."

 

These were my first thoughts.

But remember that Tyson's mid-range was almost "inside" to the many larger, longer fighters he fought. But yeah, he didn't have a lot of game once he got in beyond that.

Ali beats him 8 times out of 10 whether through intimidation or not.

 

Yeah, he was exceptionally short and alligator-armed for heavyweight. But the biggest issue is that he basically stopped fighting once in a clinch. I do not mean just his later losses against elite fighters like Holyfield and Lewis; even look at his prime wins versus mediocre fighters like Smith. Once a bigger guy ties him up, nothing happens. In contrast, Frazier and Duran would keep punching with the free arm - and if they didn't have a free arm, then they'd feverishly wrestle and position themselves to wrest an arm free. This did not happen with Tyson, and that's why I just don't give much chance against guys that possess three essential traits: 1) tall guys who can keep him at distance with a jab; 2) guys with good chins who can take the occasional bombs Tyson may land; and 3) guys who know how to clinch when hurt. Unfortunately for Tyson, Ali has all of the three traits - as does the prime Holmes.

 

no he would have not intimidated tyson / but he woulda played with his mind to the point of messing tyson up / not like an intimidating sonny liston staredown ...but more of a mind fukkkkkkkkkkk

 

Ali would have sonned Tyson.

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Ali wasn't intimidated by Liston, who was scarier than Tyson. Ali would have intimidated Tyson mentally.

 

Tyson just needs to let his punches do the same talking, he was not a dumb puncher like Foreman

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Tyson just needs to tell ali he would **** him till he loves him ***got and my God ali would wet himself like a baby

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Perhaps you are trying to be amusing........ More than likely, you have no concept of Ali. Ali would have used Tysons anger and ego as tools.

 

Yes, Ali was the standard bearer for the 3 traits.

 

Maybe but Tyson is the last guy on earth you want to make mad at you. Tyson on his prime can certainly walk the talk, heck be didn't even need to talk, just a staredown and punching power with accuracy are Enough.

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