Would Tyson have made the top three in the 70s?

I don't really count Holmes in that era. Sure, his reign started in the 70's, but it wasn't really his era. There was the Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Norton, Lyle, Young era, then the Holmes era. Excepting a declining Norton, he didn't fight any of those guys and wasn't really part of that era.

 

What do I think? I think you're batsh*t crazy, but to each their own.

Cheers!

 

I think it's close but l'm leaning towards yes.

 

at some point, yeah. but it wouldn't be for long.

 

Over the years Tyson has gone from being a very special fighter, something boxing needed... especially in the Heavyweight division. Then he was overrated by a lot of people. Now he seems underrated by a lot of people.

The bottom line is that Mike Tyson is an all-time great. A strong man with knockout power in both hands. He was fast, he was elusive with his bob and weave/peak-a-boo style, and he was durable. I've heard it said that he wasn't very good after 4 or 5 rounds but look at these results-

KO6 Ferguson- Tyson was just getting started in this fight, Ferguson was just trying to survive. Ferguson was originally DQd for excessive holding but it was changed to a KO win for Tyson.

W10 Tillis- He had Tillis down and fought well for the decision win.

W10 Green- Tyson beat the **** out of Green but Green managed to last the distance.

KO10 Ribalta- Tyson had him down in the 2nd, 8th, and 10th. He carried his power into the late rounds.

W12 Smith- Smith was just trying to survive and that's all he did.

KO6 Thomas- A methodical beat down by Tyson, nice combinations finished Thomas off.

W12 Tucker- A clear decision win for Tyson, Tucker managed to last the distance.

KO7 Biggs- A one-sided bear down by Tyson. He claims he could have ended it earlier but wanted to punish Biggs.

KO7 Ruddock- The fight may have been stopped early but Tyson was putting some damage on Ruddock and that did not let up after round 4 or 5.

W12 Ruddock- he broke Ruddock down over 12, he had him down twice but Ruddock managed to last the distance.

Ali, Foreman, Frazier, Holmes... I think Tyson would have always been tough for Holmes (I think a prime Holmes could beat him though). Frazier? That's a toss up. Ali wins a decision but it's not easy. Foreman has the easiest time with him but none of this is a given. Norton, Young, Lyle, Quarry, Shavers, Bugner, and others... they are not beating Tyson.

 

Tyson would have been in the mix.

 

He would have curbstomped those bums.

 

Cus D'Amato would be alive and well...

 

Post 73ish he would have taken his place among the upper echelon.

 

yeah I agree,, yes but probably not for long :bbb

 

He would definitely be top 3 at some point.

 

Look at the sorry collection of clubfighters Foreman feasted on to get his #1 ranking.

Tyson would have plowed through that bunch even in his 2002 form.

 

top 3 without a doubt