Tyson vs Ali

Who would have won if they had faced each other in their prime?

I know its impossible to really know, but I would be interested to know whether you think Ali could have survived that young Tysons onslaught.

And although this discussion has been lauded a million times, I would be interested to see how you think the fight would have gone - early stoppage? Points?

Yeah Tyson gets taken the distabce by Smith, Tillis and Green but KO's Ali? Read a book or something guys! The only advantage he has is power, and Ali faced at least as much power and survived against Foreman. A totally shot Ali beat Shavers. Ali has everything needed to beat Tyson and some. I don't really know why this is always the one that's brought up, Lewis or Walcott would be bigger stylistic challenges for Ali.

I know they took Tyson the distance but he wasnt at his prime.

For me, he was an animal in his early 20's - something that foreman, albeit more powerful, was not. It was the ferociousness for me that would have had Ali in trouble

alot of votes for a tyson win... the question is a peak tyson vs a peak ali.

holyfield knocked out a peak tyson

Hobo wrote:Who would have won if they had faced each other in their prime?

~ Sir, is this the start of your fantasy section?

Had you taken a poll in 1988, Mr. Mike would win by KO in a landslide. Mr. Manny sweeps modern polls but Mr. Ali sweeps the ol' git polls.

Or you could plot a timeline since both have similar careers in time with both turning pro at 18.

Scarcely a month after turning 21, Mr. Mike had unified the splintered WBC/WBA/IBF, 4-0 title record, having also battered fringe contenders: Messrs. Ribalta, Frazier, Green, Tillis, Zouski, and Ferguson, knocking out most all and scarcely dropping a round or breaking a sweat.

Mr. Ali was scraping by the likes of contenders: Messrs Cooper/Jones, when not knocking out 50 yr old former champ Mr. Moore after being deposited by Mr. Banks on the scruff of his duff.

>>>>>> 11 yrs and Mr. Mike was noshing on fellow inmates during his second prison stint after disgracing himself with dire dining habits against Mr. Fields whereas Mr. Ali was winning his title back against Mr. Foreman in a night to remember.

Your answer can be found somewhere between the intractable truth of time and fickleness of fancy.

Good luck luck with your quest.

Perfessor Albertus Lion V wrote:

Hobo wrote:Who would have won if they had faced each other in their prime?

~ Sir, is this the start of your fantasy section?

Had you taken a poll in 1988, Mr. Mike would win by KO in a landslide. Mr. Manny sweeps modern polls but Mr. Ali sweeps the ol' git polls.

Or you could plot a timeline since both have similar careers in time with both turning pro at 18.

Scarcely a month after turning 21, Mr. Mike had unified the splintered WBC/WBA/IBF, 4-0 title record, having also battered fringe contenders: Messrs. Ribalta, Frazier, Green, Tillis, Zouski, and Ferguson, knocking out most all and scarcely dropping a round or breaking a sweat.

Mr. Ali was scraping by the likes of contenders: Messrs Cooper/Jones, when not knocking out 50 yr old former champ Mr. Moore after being deposited by Mr. Banks on the scruff of his duff.

>>>>>> 11 yrs and Mr. Mike was noshing on fellow inmates during his second prison stint after disgracing himself with dire dining habits against Mr. Fields whereas Mr. Ali was winning his title back against Mr. Foreman in a night to remember.

Your answer can be found somewhere between the intractable truth of time and fickleness of fancy.

Good luck luck with your quest.

So you think Tyson then.

Deleted

Ali at 24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu2nKcfMS9A

Tyson at 24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siAMNaIDR1Y

Nobody is past their physical peak at 24. Don't matter who their wife is, women and promoters were around in the sixties too.

Can anyone imagine the mental state of mind Tyson would have been in before the fight after enduring Ali's trash talking? Come one, anyone with any knowledge of boxing will know that Ali would turn Tyson into a crazy lunatic who would have imploded during the fight. Also with Ali taunting him during the fight Tyson would simply be overwhelmed with rage making him easy pickings for Ali.

That being said, I'm a huge fan of Tyson, but really, Ali was that bit faster with his legs and hands for Tyson. Easy night for Ali.

Sirius B wrote:alot of votes for a tyson win... the question is a peak tyson vs a peak ali.

holyfield knocked out a peak tyson

That wasn't a peak Tyson. Peak Tyson was prior to the jail term.

Tyson was a monster in his early 20's. Simply devestating. That said, its a tough call but i would probably have to lean towards Ali winning. I mean Ali wasnt just a clever boxer, he also had one hell of a chin. Forman at his prime was probably the hardest hitting boxer i have seen and he punished Ali but Ali took it all and and them some before putting Forman away.

Peak Tyson walked into a burger king and ordered a big mac - and got one
Peak Tyson didn't sleep. He waited.
Peak Tyson didn't do push ups. He pushes the world down.
Peak Tyson counted to infinity. Twice.
Peak Tyson slammed revolving doors.

"Peak" Tyson is an old theory.

Too many ifs and buts.

He COULD'VE been the greatest. COULD have is sadly the important word here. The greatest doesn't get stopped by Tubby Douglas and then show the mental maturity of a 4-year old schoolgirl. And the character of a sociopath.

Yes he was screwed by promoters. So many fighters have been; not just him.

If this was Marciano-Ali or Louis-Ali, or Lewis-Ali, or Walcott-Ali - we've got a debate.

But prime Tyson?

Controversial - but IMO - Holyfield beats him anytime, anywhere at HW. Too quick, skillful and not intimidated by Mike's antics. Mike was ALWAYS mentally fragile.

okring

A prime, motivated Tyson absolutely destroys Holyfield. Tyson was a fantastic fighter. Only the very best would have beaten him (Holmes, Ali, Liston - Tyson destroys Louis, Frazier. Foreman? Debateable).