Mike Tysons smartest opponent

[JAB5239]

Mike Tyson says Larry Holmes was the smartest fighter he ever faced. How would the '78 to '82 versions of Holmes do against Tyson from the night they fought?

[Willow The Wisp]

I think a prime Holmes would have done much, much better at the very least. We got glimpses of how he would deal. If he could stick that jab and bring it to the later fight "emotional zone" for Iron Mike, there's no telling.
Holmes was a better, more capable fighter than, say, Douglas and Holyfield, for example.

[Kid Cauliflower]

Ali was smarter IMO, just not by that time.

[JAB5239]

I think a prime Holmes would have done much, much better at the very least. We got glimpses of how he would deal. If he could stick that jab and bring it to the later fight "emotional zone" for Iron Mike, there's no telling.
Holmes was a better, more capable fighter than, say, Douglas and Holyfield, for example.

I give Holmes a fair chance. You make a point about the "emotional zone". Tyson had gone the distance before but he hardly list rounds. I don't think he would walk over Larry, and if it was late in the feet, in the deep end of the pool, who knows if Mike has those reserves and mentality to dig deep? Lot of ways this fight could go in my opinion.

[Willie Pep 229]

I think a prime Holmes would have done much, much better at the very least. We got glimpses of how he would deal. If he could stick that jab and bring it to the later fight "emotional zone" for Iron Mike, there's no telling.
Holmes was a better, more capable fighter than, say, Douglas and Holyfield, for example.

Both Douglas and Holyfield (juiced) were strong enough to push back on Tyson. I don't think even a prime Holmes had the strength to keep 1989 Tyson off him.

I also don't think Ali could have either. I feel one had to be strong, as well as a good boxer, to get by the early rounds with Tyson. I don't think you can 'dance' your way though it. Tyson, in those years was quick enough to chase anyone down, even Ali.

Even the two lesser fighters (lesser than Holmes and Ali, not lesser generally speaking) that went the distance with Tyson, Tucker and Smith were both large, strong men.

BTW We are of the same thinking, the triangular comparisons do not work. Ali easily out points both Tucker and Smith, as well as Douglas. But Tyson? I don't think Ali could keep him off, such as Frazier showed us.

Holyfield, like Norton could also prove trouble for Ali.

First you had to be able to match muscle with Tyson, then you could begin to take him apart. E.g. Lewis.

[Kid Cauliflower]

I give Holmes a fair chance. You make a point about the "emotional zone". Tyson had gone the distance before but he hardly list rounds. I don't think he would walk over Larry, and if it was late in the feet, in the deep end of the pool, who knows if Mike has those reserves and mentality to dig deep? Lot of ways this fight could go in my opinion.

Holmes stayed mean late. But whose to say if Mike blasts him out early or Larry gets target practice later--or something else happens? I would bet that Holmes goes down at least once. He had great powers of recovery. Mike, don't stand up like a pole.

[QueensburyRules]

Mike Tyson says Larry Holmes was the smartest fighter he ever faced. How would the '78 to '82 versions of Holmes do against Tyson from the night they fought?

- - Tony Tucker, obviously...duh...

Tubby Lar refused to fight the WBA champs, so clearly he won't fight Tyson who could mop up all the WBA champs of that era inside a month...duh...

[JAB5239]

- - Tony Tucker, obviously...duh...

Tubby Lar refused to fight the WBA champs, so clearly he won't fight Tyson who could mop up all the WBA champs of that era inside a month...duh...

Your trolling has lost its luster and originality. Sit back and enjoy your fourth glass of bathtub gin this morning.

[GhostofDempsey]

One of Tyson's skills during his prime was neutralizing his opponent's jab. One of Larry's biggest weapons was his left jab. If Tyson could get under/around it and counter while staying in close it's a short night for Holmes. Prime Larry went life and death with lesser fighters than Tyson. Norton and Shavers weren't nearly as fast and aggressive as Tyson in his prime. One of Larry's flaws was his tendency to keep his chin up high, which I think would be a liability against a fast, prime Tyson.

[Biledriver]

Your trolling has lost its luster and originality. Sit back and enjoy your fourth glass of bathtub gin this morning.

Another thread, another trolling campaign by Queefsburied