Who was the best heavyweight in their prime?

[Sugarr]

No heavy in the history of the sport was better than the Ali of 64-67. He would have made Tyson cry like a woman. He would have made him quit, period.

That's sort of an over-exaggeration.

It's not like Ali wasn't hittable. He was in trouble at times, throughout his career, and I'm sure Tyson could get him in trouble, as well. The only question is whether he could capitalize on it, if it did happen.

[paul750]

He may not have been putting punches together in the Holyfield fights, but the power was very much still there and Holyfield wasn't going anywhere. Combination punching or not, Holyfield would have always given him problems IMO. Tyson couldn't do a lot going backwards.

Lennox would have beaten him as long as he survived the first four rounds. Similar to his fight with the washed-up Tyson, only a Tyson with a much longer fuse. A younger Holmes would certainly be in with a shout. The Holmes Tyson beat was still a decent version [as Holmes would later go on to give problems to top fighters], but even so, it certainly wasn't a prime, prepared Holmes.

[Sugarj]

I think old Larry Holmes showed enough in four rounds to indicate that he had the tools in his prime to beat Tyson. He looked great in cameos dancing and jabbing, but he didn't have the legs or reflexes to keep it up and was having his first fight in what 2 and a half, 3 years.

A 1978-1982 Holmes may well have stole a decision from Tyson.

[Sugarr]

So many replies with so little opinions on the actual question?

[RightCross94]

I think Ali and Evander would have probably done the best if all the HW greats in their primes fought each other. They can box, brawl and both have top chins and big hearts.

[Marcov]

So many replies with so little opinions on the actual question?

I though my first response could have been ok for what you originally posted.

But it was a statement not a question, with no question marks. I thought you were just opening a discussion with it which was ok with me.

[Sugarj]

No problem Sugarr, Sugarj will have a go.....

Honestly, prime for prime I think that 1967 Ali and 1980 Holmes are as close to heavyweight perfection as I've seen.

1988 Tyson, 1991-92 Bowe and 1990 Holyfield were fabulous too, all would be very difficult for any heavyweight in history to handle.

For me 1969 Frazier, 1938 Louis, 1960 Liston, 1973 Foreman and 2000 Lewis were terrific heavyweights too but would complete the lower half of my prime for prime heavyweight top ten.

Much as I love 1910 Johnson, 1921 Dempsey, 1926 Tunney or 1954 Marciano I wouldn't expect them to beat my top five. Just my opinion of course, based on all the fight films I've seen.

[sleazyfellow]

Best heavy weight in their prime? James J. Jeffries

Hahaha, yeah I agree, if he's able to wrestle and foul his opponents like he was able to back then and get away with it, he's the best in his prime.

Theres not much to say to this thread besides Muhammed Ali, Joe Louis was also a killer in his prime as well.

[Spartacus Sully]

i dont know so much about fouling (i think your thinking of dempsey if your talking nut shots) but wrestling.....most these heavies wouldnt have known what to do once they got in his clinch, and even less to do after 10 rounds when they realize they havnt even damaged him and hes just getting started.