A PRIME Holmes vs Tyson

[bojangles1987]

To see what Holmes was about I strongly advise that you watch the Ken Norton and Earnie Shavers fights, both of them are great classics.

Holmes was the complete package, he had one of the best heavyweight jabs ever (Joint 1st with Liston imo), great chin, incredible heart, decent power and hand speed. Great ring generalship, he knew what to do in situations and how to turn it back on his opponent to make them fight his fight, skill wise he's in the top 5 hw imo.

Really not sure how this fight would of gone if they was in their prime, I could see Tyson scoring a KD but for him to beat a prime Holmes I think he'd have to KO him which imo would be less likely then Holmes taking it on points.

I completely agree about Holmes. A prime Holmes would definitely be able to take Tyson's punches, and with his style could definitely outbox Tyson for the decision. I think Tyson has his usual early round blitz, Holmes weathers it, and figures Tyson out for the rest of the fight for the decision win.

[StarshipTrooper]

IIRC this has been beaten to death in many threads.

I happen to believe that Tyson is better than Larry and would beat him prime for prime.

But you say that about Tyson in all head-to-head matchups

Poet

[CarlosG815]

But you say that about Tyson in all head-to-head matchups

Poet

But I give most guys a punchers chance at least.

Prime for prime, how many guys would you bet your money on over Tyson?

Edit: I've never said Tyson beats prime Rid**** Bowe

[StarshipTrooper]

But I give most guys a punchers chance at least.

Prime for prime, how many guys would you bet your money on over Tyson?

Seven, with another three being even money fights. Now I'd give Mike chances in all but two of them because, as a general rule, I believe any ATG fighter has is capable of beating any other ATG in a one-off fight (which is why I prefer to use best of 10 in these kind of head-to-head matchups). The only exceptions I make to that are when there's a rare prohibitive style disadvantage which is the case in the two I'm not giving Mike chances in (even then it's still possible for the disadvantaged fighter to win on a cut or an injury for example).

Poet

[StarshipTrooper]

Edit: I've never said Tyson beats prime Rid**** Bowe

Actually I'd favor Tyson over Bowe 6 out of 10 AND over Lewis by the same margin.

Poet

[boxing boy]

This would be a great fight.It would be very close,and could go either way.

But Holmes could beat guys that would KO Tyson,like George Foreman and Sonny Liston.So i would rank Holmes higher.But i believe Joe Frazier would beat Larry Holmes,and Tyson would KO Frazier early.So it is very close.

BTW-Both would beat Joe Louis.So there very,very close head to head and in match-ups with other fighters.

[CarlosG815]

Seven, with another three being even money fights. Now I'd give Mike chances in all but two of them because, as a general rule, I believe any ATG fighter has is capable of beating any other ATG in a one-off fight (which is why I prefer to use best of 10 in these kind of head-to-head matchups). The only exceptions I make to that are when there's a rare prohibitive style disadvantage which is the case in the two I'm not giving Mike chances in (even then it's still possible for the disadvantaged fighter to win on a cut or an injury for example).

Poet

Who are the 2 who Tyson can't beat?

[StarshipTrooper]

Who are the 2 who Tyson can't beat?

Foreman and Liston. HORRIBLE style matchup: One of the very few I would regard as prohibitive. The phrase "styles make fights" is a huge exaggeration but in this case it's one of the rare occasions it's accurate.

Poet

[RINGG]

Holmes would give Tyson so much frustration Tyson would quit or foul him. Buster Douglas was not as good as Holmes on a bad night..

[boxing_great]

Foreman and Liston. HORRIBLE style matchup: One of the very few I would regard as prohibitive. The phrase "styles make fights" is a huge exaggeration but in this case it's one of the rare occasions it's accurate.

Poet

not that I'm dis*****g your claim, but in what way would you think Foreman would beat Tyson?