Joe Louis vs. Mike Tyson

[Brassangel]

I'm on a Tyson kick this week, so I figured I would continue matching him up. Think 1986-1988 Tyson.

I felt like making things saucier for this poll. Everybody voted unanimously for Tyson over Patterson, despite Floyd's skill in the ring. Here we have two different styles, coupled on one side by a brilliant mind, and on the other by a physical freak of nature. Would Louis's brilliant boxing brain figure out how to stem the early tide and frustrate Tyson? Or, would Mike's buzzsaw approach be overwhelming for Louis who sometimes gets off to a slow start? I'm sure this one will be far more heated in discussion. Enjoy!

[MickyHatton]

I think Louis would have been too cultured for Tyson, although they are probably very close in many departments!

[LondonRingRules]

** Love Louis, but the peak Tyson came from another planet and started way too fast for Joe. Tyson by early KO.

[butterfly1964]

tyson ko in the 3rd round.

[Brassangel]

So far the opinions have come from people who pick a young Iron Mike over the Brown Bomber; the poll, however, tells another tale.

My opinions:

Joe Louis had a questionable chin, but he was a very accurate puncher with considerable power. James "Buster" Douglas was similar when he defeated Tyson (ie: accurate, powerful, but weak chin). Mike wouldn't be giving up quite as much of a reach or size advantage, however, which would allow him to get closer. Furthermore, we are assuming that this is Rooney's Tyson, not Don King's.

If Joe Louis could make it through the first 4-5, he might stand a chance. He was certainly one of the smarter fighters in history, but Mike could really apply the pressure to a slow-moving Louis. My prediction: Mike Tyson KO in 4; or, Louis wins in 10. I think it has to happen one drastic way or another.

[butterfly1964]

So far the opinions have come from people who pick a young Iron Mike over the Brown Bomber; the poll, however, tells another tale.

My opinions:

Joe Louis had a questionable chin, but he was a very accurate puncher with considerable power. James "Buster" Douglas was similar when he defeated Tyson (ie: accurate, powerful, but weak chin). Mike wouldn't be giving up quite as much of a reach or size advantage, however, which would allow him to get closer. Furthermore, we are assuming that this is Rooney's Tyson, not Don King's.

If Joe Louis could make it through the first 4-5, he might stand a chance. He was certainly one of the smarter fighters in history, but Mike could really apply the pressure to a slow-moving Louis. My prediction: Mike Tyson KO in 4; or, Louis wins in 10. I think it has to happen one drastic way or another.

yeah, louis wins if he goes the distance, but that is just not happening.

[angelo_dundee]

Mike would just too fast. His hand speed and combo punching in those early years was unbelievable. He'd overwhelm Joe Louis. I see this as similar to a Tyson-Smoke fight, if Mike didnt get Louis out of there early, he may have had problems. But he'd KO Louis, who wasnt esp fast on his feet.

Tyson within 5.

[supaduck]

This thread's posts are almost saying in his prime Tyson was the number 2 heavyweight of all time!

[angelo_dundee]

Mike at his absolute peak was for me inferior as a HW only to Ali and Holmes, both posessing the style of defeat him, and avoid his early barrage.

Other then that, I feel Mikey would tag anyone within 5.

[RockyMarcianofan00]

i'd have to say Louis, Louis would box him and then start bumbarding him with power full Lefts and rights,Mike would dodge them but as soon as this fight got into round 5 tyson would be slowing down and Louis would catch up to tyson in the later rounds and tyson would get ktfo

Louis late round KO

i say ktfo because prime tyson either beat the crap out of somebody else or got really messed up there really is no in between for PRIME tyson
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