Pryor by TKO. The Hawk in his time was a phenomenon. Ridiculously active, strong, intense, more angles than the Hope diamond. Tszyu is a great fighter but his power and technique wouldn't be enough for a force of nature.
Pryor has always been a fast starter. Tszyu has become a slower starter as he's gotten old. Pryor would simply stand and trade with the slower Tszyu, make Tszyu back up, and stop him against the ropes in the 6th round.
I don't think Tszyu would know what to do with Aaron. If Pryor pulled that shit he did against Arguello (when he just stood there and pointed at him before the opening bell) Kostya would say to himself, "What the fuck did I just get myself into?" I agree that Pryor might have to pull himself up off the canvas but he proved he can take a good shot and his firepower is simply too much for Tszyu. I think he's one of the more intimidating fighters in boxing history.
I agree, Pryor was one of the best ever in the division - maybe the best....
But so is Kostya ;) . Pryor is one of my all time favs, but there would be a 50%-chance for Kostya, who has more one punch KO power. This and Pryor´s average defense make it an open fight.
this match up gives me a boner! i would take Pryor, just for the fact that the guy smothers everyone he has ever fought, and never stops throwing punches. i think he would wear out Kostya, after getting up off the canvas once or twice. maybe even stop him in the late rounds 11th or 12th......it would truely be a great fight to watch.. this match up in reality is a pick'em, a flip of the coin, it could go either way....good thread..!
Pryor didn't knock anyone out cold.....so I doubt he'd start with someone as excellent & sturdy as Kostya Tszyu (Arguello a little too small & aged at 140).
Pryor would have to fight Tszyu the same way he did Arguello....showing a bunch of different styles.
I'd take Pryor by close decision in a super-tough fight.
Pryor would probably have had to get off the floor to win this one.