I would have to go with Tyson on this. Remember before he derailed he was being groomed to become one of the greatest ever, the Tyson of 86/88 that ruined Berbick and Spinks was amazing.
Great fight this one, but I'd have to lean towards Mike
Tyson had trouble with taller fighters, but 86-88 Tyson would dispose of Bowe pretty quick. During that time he was the most destructive and compact fighter I've ever seen. Bowe wouldn't be able to handle that at any point in his career.
Tyson should be favored but I wouldn't rule out Bowe completely: Bowe had a monster uppercut on the inside and that was something Tyson was always very vulnerable to.
Imagine what Bowe's inside game would do to Grabimir. :lol1:
Bowe could give Tyson hell, decent outside boxing skills, good jab, great workrate, terrific uppercut.
But I just can't get past Bowe's porous defense. Bowe seemed to have a good chin, particularly in the late rounds versus Golota, but it's not like he faced a lot of big punchers. Hide hurt him everytime he landed clean. Holyfield was a solid puncher, not a big one but he could hurt guys with perfect timing (he dropped Ray Fu-king Mercer with a head shot). Holyfield hurt Bowe in the 5th or 6th round in the 2nd fight and almost took him out with one shot in the rubber match.
I have to favor Tyson based on this
The Tyson who had Cus in his corner would've beaten Lennox, Bowe and Douglas. Holyfield and Foreman would've always been tough fights for him due to styles.
Tyson was very inexperienced when Cus was in his corner. He had like 10 pro fights when Cus died.
The Tyson who had Cus in his corner would've beaten Lennox, Bowe and Douglas. Holyfield and Foreman would've always been tough fights for him due to styles.
12y ago
1986-88 Mike Tyson vs. 1992-93 Riddick Bowe | BoxingScene Community