Ranking Harry Willis Over Mike Tyson, Can It Be Justified?

[katsidis]

And no it cannot be justified

[StarshipTrooper]

This myth of Tyson from 87-88 being the unbeatable GOAT really needs to be put to rest.

Poet

[Sugarj]

This myth of Tyson from 87-88 being the unbeatable GOAT really needs to be put to rest.

Poet

I quite agree, I'd have several above him.

But coming back to the thread, I cant really find an argument for having Wills above Tyson as an ATG heavyweight.

[NChristo]

v Liston? - Tyson

v Liston? - Tyson

Liston is a horrible, horrible match up for Tyson, honestly can't see many scenarios where Tyson would be able to handle a prime Liston.

[SBleeder]

I mean Tyson v Frazier who wins? - Frazier
Tyson v Holmes who wins? - Holmes
Tyson v Bowe? - Tyson
Tyson v Patterson? - Tyson
Tyson v marciano? Could go either way
Tyson v lewis? - Could go either way
v Klitischko? - Vitali wins
v the other klitischko? - Tyson beats Wlad
v Foreman? Foreman easy
v Ali? - Ali (but would you put your life savings on it? I wouldn't bet my life savings on any sporting event where money is at stake, but I'd bet the farm on Ali)
v Liston? - Liston easy
v Joe Louis Louis easy
v Max Bear? - Tyson
v ken Norton? - Tyson, but not an easy fight
v Jack Dempsey? - Could go either way

and lol Tyson v Harry Willis ?? Probably Tyson but Wills was a beast.

[katsidis]

Liston is a horrible, horrible match up for Tyson, honestly can't see many scenarios where Tyson would be able to handle a prime Liston.

Ok maybe I didn't really think that pick through. Now I see it I would pick Liston, bad style matchup for Tyson.

[StarshipTrooper]

I quite agree, I'd have several above him.

But coming back to the thread, I cant really find an argument for having Wills above Tyson as an ATG heavyweight.

I personally have Tyson rated higher than Wills but what bothers me is this attitude of "Oh hell no" regarding even the POSSIBILITY of Wills being better. I have Tyson ranked 10th all-time at Heavyweight and Wills 12th: That isn't much of a difference and it wouldn't take much for them to swap places. Do people even know who Wills is? Or are they just buying into the Tyson myth (the hype-job of the century)?

Poet

[Heavy Bag]

Am not saying I would, but ranking Wills over Tyson can be justified in my opinion.

[Barn]

Another thing that annoys me with Tyson is Spinks is hailed as a great win yet, Haglers win over Hearns as claimed as "calling out smaller fighters so not that impressive."

[Sugarj]

I personally have Tyson rated higher than Wills but what bothers me is this attitude of "Oh hell no" regarding even the POSSIBILITY of Wills being better. I have Tyson ranked 10th all-time at Heavyweight and Wills 12th: That isn't much of a difference and it wouldn't take much for them to swap places. Do people even know who Wills is? Or are they just buying into the Tyson myth (the hype-job of the century)?

Poet

I think its a bit of both. The lack of film on Wills doesn't help.

I must admit I would have Wills lower than 12th. The top 20 places seem to run out very quickly when I start name juggling, but like you I'd have Tyson somewhere in the bottom of the top 10.