Tyson vs Lewis Primes

[P4P Opinion]

My point was that there is no evidence to back up your claim that the version of Tyson who had Rooney in his corner couldn't cope with tall fighters with a decent jab.

I'll concede the point. There is also no evidence to support the idea that under Rooney he could cope with a tall World-class fighter with a good jab.

I'm amused by the extremes you get on these forums, some Tyson-worshippers claiming that at his peak (under Rooney) he was the GOAT, and at the other extreme people like you claiming that he wasn't even world class under Rooney. I don't think you'll find a single reputable boxing expert that subscribes to either extreme, most rate him at or around #10 in the ATG heavyweight lists.

I rank him the same. I'm not saying he isn't World-class and I haven't said that. I have said that he didn't beat another World-class fighter, save Larry Holmes who was well past his best.

[Vivid Intent]

Lennox still knocks out a prime Tyson.

[StarshipTrooper]

Lennox still knocks out a prime Tyson.

Pommies

Poet

[-Lowkey-]

people keep going on about PRIME tyson lets face it he lost to buster douglas in his prime

lewis was always better at beating heavyweights who were smaller than himself tyson would have his moments early on but lewis keeps him at bay plays safe untill the 6/7th round then steps up his offence once tyson tires finaly knocking him out anytime after the 10th first rounds verry competitive but lewis's class skill and intelligence win him this the second half of the fight would be one sided

Lewis = best heavyweight of his generation by far
Tyson = biggest hype job of all time

[The Gully Gad]

Lewis is a big bully

He scared to give VK a Zematch

[MickyHatton]

The Tyson that knocked out Spinks crushes any version of Lennox Lewis.

No, sorry cannot agree.

Tyson terrified a blown up Cruiserweight and he froze and was caught early.

IMO Tyson was superb but struggled for obvious reasons against the big box punching heavyweights. Lewis is arguably the best of those sort of Heavyweights therefore I think he would always have beaten Tyson.

[Benny Leonard]

people keep going on about PRIME tyson lets face it he lost to buster douglas in his prime

lewis was always better at beating heavyweights who were smaller than himself tyson would have his moments early on but lewis keeps him at bay plays safe untill the 6/7th round then steps up his offence once tyson tires finaly knocking him out anytime after the 10th first rounds verry competitive but lewis's class skill and intelligence win him this the second half of the fight would be one sided

Lewis = best heavyweight of his generation by far
Tyson = biggest hype job of all time

Let's face it: the only people that continue to bring up the Douglas fight and think that was the same fighter that unified the title are either bias, don't watch boxing, or need to find an optometrist.

Still to lazy at the moment to go into detail of the breakdown of this fight.

Fast summary: Tough fight

[skullduggery]

mike wins this fight within 4 rounds. easy

[BattlingNelson]

Prime Tyson was often devastating against the tall fighters (Biggs, Thomas, Williams) and sometimes somewhat lacklustre (Smith, Tucker). Whatever Tyson showed up however it was always a sure win.

One thing that has to be considered, is the fear-factor. Back in the days of the undefeated Tyson he was regarded as a monster and observers feared for the life of his opponents. The opponents themselves was always if not frightened then at least intimated.

If this match-up includes the 'aura of invincibility' that Tyson had I'd pick him by a mile meaning a likely early KO. If Tyson is known to be beatable it gets tougher to pick the winner, but I'd probably still favour Iron Mike.

My understanding was the Don King managed to get inside Tyson's head and turn him against Rooney/Clayton.

I remember reading once that Rooney said it was "The bitches" that turned Tyson against him and Cayton. "The bitches" were Rooneys words for Robin Givens and Ruth Roper.

[The Gully Gad]

Now thats the truth right there.....