Would Tyson have defeated a prime Larry Holmes?

[Poet682006]

His first ten rounder vs Tillis?

Not many of Tyson's fights went past six rounds but when they did (Tillis is perfect example of this) Tyson slowed down noticeably in the second half of fights. A good parallel is young George Foreman: Both Tyson and George burned it up on offense so much in the first half of fights that they had little left in the tank for the second half. Against most opponents it didn't matter because the early blitz got them out of there. Against a prime ATG opponent who can survive the early fireworks intact it spells trouble.

Poet

[ROSS CALIFORNIA]

Well, I wouldn't count Mike out so quick. You remember what Shavers did to Holmes. If he had been any good at finishing, he could have got Holmes out of there. Then you have to look at the actual fight between Tyson and Holmes. The layoff in Holmes case, didn't hurt him as much as some of you think, and it showed in the first few rounds. Tyson would have blown him away if it had hurt him that much. That same Holmes beat Mercer and yes it was the same Holmes. In Holmes prime he was a pretty good fighter, but Tyson still could have caught him like he did in their fight. And Tyson was the best finisher. Also, Cus used to sit with Mike and explain to him how to beat Larry Holmes. This is what Jim Jacobs said. I feel Tyson was schooled well on beating Holmes and would have beat Holmes.

[ROSS CALIFORNIA]

Not many of Tyson's fights went past six rounds but when they did (Tillis is perfect example of this) Tyson slowed down noticeably in the second half of fights. A good parallel is young George Foreman: Both Tyson and George burned it up on offense so much in the first half of fights that they had little left in the tank for the second half. Against most opponents it didn't matter because the early blitz got them out of there. Against a prime ATG opponent who can survive the early fireworks intact it spells trouble.

Poet

You are talking about a very young Tyson. The first time he went 10 rounds. Look at the Tucker fight. After a few rounds, he slowed down and fought smart. He didn't slow down when he burned out, he slowed down when he realized this guy was going to be tough. A lot of you guys see a few ESPN classic fights and think you know Tyson now.

[Poet682006]

You are talking about a very young Tyson. The first time he went 10 rounds. Look at the Tucker fight. After a few rounds, he slowed down and fought smart. He didn't slow down when he burned out, he slowed down when he realized this guy was going to be tough. A lot of you guys see a few ESPN classic fights and think you know Tyson now.

Remember Ross, I have Tyson's career set (sans the Sims fight) and have watched them all many times. You're forgetting to whom you speak! :chuckle9:

Poet

[BKM-]

Tyson vs Holmes prime for prime would end in a UD for Tyson I believe. I think Holmes would actually win a lot of rounds but he would taste the canvas a couple of times as he was susceptible to knockdowns(Snipes, Shavers etc.) and that would cost him points. Perhaps in a 15 round fight however he could pull it off. Holmes had the right style but wasn't as good as Ali was at it, so he'd come up short I think.