Fights that would have had a different outcome if both fighters were in their prime.
I’ll go Hagler v Leonard and Tyson v Hollyfield.
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Boxing
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Whilst 'off-topic' means all non-football topics can be discussed. This is not a free for all. Rights to this area of the forum aren't implicit, and illegal, defamator, spammy or absuive topics will be removed, with the protagonist's sanctioned.
Whilst 'off-topic' means all non-football topics can be discussed. This is not a free for all. Rights to this area of the forum aren't implicit, and illegal, defamator, spammy or absuive topics will be removed, with the protagonist's sanctioned.
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southbankbornnbred
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Re: Boxing
I do think Tyson’s record and reputation is talked-up a little. But he did beat some decent heavyweights.
He beat Holmes convincingly, albeit a long-retired version of Larry Holmes. But he also beat Tucker (previously undefeated) and Bonecrusher Smith, both of whom were canny, tough fuckers who knew their way around the ring.
Do agree that he made a slightly inflated reputation out of battering average champions (by historical standards) in the 80s. But it was enjoyable and exciting to watch! He cleaned up the division and brought audiences back. For a few years, at least.
Did some sparring for a few years in my 20s and 30s (mostly kickboxing, bit of boxing), and have huge respect for anybody who climbs into a ring. Your soul is fucking exposed in there.
He beat Holmes convincingly, albeit a long-retired version of Larry Holmes. But he also beat Tucker (previously undefeated) and Bonecrusher Smith, both of whom were canny, tough fuckers who knew their way around the ring.
Do agree that he made a slightly inflated reputation out of battering average champions (by historical standards) in the 80s. But it was enjoyable and exciting to watch! He cleaned up the division and brought audiences back. For a few years, at least.
Did some sparring for a few years in my 20s and 30s (mostly kickboxing, bit of boxing), and have huge respect for anybody who climbs into a ring. Your soul is fucking exposed in there.
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Massive Attack
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Re: Boxing
Tyson wouldn't stand a chance with Usyk. Wouldn't be able to catch him with his footwork.
Re: Boxing
Council Scum" wrote: ↑13 Oct 2025, 09:15 Prime Tyson is a myth for Fanboys only. Tyson was a bully, Holyfield was one of the hardest men to ever put on a pair of gloves.
Leonard beats any version of Hagler, Christ Leonard had fought once in 5 years and Hagler hadn't lost in 11 years, if anyone wasn't in their prime its Leonard.
Holmes destroys Tyson in his prime if you want a proper example.
SRL best pound for pound boxer for me. Tyson was a brawler. Put him in the ring with a technically better boxer with a decent chin i.e, Holyfield and he was out classed,
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Massive Attack
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Re: Boxing
He got beat up by Buster Douglas and couldn't hold a candle to either Holyfield or Lewis.
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Council Scum
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Re: Boxing
Mr Anon" wrote: ↑13 Oct 2025, 11:14Council Scum" wrote: ↑13 Oct 2025, 09:15 Prime Tyson is a myth for Fanboys only. Tyson was a bully, Holyfield was one of the hardest men to ever put on a pair of gloves.
Leonard beats any version of Hagler, Christ Leonard had fought once in 5 years and Hagler hadn't lost in 11 years, if anyone wasn't in their prime its Leonard.
Holmes destroys Tyson in his prime if you want a proper example.incredibly unfair in Tyson IMO, he was technically great too, especially defensively, he destroyed almost everyone, Ali lost in his prime too
When Ali was in his prime he was denied the right to fight for 3 years, we never got to see Ali in his true prime.
Tyson beat who, who did he beat that was worthy of ranking in a whose who of boxing? Where is his Fraser, his Foreman, his Liston? He doesn't even have Norton on his list. and Holmes would have toyed with him in his prime.
Tyson beat a load of bums, His pro debut was against a middleweight. Biggest myth in boxing.
Tyson beat who, who did he beat that was worthy of ranking in a whose who of boxing? Where is his Fraser, his Foreman, his Liston? He doesn't even have Norton on his list. and Holmes would have toyed with him in his prime.
Tyson beat a load of bums, His pro debut was against a middleweight. Biggest myth in boxing.
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Massive Attack
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Re: Boxing
Council Scum" wrote: ↑13 Oct 2025, 09:15 Prime Tyson is a myth for Fanboys only. Tyson was a bully, Holyfield was one of the hardest men to ever put on a pair of gloves.
Leonard beats any version of Hagler, Christ Leonard had fought once in 5 years and Hagler hadn't lost in 11 years, if anyone wasn't in their prime its Leonard.
Holmes destroys Tyson in his prime if you want a proper example.
Agreed. Tyson was good for a spell but overrated overall up against the very best.
Re: Boxing
Mr Anon" wrote: ↑13 Oct 2025, 11:14Council Scum" wrote: ↑13 Oct 2025, 09:15 Prime Tyson is a myth for Fanboys only. Tyson was a bully, Holyfield was one of the hardest men to ever put on a pair of gloves.
Leonard beats any version of Hagler, Christ Leonard had fought once in 5 years and Hagler hadn't lost in 11 years, if anyone wasn't in their prime its Leonard.
Holmes destroys Tyson in his prime if you want a proper example.incredibly unfair on Tyson IMO, he was technically great too, especially defensively, he destroyed almost everyone, Ali lost in his prime too
Re: Boxing
Council Scum" wrote: ↑13 Oct 2025, 09:15 Prime Tyson is a myth for Fanboys only. Tyson was a bully, Holyfield was one of the hardest men to ever put on a pair of gloves.
Leonard beats any version of Hagler, Christ Leonard had fought once in 5 years and Hagler hadn't lost in 11 years, if anyone wasn't in their prime its Leonard.
Holmes destroys Tyson in his prime if you want a proper example.
incredibly unfair in Tyson IMO, he was technically great too, especially defensively, he destroyed almost everyone, Ali lost in his prime too
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John Drake
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Re: Boxing
The problem with taking too many blows to the head is that it makes it impossible to distinguish between the Football Forum and Off Topic threads
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Council Scum
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Re: Boxing
Prime Tyson is a myth for Fanboys only. Tyson was a bully, Holyfield was one of the hardest men to ever put on a pair of gloves.
Leonard beats any version of Hagler, Christ Leonard had fought once in 5 years and Hagler hadn't lost in 11 years, if anyone wasn't in their prime its Leonard.
Holmes destroys Tyson in his prime if you want a proper example.
Leonard beats any version of Hagler, Christ Leonard had fought once in 5 years and Hagler hadn't lost in 11 years, if anyone wasn't in their prime its Leonard.
Holmes destroys Tyson in his prime if you want a proper example.
Re: Boxing
Not sure the outcomes would have been different but would certainly have been interesting to have seen Lewis against a prime Tyson and Nigel Benn at his best in the two fights against Steve Collins. That goes for Eubank as well to be fair.