Mike Tyson Dwarfed By Ali, Foreman, Holmes, Liston Head To Head
"Scarlet Pimpernel' Frank Warren on historical ring target
Frankly speaking, Frank Warren is on target when he opines about how Mike Tyson lines up against other heavyweight greats.
I’m not so sure about so certain about Smokin’ Joe Frazier as a quick fisted, elusive young (pre James “Buster” Douglas) Iron Mike may have been too much for the predictable Frazier. On the other hand, if Frazier landed his patented left hook(s),it could have been a KO victory over Tyson.
Not only do I corroborate Warren’s analysis, I go a step further and here Douglas is a benchmark and a historical hurdle.
Although Don King scrambled like Donald Trump trying to reverse election results, there was never any serious effort to make a grudge rematch between Douglas and Tyson. Of course, Douglas feasted like Porky Pig and got thumped by mandatory challenger Evander Holyfield but the revenge rematch still could’ve been put together.
At his best, the son of journeyman middleweight Billy “Dynamite” Douglas (did you know his manager, cornerman was Bruce Trampler, now the longtime Top Rank matchmaker?), was a run of the mill contender.
For that matter, King and Tyson steered way clear of Big George Foreman even after they shared main event status one night at Caesars Palace.
Tyson never pounded the table to avenge his humiliating loss to the Ohioan or to square off with menacing Minister Foreman. Puppeteer King was as quiet as a Tibetan monk.
That said, here’s Tyson vs. The Greats:
LARRY HOLMES: His “Big Jack’ jabs carry him to a decision over Brooklyn Mike.
MUHAMMAD ALI: Better hand speed, footwork no contest, better chin also. The word “flummoxed” comes to mind. ALI TKO 8.
JOE FRAZIER: Controversial split decision win for Tyson, Frazier down once and Mike decked twice.
REV. FOREMAN: Early on, Tyson dominates but then the Big Fella gets into high gear. Foreman by KO 11.
SONNY LISTON: Not the bursitis-ridden geriatric humbled twice by Ali but more like the Big Ugly Bear who twice polished off Cus D”Amato protégé Floyd Patterson. Rollicking fight with good two way action and decision goes to Mister Charles.
The bottom line is that Tyson was sensational but not long lasting.
Tyson was a meteor flying high but crashing back to earth (in Japan).
Can you picture Holmes, Ali, Frazier, Foreman or Liston getting beat by Douglas? I simply cannot.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)