Quote Originally Posted by El Kabong View Post
Quote Originally Posted by rjj tszyu View Post
Hmmmm, if Tua and Byrd are classed as his era, shouldn't Lennoz, Tyson and Evander at least get a mention? When Wlad first held the WBO, Lennox was the WBC and IBF (not to mention linear champ too) and Evander was WBA champ. I think that year 2000 Lennox would have all but killed any version of Wladimir. As for Tyson he'd just made Golota quit around about that time too and I think Tyson vs Wlad at that time would have been an interesting fight but one that Mike would end up KO winner in.

Now I know Wlad has improved a shit load since then and I'd actually pick Wlad to beat any version of Tyson NOW, I just think it's a horrible matchup for Tyson.
Very interesting that you've come to my side of thinking about Tyson vs Wlad. I just figure if Buster Douglas a very hit & miss inconsistent fighter could really hand Tyson a boxing lesson and given Tyson's struggles with Tony Tucker (who had a broken hand) & Lennox Lewis who just manhandled Mike, you've got to figure win or lose it's at the very least "not an easy fight for Tyson". The way Wlad fights on the outside ties up on the inside, uses height, reach, weight, and as athletic as he is, it's hard to see Tyson getting to him with more than one punch at a time which he would need to end the fight.


I would rate Lennox Lewis as the top heavyweight in Wlad's era (bar Wlad himself of course), it's a shame they never fought, but who knows how different things could have panned out. Who knows, if Lewis would have lost perhaps he would be like Evander and still be fighting on, trying to redeem himself.

I think Lamon Brewster should be rated higher. He was a very solid durable fighter and had solid power.

Looking at the fighters you've listed it really makes me think about the fights Wlad could have had: Golota, Ruiz, Liakhovich, Evander Holyfield, Oleg Maskaev, Luan Krasniqi, Nicolay Valuev. There could have been some good fights in that group for Wlad.
I've always questioned Tysons career as he fought no one in his so called invincible prime that really stood a chance IMO. The best 2 names are an almost 40 year old Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks who was no HW to be fair. Buster was too good on the night, would he have been in a rematch? Who knows? Buster was on it that night no doubt, had his mother just died? I'm sure it was something like that!

But as for PRIME Wlad vs Tyson, providing Wlad didn't turn up scared which I doubt, he's never fought anyone with a rep like Tysons so it's hard to be sure, BUT as long as he wasn't scared of Tyson I think he schools Tyson. After the first 3 rounds of Mike charging at him and being jabbed and grabbed, HE WOULD LOSE HEART. That was Tysons biggest enemy, he expected to blow people away and if it didn't happen he just imploded. Also the way Tyson fought wouldn't help him see too many rounds vs Wlad either. It's not like he would take Haye's way and move and stay out of Wlads reach all night. He'd be moving forward bobbing and weaving but Wlads jab is top class and I'd fancy it to gain Mikes respect fast.

On the flipside Wlads chin would give way IF Tyson could get to it CLEAN but that's no easy feat these days especially with someone giving up 8 inches in height and probably the same again in reach. Just a horrible matchup for Tyson IMO.