James Toney was a great fighter from 160 to cruiserweight and he even showed some promise at heavyweight. The point is RJJ toyed with him in his prime, and that's not an easy thing to do.


Quote Originally Posted by IamInuit View Post
I don't think that its a given that Ali beats a prime Tyson because he beat Liston or Foreman because Tyson fought nothing like either of them. I think the prime mid eighties Tyson beats both of those guys and believe me I was never a fan of Mike Tyson. Tyson had some of the best footwork of any hev I have ever seen for a crunching stalker and was extremely fast and compact with both hands along with Langford like power from either side. In addition I do not recall better head movement by a heavyweight in boxing history. Both Cooper and Frazier landed a hook that came from the parking lot and dropped him. As good a chin as Ali had, its simply not a given that he could withstand the onslaught.
Foreman would rape Tyson and I'm not so certain Liston wouldn't beat him either. Floyd Patterson had the Tyson style and Ali had what trouble with him

Quote Originally Posted by imp View Post
The first 3-4 rounds would be very risky for ali. Thats why i was not totally convinced it would be a walk in the park for ali.
Ali had a hell of a chin and his legs would be the death of Tyson. Ali would have Tyson chase him and then tie Tyson up and all that would wear Iron Mike down and after 4 rounds of that Mike would be looking for a way out.