Faster hands, Tyson or Ali?

[X]

I don't agree that Tyson was an inside fighter. He actually took a lot of criticism in the early days for not fighting on the inside (watch the Pinklon Thomas first few rounds)

I recall that Tyson used to unload on the way in, not while he was 'in'. Perhaps people think he was an inside fighter because his preferred punching range was inevitably closer than the other guy's because of his much shorter arms. Tyson was actually quite passive on the inside and allowed himself to be held, so the ref could separate them and he could start his approach run again.

[Bill Paxtom]

Faster Hands

#1... Cassius Clay
#2... Mike Tyson
#3... Muhammad Ali

[SlimTrae]

Faster Hands

#1... Cassius Clay
#2... Mike Tyson
#3... Muhammad Ali

Agreed.

[Spicoli]

Have to go Ali early career easy. Much better at varying power going different directions. Tyson had the quick shift and torque with guys knowing the very first may be the last. I'd seriously hate to be hit by Tyson.

[J_Undisputed]

Ali with has the faster hands (Natural ability, reflexes) and tyson had the faster body over all (Through repetition, muscle memory and practice). Tyson's hands look faster at times because after his body head movement go him past the first shot, his punches had a shorter distance to cover.

[Mark TKO]

Ali

[Primo Carnera]

Faster Hands

#1... Cassius Clay
#2... Mike Tyson
#3... Muhammad Ali

Fuck! That must’ve been diffficult for Billy boy to write. #comebackbillallisforgiven.

[Master]

Faster Hands

#1... Cassius Clay
#2... Mike Tyson
#3... Muhammad Ali

Fuck! That must’ve been diffficult for Billy boy to write. #comebackbillallisforgiven.

If you look close enough that is still a sly dig at Ali.

[TitoFan]

I've we're just considering speed of punches.... Ali. If you add the power factor.... Tyson. Sounds obvious, but Tyson had the remarkable ability to throw lightning quick combinations, but with huge power.

[El Kabong]

First off I guess this thread is meant to piss off the most people seeing how there's no more rabid fanbases than Tyson and Ali...both men hanged the moon in the eyes of their fans, God bless them.

I don't agree that Tyson was an inside fighter. He actually took a lot of criticism in the early days for not fighting on the inside (watch the Pinklon Thomas first few rounds)

I recall that Tyson used to unload on the way in, not while he was 'in'. Perhaps people think he was an inside fighter because his preferred punching range was inevitably closer than the other guy's because of his much shorter arms. Tyson was actually quite passive on the inside and allowed himself to be held, so the ref could separate them and he could start his approach run again.

Absolutely agree with X here. Tyson would fly sorties with his attacks....he'd avoid the flak on the way in slipping, bobbing....open the bomb bay doors on his opponent and then either roll out or tie up. He punched from in close (he had to) but he wasn't an "inside fighter" as he'd just try to wear out his opponent once inside, he'd use bullying tactics and try to disturb their guard. Forearm on the throat kind of thing, forehead on the chin, etc. He'd try to get openings for the next sortie so he'd know what to throw hooks or uppercuts or overhand right. His jab wasn't even really to land clean it was to divert attention/move the guard and he'd throw that at odd angles. Instead of straight forward because his reach was so limited Tyson would work in and shoot the jab off from an angle and when he did that he'd also be shifting his feet to get ready to unleash the power punch combinations. So Tyson would bob & weave in, jab at an angle which puts him in defensive ready position just like after a hook, but it also opens up his opponent if they don't turn with Tyson and then it's 2-3 punches and tie up, 1 big punch KO, a couple punches and push off, whatever....but his work on the angles which he had to use due to his stature was extremely impressive.


Ali had faster hands by far...hard to judge how much were on those punches though. I guess that helped him too. Sometimes you expect soft tippy taps and if he just leaned in on one that would really catch a guy off guard.

[Master]

I don't agree that Tyson was an inside fighter. He actually took a lot of criticism in the early days for not fighting on the inside (watch the Pinklon Thomas first few rounds)

I recall that Tyson used to unload on the way in, not while he was 'in'. Perhaps people think he was an inside fighter because his preferred punching range was inevitably closer than the other guy's because of his much shorter arms. Tyson was actually quite passive on the inside and allowed himself to be held, so the ref could separate them and he could start his approach run again.

Rooney use to remind Tyson to fight on the inside. Mike did throw combinations inside ask Bruno.