Quote Originally Posted by liquid
Tyson would have crushed Louis in 3. Louis was too small; remember the heavyweight of his day was much smaller than in more recent years. Louis didn't have Tyson's speed or his power.

And Tyson was in his prime, but in improper physical condition and lacking the right people in his corner when he lost to Douglas and Holyfield the first time. His fault for not taking them seriously, but had he Douglas would have been crushed and Holyfield would have had more trouble than he did. I still say both fighters should have been fined or whatever for the 2nd. Holyfield and that '3rd punch' of his...
The size difference is kinda irrelevent really. Better diet and nutrition and improved living standards mean people generally are bigger and taller today.

If Joe Louis was born in the late 60's like Tyson he would probably have been slightly larger and if Tyson had been born in the early part of the 20th century like Louis he would likely be a fair bit smaller.

It's a close one to call for me. Tyson looked absolutely awesome against lesser men but he never looked great against a great fighter even once in his entire career.

Louis was a great champion but I feel slightly overrated. I can't imagine Lennox Lewis or George Forman for example having any trouble with Billy Conn and he did get dropped a few times in his career.

I'd go with a prime Tyson knocking him out early but if Louis survived the first 6 he very well may have stopped Tyson.

Would have been a great fight though.