How good was a 'prime' tyson?

[SweetPea]

Prime Tyson was a dynamic force who was great to watch. However, I think prime Tyson is also overrated. Was Tyson in his prime one of the 10 best heavyweights ever? Ya. But there are people who claim prime Tyson could have beaten just about any heavyweight in history, and I think those people are nuts.

Tyson was fortunate, in that his prime occurred during a lull in the heavyweight division. His signature wins came over stiffs for the most part, and his big win was over Spinks, who was a great light heavyweight, but not a true top heavyweight. Spinks' claim to fame as a heavyweight was beating an ancient Larry Holmes, and then getting a gift decision in the rematch against an even more ancient Holmes.

If Tyson's prime had occurred several years earlier (when a younger Holmes was still champ) or several years later (after the arrival of Holyfield, Lewis, and Bowe) then I think he would have suffered at least 1 or 2 more losses.

[Spicoli]

Prime Tyson was a dynamic force who was great to watch. However, I think prime Tyson is also overrated. Was Tyson in his prime one of the 10 best heavyweights ever? Ya. But there are people who claim prime Tyson could have beaten just about any heavyweight in history, and I think those people are nuts.

Tyson was fortunate, in that his prime occurred during a lull in the heavyweight division. His signature wins came over stiffs for the most part, and his big win was over Spinks, who was a great light heavyweight, but not a true top heavyweight. Spinks' claim to fame as a heavyweight was beating an ancient Larry Holmes, and then getting a gift decision in the rematch against an even more ancient Holmes.

If Tyson's prime had occurred several years earlier (when a younger Holmes was still champ) or several years later (after the arrival of Holyfield, Lewis, and Bowe) then I think he would have suffered at least 1 or 2 more losses.

Have to agree for the most part as far as Tyson being somewhat overrated.A physical specimen with tremendous weapons in arsenal but has always been a little wanting in mental make-up.He was marketed and pushed well ,capitalized on a tattered Division but to risk a tired cliche.....he did have power & chance to explode on most heavyweights.....In more ways than one .Remember all the discussion and talk of a Tyson/Foreman match up?I actually think Foreman would have TKO'd Tyson at the time and I still believe it.