Was there any boxer in history more athletic than Mike Tyson?

[El Kabong]

he is easily the the most athletic and fastest cat I have ever seen in football besides "Primetime". I'll never forget that Sugar Bowl when he basically ran through the entire Florida State defense.

Michael Vick while a good "athlete" for whatever that means is a shit QB and when compared to other current and former NFL players his "athletic ability" is somewhat average. Look at Orlando Pace, sure he's not quick or fast or anything flashy but given his size he was extremely athletic, look at Julius Peppers, Javon Kearse, Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, BO JACKSON! There are a number of guys I hold in much higher regard than Vick and that's not only because he's a piece of shit.


As far as boxers go I think athletic ability is only a piece of the puzzle because there have been incredible athletes who have been shit boxers: Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Mark Gastineau, etc etc. The mental/psychological ability to absorb punishment, to inflict punishment, and to be 1 on 1 in dangerous situations and not lose your head is a HUGE part of boxing. That ability to react/act without hesitation under pressure/danger is what seperates the All Time Greats from bums and journeymen....that's a thin line to walk and fighters like Ray Robinson and Ali pushed the envelope to the extreme with their styles of fighting.

[X]

I think some people are confusing natural athleticism with boxing ability?

Tyson was a true monster, but he wasn't a natural athlete ..... he was a fat kid, short arms and legs and not too much natural rythmn. Great hand/eye cordination and very well trained at the start of his career.

I think Ali was a better athlete - he had poor technique, no big punch but he was blessed with an abundance of natural gifts. Lennox Lewis' athleticism allowed him to overcome many of his faults ..... same with Roy Jones, once he deteriorated physically, he didnt have much left.

We've got really short memories ...... Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries were fabulous athletes. To get into their physical condition, to get to their size strength and also to read about their statistics (Jeffries was a 60 yard dash champion) shows how naturally gifted they were in an era when training/diet/conditionaing were almost unheard of.

Dont forget that natural athleticism wont always make you a good fighter, there are some wonderful physical specimens who end up being rubbish fighters as well.