Vladimir Klitschko really this good or just bad contenders??

[El Kabong]

Tyson seemed to be on top of his game when his opponent was either in full retreat/scared to engage or just looking to mix it up....I don't think that Tyson ever fought anyone (until Douglas, Holyfield, and Lewis) looking to protect themselves AND do damage it was usually one or the other. Wlad would NEVER come right out of the gate and jump all over Tyson and try to knock him out, he would set up the jab, make Tyson chase him a bit, lean on him, wear him down, drop the right cross in and once that found a home it would just be a matter of time before Tyson's Plan A wilted and he would be left with Hail Mary type bombs as his saving grace and I doubt those would work (given Wlad fights that plan to a T)

[rjj tszyu]

Tyson seemed to be on top of his game when his opponent was either in full retreat/scared to engage or just looking to mix it up....I don't think that Tyson ever fought anyone (until Douglas, Holyfield, and Lewis) looking to protect themselves AND do damage it was usually one or the other. Wlad would NEVER come right out of the gate and jump all over Tyson and try to knock him out, he would set up the jab, make Tyson chase him a bit, lean on him, wear him down, drop the right cross in and once that found a home it would just be a matter of time before Tyson's Plan A wilted and he would be left with Hail Mary type bombs as his saving grace and I doubt those would work (given Wlad fights that plan to a T)

I don't think it was that they weren't trying to protect themselves and do damage, I think Tysons power and speed was too much for them to handle until he run into Douglas, remember he didn't really have much in the way of class opponents in the 80's especially. In fact Tyson's biggest win was probably either an old Holmes or a very out of his depth Michael Spinks.

As for the Douglas fight though Tyson looked very sluggish and out of shape to me and had there been a rematch I would have gone for an early demolition for Tyson.

Wlad though for me, would be worried about the reputation of Tyson and I also think the combination of power and speed from Tyson would cause Wlad fits. Also I think Tyson's early days head movement would be the ideal way to get past the admittedly very good jab of Klitschko and once he got past that I only see a Tyson KO.

If though he could control the fight with his jab and hold Tyson every time he did get inside, a bit like Ferguson did and take it past say the 8th round then I wouldn't be surprised by a Wlad KO.

My money would be on Tyson KO though.

[El Kabong]

A thing that Wlad does that really negates any retaliation from him missing a jab is that he'll circle out of danger with his left arm extended thereby keeping his opponents usually out of range and simultaneously using it to measure for his own right cross......I think if Wlad was able to use that effectively against Tyson then it would only be a matter of time before Wlad took him out. But I do see your points....I don't know if Wlad would be bothered by Tyson's reputation so much as the early pressure and danger Tyson would present to him.

[rjj tszyu]

A thing that Wlad does that really negates any retaliation from him missing a jab is that he'll circle out of danger with his left arm extended thereby keeping his opponents usually out of range and simultaneously using it to measure for his own right cross......I think if Wlad was able to use that effectively against Tyson then it would only be a matter of time before Wlad took him out. But I do see your points....I don't know if Wlad would be bothered by Tyson's reputation so much as the early pressure and danger Tyson would present to him.

The reason I feel he would be bothered about Tysons rep is basically because his style since being KO'd has become quite negative anyway obviously due to the fact he knows his chin isn't great now. Well Tyson made people fight like that anyway and I just feel everyone Tyson fought other than Holyfield felt some intimidation and I feel Wlad would also. This might actually be a good thing for Wlad in this matchup though to be honest.

[0james0]

Which then leads on to, when was Wlad's prime? Pre being knocked out, or after?

I personally think his style developed into much of what it is now after the losses and he is a far better fighter because of it. So I would say he is in his prime now (Wlad that is)

However, the more cautious approach I think would favour Tyson as he would eventually get through that big long outstretched arm being held in his face.

Pre losses, I think it would have been even easier for Tyson as the defence just wasn't as good as it is now, he was troubled far more often than he ever is now. Quality of opponents maybe?

Vitali slightly different as I don't think he has the fear factor in him still, the guy is yet to be beat (injury & cut stoppage when winning on cards doesn't really count) so doesn't fear being knocked out as much, maybe he learnt from his younger brothers mistakes.