Who ya got? I love Joe but I probably would have gone with Iron Mike. According to Grok: Prime Joe Frazier vs. prime Mike Tyson is a fascinating hypothetical matchup, as both were ferocious heavyweights with distinct styles. Let’s break it down:Joe Frazier (circa 1970-1973): Strengths: Relentless pressure, devastating left hook, exceptional stamina, and durability. Frazier’s bob-and-weave style made him hard to hit cleanly, and he thrived in close-quarters brawls. His wins over Muhammad Ali (1971) and his ability to absorb punishment (e.g., against George Foreman) showcase his toughness. Weaknesses: Susceptible to tall, rangy fighters with strong jabs (like Foreman). His style relied on taking punches to land his own, which could be risky against a power puncher like Tyson. Mike Tyson (circa 1986-1989): Strengths: Explosive power, blistering hand speed, and devastating combinations. Tyson’s peek-a-boo style, similar to Frazier’s, allowed him to close distance quickly and unleash ferocious punches. His ability to finish fights early (28 of his first 37 fights ended in the first three rounds) made him a terror. Weaknesses: Less tested against elite pressure fighters like Frazier. His stamina in longer fights was questionable (e.g., struggles against Holyfield later), and he could be rattled by opponents who didn’t fear him. Head-to-Head Analysis: Style Clash: Both fighters used a similar crouching, forward-moving style, but Tyson’s speed and power gave him an edge in early exchanges. Frazier’s durability and relentless pace could wear Tyson down if the fight went past six rounds. Power vs. Durability: Tyson’s knockout power is legendary, but Frazier took bombs from Foreman and Ali and kept coming. Frazier’s chin might hold up against Tyson’s onslaught, though Tyson’s precision could find openings. Mental Edge: Tyson intimidated most opponents, but Frazier’s fearless mentality (he fought Ali three times without backing down) suggests he wouldn’t be psyched out. Stamina: Frazier’s conditioning was elite; he could maintain pressure for 15 rounds. Tyson rarely went past 10 rounds in his prime, and his performance dipped in longer fights. Best Two Out of Three: Fight 1: Tyson’s speed and power likely overwhelm Frazier early, leading to a stoppage in rounds 3-5. Frazier’s aggressive style plays into Tyson’s hands before he can grind Tyson down. Fight 2: Frazier adjusts, using his experience to survive the early storm. His relentless pressure and left hook start landing as Tyson tires, potentially leading to a late stoppage or decision win for Frazier (rounds 8-12). Fight 3: The deciding fight hinges on Tyson’s ability to end it early vs. Frazier’s durability and pace. If Tyson lands clean, he could repeat Fight 1. However, Frazier’s ability to adapt (as seen in his Ali trilogy) and punish a fading Tyson gives him a slight edge in a grueling decision or late TKO. Verdict: In a best-of-three series, Joe Frazier likely takes two out of three (winning Fight 2 and Fight 3). His durability, stamina, and ability to exploit Tyson’s later-round vulnerabilities outweigh Tyson’s early explosiveness over multiple fights. However, it’s razor-close, and Tyson could easily steal one or both with a knockout if Frazier’s defense slips.
I ask the question (because I certainly don’t know)…. Grew up watching Tyson. And at his peak he would absolutely destroy opponents. Holyfield was a challenge, but was Tyson still in his prime? (Was Holyfield in his?) But here is my question? Did Tyson have to run through as many elite opponents as Frazier? Maybe he did. Spinks was on the decline. Larry Holmes, same.
I ll take Frazier as he actually has wins against elite fighters. Whats Mikes biggest win. He lost to every legit fighter he fought.
IMO, Mike was a relentless bull at a time when there really wasn't anyone to test his skills. Intimidation was a HUGE asset for him. I would put Holyfield in the discussion as to a "quality" champion whose time was just plain bad for evaluating. After these guys, the sport has pretty much gone away and MMA has taken over. Methinks for not good reasons, but that is just me. Anyways, I realize that Frazier was beaten to a pulp by a similar brute in Foreman, but still, I think Foreman was a much better boxer in his prime than Tyson. Maybe in a single fight Tyson would have surprised Frazier and then he would have realized Tyson's schtick. And then he would win the next two fights. Tyson was quite good entertainment, just not that good of a technical boxer.
Marvin Hagler was a class act all the way. They flat out robbed him of his belt against Leonard. That Hagler -Hearns fight was the best 3 rounds of boxing you’ll ever see. As for heavyweights, Smokin Joe was my man. I would have loved to see him take down Tyson if that mythical fight ever happened. Loved Foreman from the Olympics on too.
I think the OP analysis is damn good. I think Frazier would take 2 of 3. He had better skills, more experience, and wasn’t intimidated by anyone. There is only one thing about this discussion that we know for sure as fact; it would have been hellaciously fun to watch the two fight.
Tyson was very good when he was trained by Cus D’Amato and later Kevin Rooney, as well as managed by Jimmy Jacobs. Jacobs had a very large collection of fight films dating back to the early 20th century and they would watch and learn about the greats in all weight classes. Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano as well as Harry Greb, Mickey Walker and Sugar Ray Robinson. But Cus died and so did Jacobs. Enter sleaze bag Don King. That was the downfall of Tyson. When Tyson lost the title to Buster Douglass, he had inexperienced friends as his corner men. A big example was the ridiculous use of a water filled balloon to reduce swelling around the eyes instead of a traditional enswell. It did not help that Tyson was not training well (Robin Givens) and paid little attention to Rooney. That being said, Tyson over Frazier.
Frazier fought better competition and he had a slight height and reach advantage. It would certainly be an intriguing match up but, my money would be on Smoking Joe.
Frank Bruno and Razor Ruddock. I'd have to say that's the two best fighters that Tyson ever beat and who in the hell are they but some very good contenders.
Frazier beat Ali the first time and knocked him down in a 15 rd fight. Yes, Ali was coming back from suspension. Second fight was a decision for Ali, but very close. 3rd, the Manila, Frazier's corner threw in towel after 14....why? Joe was always blind in one eye, legally blind. One good eye was closing so the corner knew he would be 95-100% blind in 15th. It likely would have been a decision for Ali. Joe vs Forman was a fight of mismatched styles. George was too big and could push a fighter like Joe away and land upper cuts. But in his prime, Joe beat Ali, Buster Mathis (who should have been the Olympic USA rep). Joe beat a lot of top contenders, Oscar Bonavena, George Chuvalo (who nobody could knock down), Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis, Joe Bugner, et al. Tyson had that similar style of getting close. But who were the top contenders? Did he fight Riddick Bowe who was 43-1 in his heavy weight career, no. How about Lennox Lewis? Frank Bruno pooped (joke) when he got in ring and looked into Mike's eyes (see the fight intro, he looks scared). Evander was a almost great fighter, but not quite. Buster Douglas got Mike at the wrong time for Mike. Yep, celebs and boxers make for bad mojo and losses. I have a Smokin Joe Frazier tee I wear to gym. So I have to go with Joe. Plus he never served time. As to Hearns and Hagler. Hearns broke his hand in Round 1. Watch fight. But I still loved Tommy, met him in New Orleans walking down the street, nice guy to just stand and chat about past and up coming fight he had with Wilfredo Benitez. Hagler was better though. Left handed, right handed, boxer, counter puncher, heavy hands, over all the Most Disrespected fighter of all. IMHO, he won the fight vs Leonard. He was the Best of the Four Kings (Duran, Hagler, Leonard, and Hearns). Have that tee shirt too. The upcoming Crawford-Canelo fight should be interesting. BTW- O. Usyk is one Great Fighter. Best massive Tyson Fury 2x. That guy can box and get inside. May go down as one of the greatest heavy weights of all time.
