Foreman (1994) vs Tyson (1996)

[Sweet Science]

Put the Tyson that beat Frank Bruno in 1996 in the ring with the Foreman that beat Moorer in 1994.

In their respective second incarnations I have always thought that Foreman would have beaten Tyson by late knockout. Though I have yet to speak to anyone who agrees with me on this.

What do you think? Who would win and why?

[bigG]

i agree.....i dont think tyson would have troubled big georges chin, his defence and ring savvy would have been to much....i think he would have wore tyson down with big powerful jabs and exhausted him in the clinches by his sheer bulk pressing down...a relentless charge in rounds 7 thru 10 see foreman winning by ko in the tenth with mikey eating big uppercuts on the inside....in my opinion, tysons style and size were made for big george and george wins 9 times out of ten.......

[Sweet Science]

i agree.....i dont think tyson would have troubled big georges chin, his defence and ring savvy would have been to much....i think he would have wore tyson down with big powerful jabs and exhausted him in the clinches by his sheer bulk pressing down...a relentless charge in rounds 7 thru 10 see foreman winning by ko in the tenth with mikey eating big uppercuts on the inside....in my opinion, tysons style and size were made for big george and george wins 9 times out of ten.......

Excellent, you're the 1st person to agree with me on this. You're explanation of how Foreman would win and how the fight would play out is pretty much identical to how I see it.

Everyone I've ever told about my opinion on this refuse's to believe.

Infact, before Foreman beat Moorer people would laugh & thought I was crazy for thinking old George would KO Tyson!

[Holmes' Jab]

A '96 version Tyson give Holyfield (a better 'boxer' than Foreman) trouble early on (a vintage fifth round) before his lack of proper fitness preparation told (he was basically tired, just past the mid-rounds).

Evander weathered the initial onslaught and took over with a boxing masterclass, but I have definite doubts whether the older, more pondorous, snail-slow Foreman would. A short time ago I picked a peak Tyson to beat a peak Foreman, I'll also pick Tyson to take this one. If a shakey chinned Moorer could outbox mid 90's Foreman (before getting suckered), then Mikey certainly could.

Tyson by clear decision. :good

[ironchamp]

A '96 version Tyson give Holyfield (a better 'boxer' than Foreman) trouble early on (a vintage fifth round) before his lack of proper fitness preparation told (he was basically tired, just past the mid-rounds).

Evander weathered the initial onslaught and took over with a boxing masterclass, but I have definite doubts whether the older, more pondorous, snail-slow Foreman would. A short time ago I picked a peak Tyson to beat a peak Foreman, I'll also pick Tyson to take this one. If a shakey chinned Moorer could outbox mid 90's Foreman (before getting suckered), then Mikey certainly could.

Tyson by clear decision. :good

Agreed. Foreman in his second career isnt the fighter some are making him out to be. The best fighter he beat was Micheal Moorer and that was a fighter who was right in front of him and beating him up for 9 rounds before he got caught and stopped. In fact during the fight Larry Merchant and Jim Lampley went as far as questioning his power because Michael Moorer fought with little regard for it. He didnt move around use lateral movement to get out of the way he fought him like he was an average puncher and his overconfidence allowed George to win that fight. Tyson's physicalities and athleticism would overwhelm George. Tyson stops in pretty dominating fashion.

[Sweet Science]

Tyson stops in pretty dominating fashion.

Unlikely

The only time Foreman was ever stopped was over 30 years ago, and that was against the Greatest Heavyweight of all time. In unusual circumstances and an alien environment.

[hobgoblin]

Unlikely

The only time Foreman was ever stopped was over 30 years ago, and that was against the Greatest Heavyweight of all time. In unusual circumstances and an alien environment.

1996 Tyson may not have been as a good of a boxer as his vintage self, but he was still a force to be wreckoned with and a amazing puncher with his speed intact (he lost that after second lay off). You're speaking as if Foreman has the speed of 73 - he doesn't. Landing uppercuts left and right (or punches in general) against someone as FAST as Tyson isn't going to be easy for the OLD MAN. He's too slow to catch up to Tyson's reflexes. 73' Landing rights repeatedly? Are you kidding - Foreman could hit with him with but Tyson would be escape quickly. Tyson could get tagged against MASTER BOXERS with SPEED like Douglas (yep) or Holy who used those two to win.

Foreman would be too slow to avoid the lunging right hands of Mike Tyson. Amazing hand speed. The Old Man would take a bad beating against the greatest puncher he ever faced, would not be able to land a lucky punch against granite chinned Tyson, his old age despite stylistic advantage would not allow him to evade Tyson's punches. Larry Holmes was never stopped either - but if you're going to take ANCIENT Foreman and put him in with Tyson - he's in trouble. It'd be humiliating for Foreman.

Tyson would be too fast and Old George wouldn't have the speed or vigor to keep up with it. Don't kid yourself. Since when did Foreman get this reputation for being so good against swarmers? The slow starting, one armed blind Joe Frazier? Tyson was completely different for the worse and for the better.

Foreman has his moments but gets humilated against a fierce Mike Tyson. This is not necessarily a great achievment for Tyson - as this fight should not take place. What a pathetic myth - since when did Foreman beat top fighters in his comeback? This would be no different. You guys talk about beating Tyson mentally - that can help but the beating takes place in the ring. Douglas, Holyfield, and Lewis had to do it in the ring! Douglas and Holyfield had to sustain monster punches from Tyson to win - it wasn't so easy as "mentally" beating him, even though Holy had Tyson intimidated in fight 2.

[ChrisPontius]

Foreman in his second career was pretty average who, in my opinion, was somewhat lucky to become linear heavyweight champion again. His record against ranked opposition is average and he had very close fights against average fighters like Schulz, Stewart and Savarese. Foremans chin and heart did stand out, though.

While Tyson was past his best in 1996, contrary to most, i think he was still one hell of a fighter. And i see nothing on Foremans second career record or ability on film that suggests he could beat Tyson. He is simply too slow and Tyson won't go down as easily as Moorer. I expect him to lose a lopsided decision just like he did against Holyfield.

[ironchamp]

Unlikely

The only time Foreman was ever stopped was over 30 years ago, and that was against the Greatest Heavyweight of all time. In unusual circumstances and an alien environment.

That doesnt meant that he cannot be stopped. Especially at the age of 45. Put it this way if Larry Holmes never fought Mike Tyson there would be people who would go to thier graves saying that Larry Holmes could never be Knocked out. The reality is of course that its possible.

Foreman could have and would have been KO'd had he fought, Tyson, Lewis and possibly Bowe in 1994

[bigG]

yes formeman was slow, yes, a bit predictable...but i honestly dont think tyson would have hurt him......i dont think THAT incarnation of tyson, who, as you rightly say, was still one hell of a fighter, had the workrate or work ethic that holyfield did.....i reckon after a pretty brutal and succesful 3 or 4 rounds, tyson slows down when he realises that the he aint gonna stop the old geezer from trundling forward....once his perpetual motion offence slows down, big george would control the pace of the fight...and the style of the fight...it would become a war of attrition with the immensley powerful george manhandling tyson around thru rounds 5-10 with the real possibility of an upset ko in that very round....tyson has always been susceptible to the big honey punch upercut and george rarely missed when he threw these.....i aint sayin its a walk in the park for either man, but i really do think AT THAT POINT big george would have burst tysons bubble....

[Shareef]

Tyson would win in my opinion. The Mike Tyson that fought Bruno in my opinion was the best version of Tyson that we saw after Prison. He was very motivated for that fight and wanted to get his title back. His speed was good and he put on lots of pressure on Bruno and took him out in 3 rounds. I was impressed by Tyson's performance against Bruno. It was this performance that convinced many people that Tyson was back. I remember Freddie Pachecho repeatedly claiming "He is back". This version of Tyson was in my opinion alot more formiddle than the version who fought Holyfield later in the year because he was up for the fight and very determined where as in the 1st Holy Tyson assumed he would just blast through Holy who was seen as a easy fight thus his preparation wasn't good enough to deal with Evander. Therefore we will have to assume the 96 Tyson who fought Bruno would be very determined if he were to face off against Foreman. Also 94 Foreman was done he just got lucky against Moorer who was schooling him prior to the lucky punch. A prime for prime Tyson vs. Foreman i might favour Foreman though.

[AnthonyJ74]

A '96 version Tyson give Holyfield (a better 'boxer' than Foreman) trouble early on (a vintage fifth round) before his lack of proper fitness preparation told (he was basically tired, just past the mid-rounds).

Evander weathered the initial onslaught and took over with a boxing masterclass, but I have definite doubts whether the older, more pondorous, snail-slow Foreman would. A short time ago I picked a peak Tyson to beat a peak Foreman, I'll also pick Tyson to take this one. If a shakey chinned Moorer could outbox mid 90's Foreman (before getting suckered), then Mikey certainly could.

Tyson by clear decision. :good

I agree with your assessment of this fight. To me, Foreman would just be too slow and ponderous to beat Tyson at any stage. The Tyson of 1996 was still a very good fighter; he wasn't as good as the 1988 version, but good he still was. I think Foreman would have trouble landing cleanly on Tyson; he'd pop Tyson with the jab periodically, and I'm sure he'd tag Tyson with a big shot or two down the stretch, but George wouldn't be fast enough or busy enough to seriously threaten Tyson. At best George would land one punch at a time, but Tyson's chin was much more solid than was Moorer's chin, so I doubt that we'd see a quick, out of nowhere punch that would put Tyson on the mat. Tyson was much faster than George, probably had the punching power edge at that point, and would definately be a rough assignment for George Foreman. Tyson by unanimous decison or late rounds stoppage.

[AnthonyJ74]

Unlikely

The only time Foreman was ever stopped was over 30 years ago, and that was against the Greatest Heavyweight of all time. In unusual circumstances and an alien environment.

True, but if two rounds in the Holyfield/Foreman fight were a little longer, that statistic might need revising.

[torchkit]

Unlikely

The only time Foreman was ever stopped was over 30 years ago, and that was against the Greatest Heavyweight of all time.Foreman fought Joe Lewis 30 years ago? :D

[hobgoblin]

.but i honestly dont think tyson would have hurt him......i dont think THAT incarnation of tyson, who, as you rightly say, was still one hell of a fighter, had the workrate or work ethic that holyfield did

tyson would be the best puncher foreman ever faced ; the combination of speed and power at which the punches came would really wobble foreman - muhammad ali's speed alone wobbled foreman (i do believe this comparison is valid) and tyson's lunging right like the one he landed on holyfield in 1996 had that description. foreman can handle raw power but i'm not sure about raw power with blinding speed. tyson's straight right would be better than lyle's punches.

you notice that fighters react differently to different kinds of punches. ali has always been dropped by the left hook despite taking right hands more powerful ; foreman wouldn't not react as well to tyson's right as he did with frazier.

can't compare holy to tyson - holy's punches are not powerful enough - you can't handle 25 straight punches of tyson's as you can of holy. just 3 or 4 brutal rounds will be enough to end it. has larry holmes EVER been stopped in FOUR rounds?

[DocDevil]

Holyfield had Foreman ready to go. Tyson would have stopped him. His power wouldn't be tossing Foreman around, but it would be landing heavy and sudden on the slowish Foreman.


Foremn wanted no part of Tyson or Lewis. He admits it

Read a piece by Don King and his camp saying Tyson wanted no part of old George,with Tyson telling King "if you want a fight with that f-n animal,you fight him".As far as George saying he wanted no part of Lewis or Tyson,George is very polite and complimentary about every fighter you ask him about.

[JohnBKelly]

The Bruno that fought Tyson in 96 was scared shitless. I don't think Mike's Don King organised title wins post prison hold too much water. Bruno and Seldon performed abjectly against Tyson. I really don't see Foreman being anything like as weak as those two.

[Sonny's jab]

Tyson could win but he'd have to box and use variety. If he just storms in hoping to slug Foreman out quick he'd be in danger of taking a battering.

Tyson can be pushed back by someone as big and strong and brutish as Foreman, and he's probably more susceptible to the uppercut than to any other punch. He can avoid Foreman's jab, and he wants to.
If Tyson is complacent at all here, Foreman manhandles him and places him in line for an uppercut or two that could possibly spell the end for the Tyson of '96.

By most likely, Tyson would outbox him for a few rounds, hurt him and probably KO or TKO him within 7 or 8 rounds.

[gregor]

The 2nd version of Foreman was nowhere as good as the first one.

A lot of people tend to remember only that he won the title at 45, so they just assume it means he was amongst the best fighters of 90's. That is not true - his matchmakers were quite careful and he still needed a lot of luck to achieve his goal.

And I don't mean only his lucky punch against Moorer. He was already lucky enough that soft-chinned Moorer was the champ at this time (after somewhat strange MD over Holyfield) as I simply don't see him winning with any other top fighter of 90's. He tried already with Holyfield - and lost clear UD, with some moments when it looked more like target practice for Evander. I really like Foreman - but if he was not able to win with Morrison and it took him 10 rounds to land something on Moorer (none of them known for strong chin), his chances against Iron Mike are next to none. No matter if Tyson wanted this fight or not.

[Sonny's jab]

I'm actual doubtful as to whether Tyson could avoid being caught up in an early slugging match with Foreman and being KO'd.

Tyson had the skills to box him, but his style always put him in positions where he was closed and stood square-on and in range. A man like Foreman, who's just there to BULLY Tyson, would be allowed to boss him, shove him and land that uppercut.
Tyson needs to be moving all the time, and I'm not sure he can do that for the 7 or 8 rounds he needs to, esp. the Tyson of '96. He lost a lot of his variety, pace, creativity and concentration as fights progressed. Foreman was the ever-dangerous stalker.
Foreman was so damn ponderous and slow though ........

It's a hard fight to gauge.

[fists of fury]

George is very polite and complimentary about every fighter you ask him about.

Except Tyson himself. George referred to Tyson as an animal who should be caged, and let out to jump through hoops every so often.

[AnthonyJ74]

I'm actual doubtful as to whether Tyson could avoid being caught up in an early slugging match with Foreman and being KO'd.

Tyson had the skills to box him, but his style always put him in positions where he was closed and stood square-on and in range. A man like Foreman, who's just there to BULLY Tyson, would be allowed to boss him, shove him and land that uppercut.
Tyson needs to be moving all the time, and I'm not sure he can do that for the 7 or 8 rounds he needs to, esp. the Tyson of '96. He lost a lot of his variety, pace, creativity and concentration as fights progressed. Foreman was the ever-dangerous stalker.
Foreman was so damn ponderous and slow though ........

It's a hard fight to gauge.

Foreman couldn't catch up to Morrison, how would he catch Tyson? And the few times that George tagged china-chinned Morrison, Morrison didn't fall. Remember how Morrison hit the deck when a rusty Razor Ruddock popped him with an uppercut? I think ol' George's punching power was a bit overrated during his comeback. I think his best punch was his left jab. Tyson had a better chin than Morrison, he had better boxing skills, and he didn't gas as quickly. Foreman definately had the brute strength to shove Tyson around and to disrupt his rhythm, but I see George being to slow of hand and foot to seriously threaten or hurt Tyson. But I would have definately paid to see that fight!

[mr. magoo]

I'd go with Foreman on this one.

[ironchamp]

What I Find To Be The Most Amusing About These Tyson Vs Foreman Poles Is When Tyson Fan Boys Try To Rationalize How They Believe Tyson Would Win By Saying This."foreman Was Knocked Down By Ali And Ali Cant Punch So That Means Tyson Would Knock Foreman Out Easy"funny Right?then I Could Go Tyson Was Knocked Out By Buster Douglas.a Glass Chin Bum Who Couldnt Punch Vs A Damn.or Do I Have To Bring Up How A Past His Prime Holyfield Knocked Tyson Out And Yet A In Shape In His Prime Holyfield Couldnt Do The Same To A Fat Bald Slow Washed Up Foreman?
Foreman Also Hurt Holyfield Several Times In Their Fight With Glancing Blows While Tyson Did Nothing But Get Muscled Around Like A Child By Holyfield.tyson Himself Clearly Stated He Didnt Want Any Part Of Foreman Because He Knew He Would Be Knocked Out.foreman Only Said After Tyson Bit Holyfield Ear That He Wasnt Interested In Being In A Freak Show With Tyson.
To The People Who Say Foreman Didnt Fight Anybody In His Second Career Then I Say To You Who Did Tyson Fight?bruce Seldom?mitch Green?yeah Tyson Was Fighting Legends Right?tyson Never Beat A World Class Fighter Who Wasnt Paid By Don King To Take A Dive In His Career.foreman Fought To He Was 48 And Was Still Capable Of Beating Talented Punchers Like Briggs While Tyson Couldnt Beat Bums When He Was 38
Foreman In 1994 Or Any Other Year Would Always Beat Somebody Who Was As Cowardly And Pathetic As Tyson Was And Is.foreman In Less Than 5.

The trouble with your arguements is that your analogies are off and you apparent bias against Tyson has produced a pretty weak argument.

Foreman being knocked down by Ali has nothing to do with how a Tyson Foreman fight would play out in the 90s.

What it comes down to is styles and actually watching fights. Foreman in 1990-1994 was not a fighter who had the style and workrate to beat Tyson. Tyson's handspeed, chin power and physicalities would make this a very difficult task.

I know its a mytical match up but the answer should be pretty academic. Tyson via midrounds TKO.

[Shake]

Cus D'amato himself told Tyson he had to avoid fighters like George Foreman at all costs. If anything, it would have been interesting to see if it messed with Mike's head. I also believe D'amato, and would pick a peak Foreman over a peak Tyson. Foreman never backed up, and he had the strength to simply push off Mike and force him temporarily to fight on the back foot as the bigger man stepped in.

That said, Tyson knocks out an old Foreman. He didn't have the wind or defense to cope even with '96 Mikey. I love the man, but he was old with a capital O, and not even his chin would stand up to multiple flush hits from Tyson.

[mr. magoo]

Tyson's handspeed, chin power and physicalities would make this a very difficult task.

I know its a mytical match up but the answer should be pretty academic. Tyson via midrounds TKO.
[/quote]

Possibly but not necessarily.

George during his comeback years had defensive skills that were very finely improved. He was very difficult to get a flush shot on. What's more, is he had a solid chin, the ability to pace himself into the later rounds, a sharp jab, and incredible power. Although Tyson and Frazier had their differences, they were still very similiar in size, stature and fighting style. In fact, Joe had a lot more upper body movement than Mike, theoretically making him arguably more difficult to tag. Even though we're talking about a 1990's Foreman, and not a 1970's version, I still think the same principals would apply.

Although I think a lot of people would pick Mike to take this one, I wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if George managed to pull of an upset, which in my mind wouldn't be so upsetting.

[ironchamp]

Possibly but not necessarily.

George during his comeback years had defensive skills that were very finely improved. He was very difficult to get a flush shot on. What's more, is he had a solid chin, the ability to pace himself into the later rounds, a sharp jab, and incredible power. Although Tyson and Frazier had their differences, they were still very similiar in size, stature and fighting style. In fact, Joe had a lot more upper body movement than Mike, theoretically making him arguably more difficult to tag. Even though we're talking about a 1990's Foreman, and not a 1970's version, I still think the same principals would apply.

Although I think a lot of people would pick Mike to take this one, I wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if George managed to pull of an upset, which in my mind wouldn't be so upsetting.


Anything is possible but not necessarily probable. Frankly, I'm starting to feel as though George Foreman in the 90s is becoming increasingly overrated.

He would never have beaten:

Holyfield
Bowe
Tyson
Ruddock
Morrison
Mercer
Lewis

If he fought them in the 90s.

[mr. magoo]

Anything is possible but not necessarily probable. Frankly, I'm starting to feel as though George Foreman in the 90s is becoming increasingly overrated.

He would never have beaten:

Holyfield
Bowe
Tyson
Ruddock
Morrison
Mercer
Lewis

If he fought them in the 90s.

Actually,

Foreman did fight Holyfield and Morrison in the 90's, and lost to both of them. Consider this however, both of these men were at the peak of their primes, and Foreman managed to go 12 rounds and stagger both of them. What's more, Evander was quite possibly the best fighter of the decade, while the Duke, was certainly no pushover himself. Foreman was 43 against Holyfiled, and 45 against Morrison. Nevertheless, he still managed to put together a comeback record of 31-3-0-26 between 1987 and 1997. His victories during this period included wins over Michael Moorer, Adilson Rodriguez, Gerry Cooney, Bert Cooper, Pierre Coetzer, Lou Savarese, Alex Stewart and Crawford Grimsley.

Given his rather extensive resume, and taking into account that Tyson lost to Douglas, Lewis Lost to Mccall, and Bowe was bested twice by Golata, I don't think that it's entirely out of the question that Foreman might have defeated one or all of these fighters.
( Keep in mind, this opinion is coming from someone who grew up during the 80's and 90's, following these men's careers quite closely. )

[King Dan]

I see 2 scenarios:

Tyson by mid rounds KO

or

Foreman by late KO

[JohnThomas1]

What I Find To Be The Most Amusing About These Tyson Vs Foreman Poles Is When Tyson Fan Boys Try To Rationalize How They Believe Tyson Would Win By Saying This."foreman Was Knocked Down By Ali And Ali Cant Punch So That Means Tyson Would Knock Foreman Out Easy"funny Right?then I Could Go Tyson Was Knocked Out By Buster Douglas.a Glass Chin Bum Who Couldnt Punch Vs A Damn.or Do I Have To Bring Up How A Past His Prime Holyfield Knocked Tyson Out And Yet A In Shape In His Prime Holyfield Couldnt Do The Same To A Fat Bald Slow Washed Up Foreman?
Foreman Also Hurt Holyfield Several Times In Their Fight With Glancing Blows While Tyson Did Nothing But Get Muscled Around Like A Child By Holyfield.tyson Himself Clearly Stated He Didnt Want Any Part Of Foreman Because He Knew He Would Be Knocked Out.foreman Only Said After Tyson Bit Holyfield Ear That He Wasnt Interested In Being In A Freak Show With Tyson.
To The People Who Say Foreman Didnt Fight Anybody In His Second Career Then I Say To You Who Did Tyson Fight?bruce Seldom?mitch Green?yeah Tyson Was Fighting Legends Right?tyson Never Beat A World Class Fighter Who Wasnt Paid By Don King To Take A Dive In His Career.foreman Fought To He Was 48 And Was Still Capable Of Beating Talented Punchers Like Briggs While Tyson Couldnt Beat Bums When He Was 38
Foreman In 1994 Or Any Other Year Would Always Beat Somebody Who Was As Cowardly And Pathetic As Tyson Was And Is.foreman In Less Than 5.

That's some serious telling right there.

[Muchmoore]

What I Find To Be The Most Amusing About These Tyson Vs Foreman Poles Is When Tyson Fan Boys Try To Rationalize How They Believe Tyson Would Win By Saying This."foreman Was Knocked Down By Ali And Ali Cant Punch So That Means Tyson Would Knock Foreman Out Easy"funny Right?then I Could Go Tyson Was Knocked Out By Buster Douglas.a Glass Chin Bum Who Couldnt Punch Vs A Damn.or Do I Have To Bring Up How A Past His Prime Holyfield Knocked Tyson Out And Yet A In Shape In His Prime Holyfield Couldnt Do The Same To A Fat Bald Slow Washed Up Foreman?
Foreman Also Hurt Holyfield Several Times In Their Fight With Glancing Blows While Tyson Did Nothing But Get Muscled Around Like A Child By Holyfield.tyson Himself Clearly Stated He Didnt Want Any Part Of Foreman Because He Knew He Would Be Knocked Out.foreman Only Said After Tyson Bit Holyfield Ear That He Wasnt Interested In Being In A Freak Show With Tyson.
To The People Who Say Foreman Didnt Fight Anybody In His Second Career Then I Say To You Who Did Tyson Fight?bruce Seldom?mitch Green?yeah Tyson Was Fighting Legends Right?tyson Never Beat A World Class Fighter Who Wasnt Paid By Don King To Take A Dive In His Career.foreman Fought To He Was 48 And Was Still Capable Of Beating Talented Punchers Like Briggs While Tyson Couldnt Beat Bums When He Was 38
Foreman In 1994 Or Any Other Year Would Always Beat Somebody Who Was As Cowardly And Pathetic As Tyson Was And Is.foreman In Less Than 5.

Find a nice, quiet place to sit down now :rofl

[ChrisPontius]

A lot of people talk about how Tyson wanted no part of Foreman, because Cus told him a come-forward fighter would never beat Foreman. Perhaps rightfully so, but let's be honest, how large is the chance of Foreman wanting to fight Tyson?

He made it clear that he wanted absolutely no part of Bowe and Lewis, and thought Holyfield/Morisson/Moorer would be more "beatable" champions.
Remember that before Holyfield beat Tyson, Tyson was still seen as near-invincible, in the ring he'd shown no signs of weak mentality at all yet and the Douglas loss was seen as a fluke. I strongly doubt Foreman at any point would've want to fight Tyson.

[Sonny's jab]

*

[Unforgiven]

I believe Foreman would knock Tyson out.

Tyson could win if he runs and boxes all night very cautiously, like Tommy Morrison did.
Because the old man Foreman was SO DAMN SLOW that almost anyone could beat him with the run-rabbit-run strategy (Even Axel Schulz did it, remember, and George needed the judges to rob the German that night).

Still, I never saw Tyson run and box cautiously all night against anyone, and I think the 1996 version had less patience and less intelligence that the 1980s version.
So he's gonna get into a fight trying to KO big George, and Foreman would pummel him.

[Duodenum]

After so many of Big George's wins during his second career, he would continually rev up his partisan fans with "I want Tyson, I want Tyson!" and continually would hype that matchup in post fight television interviews in the ring, repeating over and over that Tyson was too accustomed to being the predator in the squared circle, rather than the prey. Why did Tyson never take Foreman up on these lucrative challenges which the fans clearly wanted to see happen as badly as George? Simply because scared little Mikey had no prayer of beating Foreman, and everybody at the time knew it.

Considering how the weaker and smaller Bonecrusher Smith completely smothered Tyson with no difficulty whatsoever (and would unquestionably have knocked Tyson out if that one had been scheduled for the 15 round championship distance, just as he did Frank Bruno in ten) what's going to happen when George starts effortlessly and casually tossing frightened Mikey around like a little rag doll? This would be the proverbial man versus boy mismatch, and Tyson knew it as well as George. Foreman took Cooney's best hook coming forward, and no power punch in Tyson's petty little arsenal had anything to measure up to it. (I'd still like to see George get Mikey into the ring, but only if Foreman was granted immunity from prosecution for homicide.) All George would need to do, is plant his mitts on the little man's convenient shoulders, and keep him shoved away at arm's length. If itty bitty Mikey somehow managed to get closer inside, the lumbering giant would simply shove him back outside again.

At some point, Tyson might connect flush with the hardest punch he could ever possibly deliver, as Foreman walks right into it, and continues his inexorable advance. Then, midget Mikey would begin looking for a soft spot to lie down in.

Of course, itty, bitty Mikey might do something dumb to make George mad, like trying to bite him. If an incident like that takes place, then a hearse will be needed at ringside to cart away scared, stupid little Mikey.

Widdle bitty Mikey was easily pushed around by overblown cruiserweight Holyfield, who could never force Foreman to take a backward step. What kind of chance would this short little critter have in a contest where every single backwards move made is his? Foreman shoved the much bigger Tommy Morrison all over the place.

Tyson would eventually quit out of fear and frustration.

[mr. magoo]

After so many of Big George's wins during his second career, he would continually rev up his partisan fans with "I want Tyson, I want Tyson!" and continually would hype that matchup in post fight television interviews in the ring, repeating over and over that Tyson was too accustomed to being the predator in the squared circle, rather than the prey. Why did Tyson never take Foreman up on these lucrative challenges which the fans clearly wanted to see happen as badly as George? Simply because scared little Mikey had no prayer of beating Foreman, and everybody at the time knew it.

Considering how the weaker and smaller Bonecrusher Smith completely smothered Tyson with no difficulty whatsoever (and would unquestionably have knocked Tyson out if that one had been scheduled for the 15 round championship distance, just as he did Frank Bruno in ten) what's going to happen when George starts effortlessly and casually tossing frightened Mikey around like a little rag doll? This would be the proverbial man versus boy mismatch, and Tyson knew it as well as George. Foreman took Cooney's best hook coming forward, and no power punch in Tyson's petty little arsenal had anything to measure up to it. (I'd still like to see George get Mikey into the ring, but only if Foreman was granted immunity from prosecution for homicide.) All George would need to do, is plant his mitts on the little man's convenient shoulders, and keep him shoved away at arm's length. If itty bitty Mikey somehow managed to get closer inside, the lumbering giant would simply shove him back outside again.

At some point, Tyson might connect flush with the hardest punch he could ever possibly deliver, as Foreman walks right into it, and continues his inexorable advance. Then, midget Mikey would begin looking for a soft spot to lie down in.

Of course, itty, bitty Mikey might do something dumb to make George mad, like trying to bite him. If an incident like that takes place, then a hearse will be needed at ringside to cart away scared, stupid little Mikey.

Widdle bitty Mikey was easily pushed around by overblown cruiserweight Holyfield, who could never force Foreman to take a backward step. What kind of chance would this short little critter have in a contest where every single backwards move made is his? Foreman shoved the much bigger Tommy Morrison all over the place.

Tyson would eventually quit out of fear and frustration.

Some very astute observations here Deen.. :good

[JohnThomas1]

After so many of Big George's wins during his second career, he would continually rev up his partisan fans with "I want Tyson, I want Tyson!" and continually would hype that matchup in post fight television interviews in the ring, repeating over and over that Tyson was too accustomed to being the predator in the squared circle, rather than the prey. Why did Tyson never take Foreman up on these lucrative challenges which the fans clearly wanted to see happen as badly as George? Simply because scared little Mikey had no prayer of beating Foreman, and everybody at the time knew it.

Considering how the weaker and smaller Bonecrusher Smith completely smothered Tyson with no difficulty whatsoever (and would unquestionably have knocked Tyson out if that one had been scheduled for the 15 round championship distance, just as he did Frank Bruno in ten) what's going to happen when George starts effortlessly and casually tossing frightened Mikey around like a little rag doll? This would be the proverbial man versus boy mismatch, and Tyson knew it as well as George. Foreman took Cooney's best hook coming forward, and no power punch in Tyson's petty little arsenal had anything to measure up to it. (I'd still like to see George get Mikey into the ring, but only if Foreman was granted immunity from prosecution for homicide.) All George would need to do, is plant his mitts on the little man's convenient shoulders, and keep him shoved away at arm's length. If itty bitty Mikey somehow managed to get closer inside, the lumbering giant would simply shove him back outside again.

At some point, Tyson might connect flush with the hardest punch he could ever possibly deliver, as Foreman walks right into it, and continues his inexorable advance. Then, midget Mikey would begin looking for a soft spot to lie down in.

Of course, itty, bitty Mikey might do something dumb to make George mad, like trying to bite him. If an incident like that takes place, then a hearse will be needed at ringside to cart away scared, stupid little Mikey.

Widdle bitty Mikey was easily pushed around by overblown cruiserweight Holyfield, who could never force Foreman to take a backward step. What kind of chance would this short little critter have in a contest where every single backwards move made is his? Foreman shoved the much bigger Tommy Morrison all over the place.

Tyson would eventually quit out of fear and frustration.

I'm starting to feel a Rooster - Leonard thang here duo :lol:

[Duodenum]

I'm starting to feel a Rooster - Leonard thang here duo :lol:Now you're just trying to stereotype me. (Stick around. I'm sure Rooster and I can find some issue to launch at each other about, just for your entertainment, JT. You'll find me perfectly capable of acting as an equal opportunity offender.)

[AnthonyJ74]

George kept trying to hype a fight with Tyson for all of those years because he couldn't actually get that fight through merit. He tried to publicize his way into it with clever quotes, soundbites, and wins against inferior opposition. If George had to go through a legitimate contender to get into the ring with Tyson, the fight never would have happened anyway.

You can tell a lot about what a figther thinks of his abilities by judging his level of competition.

[Muchmoore]

Considering how the weaker and smaller Bonecrusher Smith completely smothered Tyson with no difficulty whatsoever

I can say Tommy Morrison was able to completely outbox, outpunch, and outfight Foreman as well. If Smith had no difficulty how come he lost nearly every round of the 12 round fight? :lol:

[Duodenum]

I can say Tommy Morrison was able to completely outbox, outpunch, and outfight Foreman as well. If Smith had no difficulty how come he lost nearly every round of the 12 round fight? :lol:For the exact same reason Smith lopsidedly lost nine of the first nine rounds against Frank Bruno, simply because he did not try. (The only difference betwixt Smith/Bruno and Tyson/Smith is that Smith finally got uncorked earlier in the tenth and final round against Bruno, whereas he waited until the very end of round 12 to rock Tyson. If Smith had begun round 12 against Tyson the way he began round ten against Bruno, he would have unquestionably dropped Mikey for the ten count well before that final round was over, exactly as he did to Frank. Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly grant that Smith should have been disqualified for not trying halfway through both matches, and had his purse forfeited each time. What Ali did against Foreman, and what Weaver did against Tate is not the same thing.)

[JohnThomas1]

Now you're just trying to stereotype me. (Stick around. I'm sure Rooster and I can find some issue to launch at each other about, just for your entertainment, JT. You'll find me perfectly capable of acting as an equal opportunity offender.)

I wait with baited breath.