Prime Ali was from 1964 to 1967. I find it very difficult to see anyone catching him. Best technical puncher is Joe Louis by some distance. Best boxer of the last 30 years was Lennox Lewis.
@ Problem is Bowe refused to fight anyone. He went 2-1 vs the much smaller Holyfield but then what? He got saved by getting his balls clubbed on by Golata twice in fights he was getting dominated in, & he never fought Moore, Tyson, Lewis, Mercer, Morrison, Tua, Ruddock etc etc. Bowe was smoke & mirrors & would've been lucky to go .500 vs the 10 best heavyweights of the 90s.
@@furlong234 think about Ali's incredible reflexes and fast feet in his prime, a prime Frazier wouldn't have landed half those hooks
5 лет назад+8
He was never powerful, Frazier and Norton exposed that he wasn’t fast enough to avoid dangerous counter blows and he didn’t have the stopping power to make them pay for bringing the fight close quarters. Tyson would have battered Ali, that would be the worst fight he could have ever taken. The beating that Frazier gave him would have looked tame.
@ You do realize, however, that Norton and Frazier fought a post-comback Ali who no longer had the incredible speed of pre-comeback Ali. This is a fundamental fact that we have to take into consideration when we talk about these fights taking place in the primes of the fighters. In this respect, I find the resolute tone of your comment on Ali's abilities out of place.
@The Ian Lev Experience Frazier was definitely in his prime in 1971, but Ali was still working back up to his new prime, following the ban. And how can you say that Norton was no spring chicken, when he was younger than Ali?
@@michaelhunt739 Great middleweights go back a lot further than that. Sam Langford, Ezzard Charles, Harry Greb, & Charles Burley, are 4 others that come to mind - look 'em up...
I think Prime Holmes was way too smart of a boxer to lose to Foreman, he was too fast on his feet and hands just like Ali, and Foreman wouldn't be able to deal with it
@@iegendkilla8559 Joe Foreman after the Ali fight, he learned his lesson. That is his only loss that didn't go the distance
5 лет назад+2
Holmes was superior to Ali in his prime in my opinion but I also feel Foreman didn’t have his best fight against Ali and I think best Foreman beats best Ali... so having said that Foreman isn’t walking over Holmes when Ali tested Foreman. Holmes v Foreman would be a war.
danilo degiorgi : In my humble opinion, Ali is really the greatest. He had not reached his utmost best when they robbed him of his crown ! Imagine Ali at age 27 or 28, without the 3.5 year forced hiatus !
Id love to see you do the 25 man tournament, perhaps make it a series where you cover one boxer per episode and see how they would do against each other? I think its a great idea for a series
sayvar44 - If you watch how he ranked these heavyweights you’d understand. It’s all about rankings at the time which can be deceiving and isn’t the most accurate system.
@sayvar44 He explained the reasons for both tournament brackets. The first one was based on the point experiments done in his earlier videos and the second was a list made by ring magazine. He didn't make either bracket to prevent his bias. Obviously he doesn't think Povetkin is better than Jack Johnson or any other of the all time greats you mentioned. I personally would've just made the brackets instead of what he did but I understand his reasoning.
There was a reason Bowe never fought anybody except Evander who almost killed him all 3 times... Because if he didn't have a huge height weight reach & power advantage he would've gotten his ass handed to him by the top heavyweights. See the Golata fights for details. Bowe was fake news & doesn't deserve to be anywhere near these lists.
Scott Broyles no not at all Riddick was a great fighter he just didn’t take it seriously! He could’ve been one of the all time greats. His mistake was letting Rock Newman mismanage his career
Man, you've put into very well educated and competent form the countless, daily barbershop conversations that ever happened all over the globe in the last like 100 years This is just beautiful, thanks.
Mike tyson was way two good in his prime but we all have Ower opinions and tyson blows threw fraizer within 3rounds mis match I think fraizer was two small for tyson but I would love two see maybe I am ring for sure.
WOW !! ! That was fantastic. i do think Louis's power, movement and all round ability was underestimated and Tyson's over estimated, i think Ali at his peak before his shameful forced exile was ahead of every heavy weight before him or since, his timing was genuinely perfect. But more importantly, I wanted to thank you for all the time and effort you put in making this amazing channel.
I legit tear up every time I watch Ali fight because my subconscious mind can catch on how perfect his game was... It's one of those unexplainable fetishes us humans have like enjoying hearing a very strong efficient motor and stuff like that... A very weird sensation of satisfaction we get from seeing something powerful and efficient. It's kind of the same with Tyson too but not quite
Just saying Tyson never beat a great fighter,he beat some good ones though.but he hasnt even the resume to be in such a tournament so dont compare him with Ali who has the best resume of all heawys,please,and never again leave such a dumb comment like the one that he would beat him. Tyson looked good and fast against bums and hasbeens in prolly the weakest era ever.
@ Tyson carried the heavyweight division for a few years because the quality of the heavyweights was poor in his time, in fact it was regarded as the worse era of heavyweights ever and at his so called peak Tyson struggled with both Tony Tucker and James smith who both went the distance, neither of those two had the boxing ability or power of a peak Lennox Lewis, Tyson beat old retired Larry Holmes but also avoided and Big George Foreman, also he failed to beat any elite fighter from his generation, go through his record and show me what great fighter he beat to justify him as a great, just because you knock out lesser fighters doesn't mean your a great. as i said to me his ability is over estimated among these great champions.
@OSCAR and EMMY i think Ali can say that about any heavyweight in history, he was after all faster than anyone before or since. i didnt say he would beat Tyson i said i thought his ability was underestimated in this video. he had very fast hands, threw very short had punches and knockout power, he also beat all the top heavyweights of his era and retired as the champion, the same cannot be said for Mike Tyson which is why i said Tyson has been over estimated in this video.
Well Shavers landed the heaviest punch he has on Holmes, put all his body in that punch, the hardest punch in history perhaps and Holmes got up, what makes you think Holmes can't survive a knockdown by Foreman?
Holmes is exactly the type of fighter who could give george trouble, ali, jimmy young. A prime holmes was much better than jimmy young. Would have been a great fight, especially since they never liked each other.
Lester Green if it wasn’t for the robbery vs Briggs we would’ve had the battle of the ages n we would have the answer bcuz when they were slated to fight the war dubbed the battle of the ages the two combined fighters ages added up to almost 100 years of age lol but ppl were still fired up about seeing it! Unfortunately it didn’t happen bcuz foreman got robbed of a decision vs Shannon Briggs
You need to also be fair in terms of prep time. If the older guys were trained nowadays, everything would’ve been more effective ... Nutrition Physical training Recovery methods And of course, PEDs.
Tyson never got up of the canvas to win as far as i know, no way he gets to the final. I think Lewis vs Ali is 50-50 goes to the scorecards. Lennox beat everyone he ever fought very underrated.
@Stuart Sutton it's because he's the 2nd most popular boxer of all time and his true potential wasn't really seen, we don't know what he could of done or who he could of beaten.
It's about who and when Lennox had faced... I mean he was KO'd by McCall. What had McCall, that Ali or Holmes or others didn't? Lewis was vulnerable. Chin. Period.
Ali vs Holmes. Pre ban Ali was superhuman. He was further ahead of the competition than a prime SMW LHW Roy Jones was n we all kno just how untouchable Roy was at his best. Prime Ali, the pre ban Ali is beyond compare. The man was magical, one of a kind, simply put he is *THE Greatest* If it wasnt for Ali there would be no Holmes. Larry paid his dues as a sparring partner for Frazier & Ali, he learned at the feet of the master. Prime Ali dismantles n destroys a prime Holmes. No question about it.
@@choppertoteme5007 best thing that possibly could have happened to him. Thats when he first 'smellt the coffee' made him alot wiser and ready for what was to come.
@@choppertoteme5007 The knockdown by Cooper helped him to become superhuman. This experience was missing. And @spiderm0ose is right. Without Ali, there would be no Holmes. Even no Tyson.
No way. Wlad is overrated - while his brother is underrated! This is a strange situation but I find evidence for it all the time. Wlad was tremendously lucky to be fighting in an era when there was a lack of quality opposition. The few times he faced opponents who really came to fight he came unstuck, sometimes badly. Liston would have knocked bells out of him and I agree with Rummy that a second round stoppage is a likely result, probably after 3-4 knockdowns.
elliot granger - Did you really just describe Sonny Liston as a 6’1 midget with a glass chin? That’s a laughable statement.
5 лет назад+2
Matt French I don’t agree with that, that’s akin to saying Lewis had a glass chin. I agree there were defensive lapses but the height and style of Vlad would cause tremendous issues to a man only 6’1... Liston was underrated though thanks to the Ali fights which I believe he took a dive in.
Yeah I've got that Ali beating any heavyweight in history. In my opinion if that Ali had fought the prime 1971 Frazier he would have beaten Frazier probably by unanimous decision. And imagine that Ali versus the 80 prime Holmes, imagine how much better Ali would have done with those amazing reflexes and speed of hand and foot he had in the 60s. In fact in 1975 against Chuck wepner Ali still had very fast swift hands and probably still would have beaten a prime Holmes
@@weenitomcchile1380 a 65' Ali could definitely defeat Holmes in my opinion, but by 1975 he was already ageing, he still had something left in him but certainly not what he had.
I have to say, I agree with your Holmes assessment. To me, he's possibly the best all-round fighter, and would end up with the best record in this hypothetical scenario, as much as I love so many of the other guys. He's always been underrated, but he's one of the best of all time.
I have to strongly disagree that Holmes beats Foreman, Ali only beat foreman due to strategy that could only work once, before that Big george would eat Holmes alive.
@@ryandurkin2958 Holmes was the next big champion after Ali who was a hard act to follow not only because Ali being a great boxing Legend but his great personality, whereas Holmes could be a prick and an ass sometimes and people just didn't like that. This is why when Ali faded Sugar Ray Leonard became boxing's Golden Boy because he was very likeable and was beating the best welterweights around
I'm not sure if you just saw the punch Holmes took at 2:56 but that was Shavers punch. And Shavers is arguably the strongest puncher in heavyweight history. Only argument you could make was for Foreman. But as you see Holmes took that punch, that punch would put most heavyweights to sleep, and than he just gets right back up. Holmes was really really underrated.
In my opinion, Wlad, Lennox, Vitali and Holmes would all be a massive force to be reckoned with in any era, unlike others mentioned here. I don’t think Liston would have got past Wlad just because Wlad is so much better on his feet and is all round quicker and fast enough to keep himself away from Liston - maybe even just winning on points to keep himself safe. Of course, Wlad v Ali is impossible to call, it really depended on what version of each fighter turned up. I’d have Frazier over Tyson and Holmes over Holyfield. But I also agree with your high assessment of Larry Holmes - he’s SO underrated.
At Hunkydory I've always said that Louis and Ali are the greatest. But Vitali and Lennox would beat more of the top 25 of all time than anyone else. They were so big and powerful, still throwing out great volume and punch selection.
James Todd I agree although I’d have Wlad over Vitali - Vitali was tougher but boxing wise, Wladimir moved quicker, had better technique, hit harder and had ridiculously good footwork - agree with ur statement though.
Id love to see Lewis, Ali...Lewis is one of the best to do it..slightly underrated...and this is a fantasy fight never talked about...This is a greeeat one!!! maybe my favorite!!!
@@jeffn.6360 man imagine Ali vs lewis Holmes vs foreman Holyfield vs joe louis Tyson vs frazier Shavers vs liston In a night that shit would make billions haha
@@Sonny-oq1km yea he actually wanted a rematch but there was no way to win against tyson he was fat he had shit tons of money there was no point in fighting tyson so thats why he declined a rematch tyson actually gave buster a rematch offer when he came back from prison
Yeah Foreman-Holmes is an amazing fight, I've really enjoyed this video Speculating on fantasy fight is quite entertaining. A Fantasy Middleweight tournament is what I'm looking forward to now
Ali at his best beats everyone...At his VERY best he was a unique Athlete who overcame his opponents in varied and intelligent ways. Top, Top fighters couldn’t even lay a glove on him. Legend RIP
@@futuregohan2398 Ali beat bums for most of his career. There are only 2 exceptions: Frazier, who beat Ali when both were closest to their prime; Foreman, who Ali tricked and never fought again cause he knew that wouldn't work a second time. I'm not counting Liston, cause he was old and the fight was fixed. Ali is the most overrated boxer in history.
@Ice booyHolmes was Ali sparring partner for years. Holmes coming into his prime really did fight like Ali. He learned it getting his ass kicked by the Greatest of all Times
@@michaeltrumph121bro what are you talking about Ali was out of the ring for years and loses a close decision to Frazier then beats him twice and Knocked out Foreman, Foreman, in 1977 got beaten by Jimmy young, who Ali then beat! Ali is the Greatest Heavyweight! The 70s was the Greatest Era for The Heavyweight Division, With the 90s being second. Ali beat everyone in his prime!
Anything can happen in boxing with style match ups but I think I’m going with Ali taking out Holmes in the final match up,with George foreman 3rd and Lennox 4th
Foreman and Liston had great, powerful jabs and could take a hell of a punch. Foreman had sneaky fast hands that could break down a concrete wall and Liston had the arm span of a 6’6 guy
I personally put someone like Lennox Lewis above Larry Holmes (both in terms of legacy and head-to-head) - Lewis avenged his two losses while Holmes lost to Spinks twice. In regard to the hypothetical matchup Holmes could dance and snap the jab for a while, but Lewis was an equal (or better) boxer and once Holmes starts trading (like in the Norton fight) I think he’s getting stopped. Resume of great wins is also in favor of Lewis imo.
Lennox Lewis, Ali and Holmes are my top 3 of all-time and in no particular order. They're all technical boxers, great hands and footwork. Top 3 jabs ever too. Ali the fastest, Lewis the biggest puncher with Holmes right in the middle. All smart with great ringmanship. Complete boxers.
Brave call on Holmes vs Foreman, well done Bummy. Its impossible to split em in my book. I rekon it would take a classic 5 fight series to split em. I mean it only took some of Alis legendary toughness, psyche warfare, ring generalship, his championship know how and a trip to a jungle in deepest darkest Africe to derail the monstrous wrecking machine that was a prime Foreman. As for Holmes ? Ali had been in with bangers like Cooper, Liston, Frazier, Foreman but rekoned nobody could wallop like Earnie Shavers. Larry took Shavers best shots, hauled himself up offa the deck to win. Holmes vs Foreman shoulda, woulda, coulda been *THE* best rivalry in the history of HW boxing, at least as legendary as Ali vs Frazier, Holyfield vs Bowe & Holyfield vs just about everybody he ever fought ! Brave call Bummy !
Dude - Your channel is the best boxing channel ive seen. And the fact that boxing in the last 12 years is my no 1 passion - makes your channel a big big favorite. Thanks again for this excellent content.
How many of the fighters that said it even compare to ones on the list, alwo the fact that tyson had problemn with long range tall boxers even on his primer, tony tucker and bonecrusher smith as a example and those two were not half as good as the one on this list
1966 Muhammad Ali conquers all, footwork and speed on a different planet to everyone else. He beats any Heavyweight past or present...probably predicts the round too.
No he doesn't. Cleveland Williams was a shot fighter when Ali beat him. Tyson, Bowe, Holmes, Lewis, V. Klitschko, Holyfield, Liston (not taking a dive) - they all beat Ali.
Michael Trumph You were correct until you said Wlad and Liston beat Ali. Liston was legitimately trying in their first fight and he was getting dominated. Wlad wouldn’t throw a punch if his jab couldn’t land and if Fury could completely freeze him Ali would be a nightmare with his quicker hands and feet
@@michaeltrumph121 Ali would've beaten any version of Williams. That list is a joke too right? Lewis is the only one who could legit beat a prime Ali. His style was just too good. Tyson would be embarrassed by Ali. Liston was tailor made for Ali. Holmes would lose by a razor thin decision. Holyfield loses a decision as well. The rest dont matter.
MightyMighty - Disagree. Size matters. Lennox was WAAY too big and too strong for Ali. Ali in his prime was a cruiserweight in the era Lennox dominated. He was 212 in the fight against Cleveland and 212 against Frazier. Ali weighed in as low as 188 and was under 200 pounds for his first 15 fights. Lennox was 6’5.5 and a solid 250lbs. He would have 35-40 pounds on a prime Ali and 2-4 in height advantage, and a solid 6 in reach advantage (Lewis 84 in reach to Ali 78). And Lennox used his height and reach well. Lennox would either stop him or overpower and outpoint him, depending on how many risks Ali want to take. Prime Tyson’s raw power and exceptional defense also gives Ali problems. This is my dream fight, and Tyson did not have the height advantage Lennox had, so this could go either way, but I would have to lean towards Tyson in a 12 round fight, I’d favor Ali to edge a 15 rounder.
In my opinion, you did the Klitschko's dirty here lol, I don't think Liston has a chance at all agaisnt Wladimir, Liston is slow on his feet, he isn't getting close, and Lennox isn't stopping Vitali, Vitali has never been hurt, Lennox by decision but definitely not a stoppage and in 5 rounds? what have you been smoking Rummy lol.
Lennon headbutt is what caused the eye problem in TKO 6, I think both in their prime would make for a war. In the end; Klitschko’s and Holmes will be underrated because they didn’t fight the big names in their peak but I think in terms of chances that they all have better chances then a lot of guys on the list. Honestly could see a finals of klitschko and Holmes
Any chance we can get a "contender, but never champ" tournament? Wills, Jeannette, Firpo, Galento, Quarry, Zora Foley, Cleveland Williams, Lyle, Shavers, Cooney, Jimmy Young, Carl Williams, Tua, Ruddock, Miske, and Arreola?
I feel like Wlad Is very underappreciated fighter. He was painted by the media as the jab-and-grab boxer but he was also very intelligent and exceptionally fast for a guy his size. Mainly his footwork is very underrated. There's a reason why great fighters like Haye, Byrd and Povetkin couldn't land a proper punch on him, and clinching was not the sole reason.
Awesome work on this video, hypothetical matchups and tournament are always incredibly interesting to view! Gotta ask, I know this was released 2 years ago, but is there any chance at getting another one of these tournaments at any point? Hadn't seen any others on the channel since but would certainly love to see another one of these!
Lenix only beat vitaly cuz of the cut that made the doctor stop the fight Vitaly was up on the cards until that happened. If Lenix was younger it may have been tighter but not a 5 round tko...
@@Aidey75 Maybe, but not that night. That cut was caused by the laces on Lennox's glove, not a punch, and he's lucky lucky lucky lucky that it happened. He was fixing to get knocked out that night - Vitali wasn't gonna be denied.
Admittedly I am biased, because I love Ali. I honestly think on his best day at his prime, no boxer can match him. He is a tactical boxer that throws lots of punches to gain points and possibly knockout his opponent, and he can absorb punches to avoid knockout. And let's not forget one of his boxing quote, "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see," lol. Speed kills!
Dude, your boxing videos are consistently the most thoughtful and entertaining musings on the sweet science that I have ever seen. Thank you for your fine work. One suggestion for a possible future video: Howard Cosell--his role and impact on the sport’s popularity during the great heavyweight era of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. His calls of Ali’s fights undoubtedly contributed significantly to the latter’s fame, and Howard’s calls of Foreman vs Frazier 1 and Foreman vs Lyle remain my two favorite all time ringside calls. Just a thought. Also, you should be supported for what you do, even if you love doing it. Do you have a Patreon page?
Hard to believe in recent years Marciano gets dismissed as having beaten nobody and then in the next breath rate Holmes as the all time greatest overall skilled heavyweight. Who did Larry beat in his career to get such accolades? Tyson wiped out that 80s division in 2 years.
What a video! Keep up the amazing work man. Was a bit gutted Jack Johnson didn't win the whole thing but that's just a bit of hero worship on my part lol can't wait for the next one
I feel like with Lennox size and skill he's a top 5 heavyweight of all time and when he was in his hay day I hated him and wanted anyone and everyone to beat him.....but the dude is I'll and with his size and jab he is a real problem for most
Regarding the 1st tournaments results, it's so interesting to imagine prime Tyson vs prime Ali. On one hand, Ali's speed and boxing would trouble Iron Mike. But on the other hand, Frazier made Ali go life and death and even dropped Ali. Mike Tyson is arguably a more complete version of Frazier. Having power in both hands, better bobbing and weaving, better chin and lastly he is 2inches shorter which would mean once hes on the inside it would be EVEN more difficult to get him off of Ali. I personally think stylistically Tyson beats Ali but both mean are so great that you can't be 100% sure. I've always loved how when asked who would win both men would respond with the other's name. Such respect and class from two top notches all time greats.
It's not like Tyson never won a fight on points. In a 15 round fight there's no way he'd get a decision over Frazier, he'd need to take him out early, which is a strong possibility. In a 12 round fight I agree with Rummy it could go to a razor thin split decision that could go either way. There's also a strong possibility Frazier stops him late.
Completely disagree. I don't think joe could of took Tysons early onslaught. I have Tyson winning in under 3 rounds. Joe is there for getting hit and he had no speed to counter mikes speed.
George Foreman easily handled Frazier in each of their matches. It depends on how you see Tyson's prime power and aggression, and I see that aspect as unique to Tyson in it's devastation. Tyson KO or TKO in early rounds... (coming from a hater because of the ear thing)
I totally agree about Larry Holmes. He had the potential to beat anyone. I couldn't see Tyson in any final though. I have him losing to almost everyone in these tournaments. He never proved he could beat a prime world class boxer.
Frazier moved his head. But it was just random movements he was not dodging any incoming punches from his opponents other than on sheer luck due to the volume of his head movement. Tyson actually dodged incoming punches and counter punched from the right angles. Tyson had solid crosses, Upper Cuts and hooks. Joe Frazier had a left hook and that's all. Tyson had dimensions and depth early in his career. Frazier had a left hook. I think you completely missed this one and that fight is nowhere close.
I love your channel and this video, but a little dissapointed with your Ali era bias. Please, we need to be realists. Frazier and Liston are just too short to fight Lewis and Klitschko, who surpass them, not only in size but in boxing skills and in resume.
I believe Ali and Foreman would always win over any other fighter with Frazier and Tyson occasionally sharing the top slot . My ranking of all time greatest top 4 heavyweights is : 1. Ali 2. Foreman 3. Frazier 4. Tyson
Or Anthony joshua he may of lost but he was the one who became undisputed champion and defended it also he fought the better boxer out of fury and wilder
Would love to see you follow up with an expanded version of this like you suggested, a round robin where you cover lots of matchups, and you just keep track of the score for your own fantasy tournament. Cinderella Joe Frazier showing up in the semi-finals makes me so happy, you can't understand
Gotta disagree on the Tyson-Frazier. Tyson lost every fight with anyone who was even close to has mentally in the game as Frazier. Frazier wouldnt be scared and would come to brawl. Its true he struggled with fast hands but mostly with fast hands on the outside, I think hed be up for it and youd get two bullrushes with a young hotheaded steer and an old tough bull. The steer takes the first few rounds, loses his nerve in the 4-6 rounds, gets dominated for the next 6-9 with a round 9 stoppage for Frazier. Very few have the grit and guts that Frazier had, an nobody at heavyweight bullies him on the inside. Edit: No way Tyson beats Frazier, Liston and Louis. Theyre all too tough, in chin and in mind. He might be strong early, but Liston is too strong to bully and has that beautiful jab, Frazier outworks him and struggles with the pace but times him and blows him away with a left hook or a right straight as Tyson tries to dive in. Edit 2: I personally have Lewis and Foreman for the two winners.
Pffft @ Listons jab. Yes he had a jab, every boxer does, its the first punch yer taught on day one. Liston was a big plodder n used a basic jab like a big plodder does, he won no fights with his jab n we dont kno how many of his wins were fixe, we only kno he was considered a corrupted fighter in a secretive corrupt era, so if it was common knowledge back then he probably wouldn't even be licensed today in the information era. Listons a nobody on the all time list. Mike Tyson woulda chewed him up n spat him out inside 5 rounds.
We didn't even see the prime Ali... Before his ban, Ali was literally unbeatable, his speed, reflexes and boxing skills were something else! Using what we saw of Ali before his ban, he would beat any heavyweight of any era. He also possessed numerous other traits too...
Vladimir got destroyed by a purity and a rooster I mean Brewster how the hell is he supposed to beat Sonny who would be all wrong for Vlad in more ways than one
I enjoyed this, however, there are things that you did not nor could not incorporate in your evaluation. Such as the evolution of boxing over the years, (boxing stands and other methods of training) all the early fighter would be at a disadvantage and the earlier the fighter the bigger the disadvantage.
Definitely please do this again for other weight classes! This was great. I may not agree with all of the fights decisions but I respect the process you took getting there. I did agree that gorgeous George wins the second tournament. The seeding MATTERS!
If you added a 47 year old Cus D’Amato watching film and creating fight to fight strategy I would have Kid Dynamite pulling out the entire tournament. No telling how much more Iron Mike could have learned 👊👊👊
Might be biased but, could very possibly be right. Ali Holmes is my 1 2 but even though I'm "biased" toward Ali, I give Larry the respect to believe he might have been the only boxer to beat Ali. I also believe Tyson to be the only puncher who could accomplish the task, and I don't have Tyson as high on my all time list.
@ This comment is so dumb that it actually hurts. Holmes was not a top 5. He had trouble with a 35 year old Norton and bearly beat him (I believe the scorecards where 144-143 for Holmes). Norton was certain that had he been five years younger, he would have beat Holmes. Holmes ducked everyone including George and only fought the guys he knew he could beat. Bringing up the Ali vs Holmes fight is idiotic and most importantly disrespectful. Ali was the 39, had to lose 40lbs within 6 weeks and was suffering from severe parkinson’s. Medical reports show that he was unable to touch his own nose, and could not stand on one foot properly.
Jeez Rum, I was going to mow the lawn. The more I look at this the more I think that only a prime mid to late sixties version of Ali could give a prime Larry a stern test. The pure boxing skills on show would have been insane.
There is no amount of money I wouldn't pay to see that Frazier v. Tyson fight. I could die a happy man.
surely bowe v lewis?? the one that got away
It would be a very short match. Tyson absolutely destroys Frazier. The match doesn't go past round 1.
Frazier stops Tyson around round 7 or 8. Tyson did not fight well on the inside; Frazier would just overwhelm Mike.
@@TheSBleeder but that was Mike's whole style he'd make you miss then get on the inside and punish you
TheSBleeder Don't know what you're talking about, Tyson was a master of inside fighting.
Prime Ali was from 1964 to 1967. I find it very difficult to see anyone catching him. Best technical puncher is Joe Louis by some distance. Best boxer of the last 30 years was Lennox Lewis.
Yeah was thinking the same before Ali went to prison he was on another level to quick and fast on his feet
I agree . Ali is the greatest of all time!!!
Yeah i totally disagree with him picking Frazier over peak Ali.
thegoldenhero prime Frazier beat prime Ali and that’s a fact.
@ Problem is Bowe refused to fight anyone. He went 2-1 vs the much smaller Holyfield but then what? He got saved by getting his balls clubbed on by Golata twice in fights he was getting dominated in, & he never fought Moore, Tyson, Lewis, Mercer, Morrison, Tua, Ruddock etc etc. Bowe was smoke & mirrors & would've been lucky to go .500 vs the 10 best heavyweights of the 90s.
I wanna see the rubber match between Iron Mike Tyson and Smoking Joe Frasier
This needs to be top comment.
@GYPSY KING FURY Tyson knocks him down in the first 2 rounds multiple times. Joe survives and stops him in later rounds.
I'm very comfortable with King Holmes. Tremendous, tremendous talent and skills
Tyson had way better fundamentals from anything Joe Frazier can offer. What he's lacking is mental strength.
That would be a fight booooooooooom
I think a young Ali was much better then you gave him credit for. He was fast man. FAST
If you're talking about frazier then that extra bit of speed wouldn't have helped him against frazier gard hooks
@@furlong234 think about Ali's incredible reflexes and fast feet in his prime, a prime Frazier wouldn't have landed half those hooks
He was never powerful, Frazier and Norton exposed that he wasn’t fast enough to avoid dangerous counter blows and he didn’t have the stopping power to make them pay for bringing the fight close quarters.
Tyson would have battered Ali, that would be the worst fight he could have ever taken. The beating that Frazier gave him would have looked tame.
@ You do realize, however, that Norton and Frazier fought a post-comback Ali who no longer had the incredible speed of pre-comeback Ali. This is a fundamental fact that we have to take into consideration when we talk about these fights taking place in the primes of the fighters. In this respect, I find the resolute tone of your comment on Ali's abilities out of place.
@The Ian Lev Experience Frazier was definitely in his prime in 1971, but Ali was still working back up to his new prime, following the ban. And how can you say that Norton was no spring chicken, when he was younger than Ali?
That was tremendous. Can’t wait for the middleweights 😁
Marvin Hagler would win that
Thats gonna be awesome!!
Me too . The middleweights will be just as interesting !
Prime Roy Jones hands down
@@michaelhunt739 Great middleweights go back a lot further than that.
Sam Langford, Ezzard Charles, Harry Greb, & Charles Burley, are 4 others that come to mind - look 'em up...
I'm such a geek. I was sitting there thinking, "Man, I can't wait to see what happens in Liston vs. Tyson!"
liston would use his jab and reach to spark tyson out
Great job! I’m 10 minutes in, but I’d take Foreman over Holmes. You’re def favoring Holmes.
Marc S which Foreman, I think Holmes could outlast young George but would get caught by old George
I think Prime Holmes was way too smart of a boxer to lose to Foreman, he was too fast on his feet and hands just like Ali, and Foreman wouldn't be able to deal with it
@@iegendkilla8559 Joe Foreman after the Ali fight, he learned his lesson. That is his only loss that didn't go the distance
Holmes was superior to Ali in his prime in my opinion but I also feel Foreman didn’t have his best fight against Ali and I think best Foreman beats best Ali... so having said that Foreman isn’t walking over Holmes when Ali tested Foreman.
Holmes v Foreman would be a war.
Holmes was better
There were 3 Alis. The 60's Ali who was untouchable; the early 70's Ali who was really good; and the late 70's Ali who got by on smoke and mirrors.
Spell "RED" haha and very true whar you re saying
On the money. 3 Ali's.
Prime 60's Ali (Cleveland Williams, Zora Folley) would destroy Holmes, Tyson knocks out Joe Louis in round 1 easy.
@@steveetienne not sure about louis vs tyson.
But holmes would do well against ali.
danilo degiorgi : In my humble opinion, Ali is really the greatest. He had not reached his utmost best when they robbed him of his crown ! Imagine Ali at age 27 or 28, without the 3.5 year forced hiatus !
Id love to see you do the 25 man tournament, perhaps make it a series where you cover one boxer per episode and see how they would do against each other? I think its a great idea for a series
Would have liked to have seen Bowe in this. I was no fan of his, but the guy was no joke.
Bowe was right near the top of the tree in his incredibly short prime.
sayvar44 - If you watch how he ranked these heavyweights you’d understand. It’s all about rankings at the time which can be deceiving and isn’t the most accurate system.
@sayvar44 He explained the reasons for both tournament brackets. The first one was based on the point experiments done in his earlier videos and the second was a list made by ring magazine. He didn't make either bracket to prevent his bias. Obviously he doesn't think Povetkin is better than Jack Johnson or any other of the all time greats you mentioned. I personally would've just made the brackets instead of what he did but I understand his reasoning.
There was a reason Bowe never fought anybody except Evander who almost killed him all 3 times... Because if he didn't have a huge height weight reach & power advantage he would've gotten his ass handed to him by the top heavyweights. See the Golata fights for details. Bowe was fake news & doesn't deserve to be anywhere near these lists.
Scott Broyles no not at all Riddick was a great fighter he just didn’t take it seriously! He could’ve been one of the all time greats. His mistake was letting Rock Newman mismanage his career
Patterson vs Schmeling would have been one hell of a fight
I think you heavily underrate Joe Louis in head to head matchups and overrate Larry Holmes.
Both Tyson and Louis will always be stylistic nightmares for Holmes.
Holmes was definitely top 3 greatest any weightclass
Sure, and you probably do the inverse. That is what people do when they favour someone or something. Who knew ;)
I agree
@@petergriffin6223 HOW?! Ray Robison, Duran, Leonard and many more.
Man, you've put into very well educated and competent form the countless, daily barbershop conversations that ever happened all over the globe in the last like 100 years
This is just beautiful, thanks.
Why is Povetkin in there? You must be having a laugh
same thought, so many heavyweights to put in this spot instead. Bowe? Marciano?
Lmfao that's exactly what I was thinking wtf?
This list is silly, no Dempsey, Marciano, johnson
Ali in his prime was untouchable!
Wrong. Ali was very beatable, he had way too many flaws for his opponents to exploits.
Prime Ali mostly fought bums.
@@michaeltrumph121 Yeah but he also compiled best HW wins outside of his prime mate.
That's an understatement rest in peace Ali
@@michaeltrumph121 I wouldnt call Patterson, Liston, Cooper, Quarry bums...
Mike tyson was way two good in his prime but we all have Ower opinions and tyson blows threw fraizer within 3rounds mis match I think fraizer was two small for tyson but I would love two see maybe I am ring for sure.
WOW !! ! That was fantastic. i do think Louis's power, movement and all round ability was underestimated and Tyson's over estimated, i think Ali at his peak before his shameful forced exile was ahead of every heavy weight before him or since, his timing was genuinely perfect.
But more importantly, I wanted to thank you for all the time and effort you put in making this amazing channel.
I legit tear up every time I watch Ali fight because my subconscious mind can catch on how perfect his game was... It's one of those unexplainable fetishes us humans have like enjoying hearing a very strong efficient motor and stuff like that... A very weird sensation of satisfaction we get from seeing something powerful and efficient. It's kind of the same with Tyson too but not quite
Just saying
Tyson never beat a great fighter,he beat some good ones though.but he hasnt even the resume to be in such a tournament so dont compare him with Ali who has the best resume of all heawys,please,and never again leave such a dumb comment like the one that he would beat him.
Tyson looked good and fast against bums and hasbeens in prolly the weakest era ever.
@ Tyson carried the heavyweight division for a few years because the quality of the heavyweights was poor in his time, in fact it was regarded as the worse era of heavyweights ever and at his so called peak Tyson struggled with both Tony Tucker and James smith who both went the distance, neither of those two had the boxing ability or power of a peak Lennox Lewis, Tyson beat old retired Larry Holmes but also avoided and Big George Foreman, also he failed to beat any elite fighter from his generation, go through his record and show me what great fighter he beat to justify him as a great, just because you knock out lesser fighters doesn't mean your a great. as i said to me his ability is over estimated among these great champions.
@OSCAR and EMMY i think Ali can say that about any heavyweight in history, he was after all faster than anyone before or since. i didnt say he would beat Tyson i said i thought his ability was underestimated in this video. he had very fast hands, threw very short had punches and knockout power, he also beat all the top heavyweights of his era and retired as the champion, the same cannot be said for Mike Tyson which is why i said Tyson has been over estimated in this video.
@@ukfirebird The 80's era was nowhere near the worst for quality. Tyson was so good he made good fighters look average
Big George kills Larry Holmes. - sorry.
Well Shavers landed the heaviest punch he has on Holmes, put all his body in that punch, the hardest punch in history perhaps and Holmes got up, what makes you think Holmes can't survive a knockdown by Foreman?
Uh...no.
Holmes is exactly the type of fighter who could give george trouble, ali, jimmy young. A prime holmes was much better than jimmy young. Would have been a great fight, especially since they never liked each other.
Lester Green if it wasn’t for the robbery vs Briggs we would’ve had the battle of the ages n we would have the answer bcuz when they were slated to fight the war dubbed the battle of the ages the two combined fighters ages added up to almost 100 years of age lol but ppl were still fired up about seeing it! Unfortunately it didn’t happen bcuz foreman got robbed of a decision vs Shannon Briggs
@@kooroshrostami27 Maybe because George is a better puncher and boxer than Shavers?
We can do the match up three times and have three diffrent winners.
Great work Rummy.
You need to also be fair in terms of prep time. If the older guys were trained nowadays, everything would’ve been more effective ...
Nutrition
Physical training
Recovery methods
And of course, PEDs.
Tyson never got up of the canvas to win as far as i know, no way he gets to the final.
I think Lewis vs Ali is 50-50 goes to the scorecards. Lennox beat everyone he ever fought very underrated.
If Tyson didn't dominate or knock the opposition out early he tended to struggle. The longer it went on the less likely for a Tyson win.
Very few fighter would ever have the opportunity to put a peak tyson on the canvas.
@@Aidey75
That is not true. A washed up Tyson gave up, not a prime one.
@Stuart Sutton it's because he's the 2nd most popular boxer of all time and his true potential wasn't really seen, we don't know what he could of done or who he could of beaten.
It's about who and when Lennox had faced... I mean he was KO'd by McCall. What had McCall, that Ali or Holmes or others didn't? Lewis was vulnerable. Chin. Period.
Ali vs Holmes.
Pre ban Ali was superhuman.
He was further ahead of the competition than a prime SMW LHW Roy Jones was n we all kno just how untouchable Roy was at his best.
Prime Ali, the pre ban Ali is beyond compare. The man was magical, one of a kind, simply put he is *THE Greatest*
If it wasnt for Ali there would be no Holmes. Larry paid his dues as a sparring partner for Frazier & Ali, he learned at the feet of the master.
Prime Ali dismantles n destroys a prime Holmes.
No question about it.
He did get dropped by Henry cooper
CHopper Toteme and?
100% spot on
@@choppertoteme5007 best thing that possibly could have happened to him. Thats when he first 'smellt the coffee' made him alot wiser and ready for what was to come.
@@choppertoteme5007 The knockdown by Cooper helped him to become superhuman. This experience was missing. And @spiderm0ose is right. Without Ali, there would be no Holmes. Even no Tyson.
I had Wlad beating Liston. Only change to first bracket id have.
Steven Brideau nah I got Liston all day. Cause vlads chin is glass and listons wasn’t. Simple as that for me
No way. Wlad is overrated - while his brother is underrated! This is a strange situation but I find evidence for it all the time. Wlad was tremendously lucky to be fighting in an era when there was a lack of quality opposition. The few times he faced opponents who really came to fight he came unstuck, sometimes badly. Liston would have knocked bells out of him and I agree with Rummy that a second round stoppage is a likely result, probably after 3-4 knockdowns.
elliot granger - Did you really just describe Sonny Liston as a 6’1 midget with a glass chin? That’s a laughable statement.
Matt French I don’t agree with that, that’s akin to saying Lewis had a glass chin. I agree there were defensive lapses but the height and style of Vlad would cause tremendous issues to a man only 6’1...
Liston was underrated though thanks to the Ali fights which I believe he took a dive in.
Liston will knockout Wlad!!!
Muhammad Ali in the Cleveland Williams fight was the best ever. No one could have stopped Muhammad Ali that night.
Yeah I've got that Ali beating any heavyweight in history. In my opinion if that Ali had fought the prime 1971 Frazier he would have beaten Frazier probably by unanimous decision. And imagine that Ali versus the 80 prime Holmes, imagine how much better Ali would have done with those amazing reflexes and speed of hand and foot he had in the 60s. In fact in 1975 against Chuck wepner Ali still had very fast swift hands and probably still would have beaten a prime Holmes
@@youtoo2233 I was on board with what you were saying til the last. 1975 Ali would not beat prime holmes.
@@weenitomcchile1380 a 65' Ali could definitely defeat Holmes in my opinion, but by 1975 he was already ageing, he still had something left in him but certainly not what he had.
I have to say, I agree with your Holmes assessment. To me, he's possibly the best all-round fighter, and would end up with the best record in this hypothetical scenario, as much as I love so many of the other guys. He's always been underrated, but he's one of the best of all time.
I have to strongly disagree that Holmes beats Foreman, Ali only beat foreman due to strategy that could only work once, before that Big george would eat Holmes alive.
Jack Nicholson That was not an in prime Ali.
I have to agree.
It's the Incredible Hulk vs Batman.
In a cage.
To the death.
I'm putting my green 💵 on the GREEN.
Also Ali only beat foreman cause foreman wasn't accustomed to the weather conditions. Dude was exhausted more then actually ko'ed
And a big satanic deal.. No one could take foreman bombs to the body for 8-1/2 rounds no way..
@@KBX12Gaming i think foreman would eventually gassed out against holmes as well
We know your a Holmes fanboy Rummy 😂
Was he wrong though? Holmes is probably the most underrated HW champ alongside Liston
Because holmes was a great fighter that's why it's ali that's overated in my opinion.
@@ryandurkin2958 Holmes was the next big champion after Ali who was a hard act to follow not only because Ali being a great boxing Legend but his great personality, whereas Holmes could be a prick and an ass sometimes and people just didn't like that. This is why when Ali faded Sugar Ray Leonard became boxing's Golden Boy because he was very likeable and was beating the best welterweights around
Ryan Durkin - How’s Ali overrated?
I'm not sure if you just saw the punch Holmes took at 2:56 but that was Shavers punch. And Shavers is arguably the strongest puncher in heavyweight history. Only argument you could make was for Foreman. But as you see Holmes took that punch, that punch would put most heavyweights to sleep, and than he just gets right back up. Holmes was really really underrated.
The rum master is back!!
In my opinion, Wlad, Lennox, Vitali and Holmes would all be a massive force to be reckoned with in any era, unlike others mentioned here. I don’t think Liston would have got past Wlad just because Wlad is so much better on his feet and is all round quicker and fast enough to keep himself away from Liston - maybe even just winning on points to keep himself safe. Of course, Wlad v Ali is impossible to call, it really depended on what version of each fighter turned up. I’d have Frazier over Tyson and Holmes over Holyfield. But I also agree with your high assessment of Larry Holmes - he’s SO underrated.
At Hunkydory I've always said that Louis and Ali are the greatest.
But Vitali and Lennox would beat more of the top 25 of all time than anyone else.
They were so big and powerful, still throwing out great volume and punch selection.
James Todd I agree although I’d have Wlad over Vitali - Vitali was tougher but boxing wise, Wladimir moved quicker, had better technique, hit harder and had ridiculously good footwork - agree with ur statement though.
Holmes vs Foreman and Tyson vs Frazier
WOW!!
The great Teddy Atlas has Tyson over Fraiser too, and hes never good wit Tyson!!! I like Foreman over Holmes tho too.. they are both close tho..
The great Teddy Atlas has Louis over Tyson tho...uuuuhhh ooohh!!!! hahaha...these are good
Id love to see Lewis, Ali...Lewis is one of the best to do it..slightly underrated...and this is a fantasy fight never talked about...This is a greeeat one!!! maybe my favorite!!!
These should almost all be statistically, computer generated...id be very interested in that!!!!
@@jeffn.6360 man imagine
Ali vs lewis
Holmes vs foreman
Holyfield vs joe louis
Tyson vs frazier
Shavers vs liston
In a night that shit would make billions haha
you coulda at least put buster douglas in the tournament to knock out tyson again 😂
Not taking away anything away from Douglas but let’s be honest if there was a rematch to that fight Tyson would 100% beat him
@@Sonny-oq1km yea he actually wanted a rematch but there was no way to win against tyson he was fat he had shit tons of money there was no point in fighting tyson so thats why he declined a rematch tyson actually gave buster a rematch offer when he came back from prison
Excellent video, too many variables but fun to think about, Holmes was something else his style like ali's was a joy to watch
Yeah Foreman-Holmes is an amazing fight, I've really enjoyed this video Speculating on fantasy fight is quite entertaining.
A Fantasy Middleweight tournament is what I'm looking forward to now
Ali at his best beats everyone...At his VERY best he was a unique Athlete who overcame his opponents in varied and intelligent ways. Top, Top fighters couldn’t even lay a glove on him. Legend RIP
@Ice booy Ali beats him by decision
Ice booy Holmes’s era was a walk in the park compared to Ali’s era.
@@futuregohan2398
Ali beat bums for most of his career. There are only 2 exceptions: Frazier, who beat Ali when both were closest to their prime; Foreman, who Ali tricked and never fought again cause he knew that wouldn't work a second time.
I'm not counting Liston, cause he was old and the fight was fixed.
Ali is the most overrated boxer in history.
@Ice booyHolmes was Ali sparring partner for years. Holmes coming into his prime really did fight like Ali. He learned it getting his ass kicked by the Greatest of all Times
@@michaeltrumph121bro what are you talking about Ali was out of the ring for years and loses a close decision to Frazier then beats him twice and Knocked out Foreman, Foreman, in 1977 got beaten by Jimmy young, who Ali then beat! Ali is the Greatest Heavyweight! The 70s was the Greatest Era for The Heavyweight Division, With the 90s being second. Ali beat everyone in his prime!
This was a brilliant upload. Thoroughly enjoyed indulging in the hypothetical. Good fun.
This is amazing! Thank you brother! Keep your hands up and continue conquering RUclips. Best channel in the world .
Anything can happen in boxing with style match ups but I think I’m going with Ali taking out Holmes in the final match up,with George foreman 3rd and Lennox 4th
The coming to America barber shop scenes are brilliant
How slow Foreman beat technical Lewis, and how Liston with so weak chin beet so careful Wlad?How?
Foreman and Liston had great, powerful jabs and could take a hell of a punch. Foreman had sneaky fast hands that could break down a concrete wall and Liston had the arm span of a 6’6 guy
Liston had a great chin, what are you talking about? Go look at Liston's career.
Excellent video Rummy, thank you for taking the time to discuss these dream match ups
I personally put someone like Lennox Lewis above Larry Holmes (both in terms of legacy and head-to-head) - Lewis avenged his two losses while Holmes lost to Spinks twice. In regard to the hypothetical matchup Holmes could dance and snap the jab for a while, but Lewis was an equal (or better) boxer and once Holmes starts trading (like in the Norton fight) I think he’s getting stopped. Resume of great wins is also in favor of Lewis imo.
Lennox Lewis, Ali and Holmes are my top 3 of all-time and in no particular order. They're all technical boxers, great hands and footwork. Top 3 jabs ever too. Ali the fastest, Lewis the biggest puncher with Holmes right in the middle. All smart with great ringmanship. Complete boxers.
On the right night Lewis could have won one of these tournaments
@@Aidey75 Liston's jab better than all of them.
Brave call on Holmes vs Foreman, well done Bummy.
Its impossible to split em in my book. I rekon it would take a classic 5 fight series to split em.
I mean it only took some of Alis legendary toughness, psyche warfare, ring generalship, his championship know how and a trip to a jungle in deepest darkest Africe to derail the monstrous wrecking machine that was a prime Foreman.
As for Holmes ?
Ali had been in with bangers like Cooper, Liston, Frazier, Foreman but rekoned nobody could wallop like Earnie Shavers.
Larry took Shavers best shots, hauled himself up offa the deck to win.
Holmes vs Foreman shoulda, woulda, coulda been *THE* best rivalry in the history of HW boxing, at least as legendary as Ali vs Frazier, Holyfield vs Bowe & Holyfield vs just about everybody he ever fought !
Brave call Bummy !
Dude - Your channel is the best boxing channel ive seen.
And the fact that boxing in the last 12 years is my no 1 passion - makes your channel a big big favorite.
Thanks again for this excellent content.
Let's be honest, some of us have done this before on a sheet of paper before lol
How many fighters talked about "controlling" Iron Mike or "interrupting his rythym" - how'd that work with a "prime" Tyson
How many of the fighters that said it even compare to ones on the list, alwo the fact that tyson had problemn with long range tall boxers even on his primer, tony tucker and bonecrusher smith as a example and those two were not half as good as the one on this list
i havent watched it yet but i can tell this vids is gonna be great
1966 Muhammad Ali conquers all, footwork and speed on a different planet to everyone else. He beats any Heavyweight past or present...probably predicts the round too.
agree with you... ali by far the best of all time
Ali is the most overrated boxer in history.
Tyson, Bowe, Holmes, Lewis, Holyfield, Liston, Wlad - they all beat him
@@michaeltrumph121 haha
@@pascalscherr5206
That's the truth, whether u like it or not.
@@michaeltrumph121 Tyson is the most overrated boxer ever. Ali embarrased Liston even when Liston used some shit to blind him.
Very good video, but I have Muhammad Ali all the way. I do agree with your comments on Larry Holmes, he was a very good yet underrated boxer.
If you enjoy these things why not do a hypothetical round robin, you can even award draws that way
Or even give a % on which way you think the fight could go
Tyson and Frazier man I love that one left hooks all night from both
The version of Ali that beat Cleveland Williams, beats any fighter ever.
Williams had like half his intestine removed.
No he doesn't. Cleveland Williams was a shot fighter when Ali beat him.
Tyson, Bowe, Holmes, Lewis, V. Klitschko, Holyfield, Liston (not taking a dive) - they all beat Ali.
Michael Trumph You were correct until you said Wlad and Liston beat Ali. Liston was legitimately trying in their first fight and he was getting dominated. Wlad wouldn’t throw a punch if his jab couldn’t land and if Fury could completely freeze him Ali would be a nightmare with his quicker hands and feet
@@michaeltrumph121 Ali would've beaten any version of Williams. That list is a joke too right? Lewis is the only one who could legit beat a prime Ali. His style was just too good. Tyson would be embarrassed by Ali. Liston was tailor made for Ali. Holmes would lose by a razor thin decision. Holyfield loses a decision as well. The rest dont matter.
MightyMighty - Disagree. Size matters. Lennox was WAAY too big and too strong for Ali.
Ali in his prime was a cruiserweight in the era Lennox dominated. He was 212 in the fight against Cleveland and 212 against Frazier. Ali weighed in as low as 188 and was under 200 pounds for his first 15 fights.
Lennox was 6’5.5 and a solid 250lbs. He would have 35-40 pounds on a prime Ali and 2-4 in height advantage, and a solid 6 in reach advantage (Lewis 84 in reach to Ali 78). And Lennox used his height and reach well.
Lennox would either stop him or overpower and outpoint him, depending on how many risks Ali want to take.
Prime Tyson’s raw power and exceptional defense also gives Ali problems. This is my dream fight, and Tyson did not have the height advantage Lennox had, so this could go either way, but I would have to lean towards Tyson in a 12 round fight, I’d favor Ali to edge a 15 rounder.
Where is my man Ken Norton ? ......
And where is my man Big Daddy Bowe ?
See his earlier vid on the heavyweights and the ranking system used.
TheFreedef Norton would get destroyed against everyone on the list
This is one of my favourite videos of yours and I’d love to see the concept revisited in other weight classes because this one was great
I wonder how Zora Folley wound up on this list over somebody like Archie Moore? (Who Ali also beat in his waning years).
No Rocky Marciano either
Archie Moore was never much of a heavyweight. He is always seen as a light heavy
great video as always rummy, im a young romanian boxing fan
and no doubt your channnel is the top dog in the bussiness
Keep up the good work!
In my opinion, you did the Klitschko's dirty here lol, I don't think Liston has a chance at all agaisnt Wladimir, Liston is slow on his feet, he isn't getting close, and Lennox isn't stopping Vitali, Vitali has never been hurt, Lennox by decision but definitely not a stoppage and in 5 rounds? what have you been smoking Rummy lol.
Yeah Vitali has an ATG chin
Lennon headbutt is what caused the eye problem in TKO 6, I think both in their prime would make for a war.
In the end; Klitschko’s and Holmes will be underrated because they didn’t fight the big names in their peak but I think in terms of chances that they all have better chances then a lot of guys on the list.
Honestly could see a finals of klitschko and Holmes
Liston would kill Wladimir:
Extreme power
Hard jab
Iron chin
Not that slow
The fact you took the time to actually do this tells us all how much you love boxing., thanks man
I cant believe you picked Tyson over JOE LOUIS. Louis would stop Tyson, I think Louis is the best finisher in heavyweight history.
Louis isn't even a real HW. He constantly fought under 200lbs. No way he takes Tysons power and aggression early.
Louis too small
Lewis was getting whooped by a light heavyweight and got stunned
@@Azziee Louis was 6 ft 3, Tyson was 5 ft 11
drepop803 a prime joe louis took max Baer’s power early so I think louis would get a middle to late round stoppage
Any chance we can get a "contender, but never champ" tournament? Wills, Jeannette, Firpo, Galento, Quarry, Zora Foley, Cleveland Williams, Lyle, Shavers, Cooney, Jimmy Young, Carl Williams, Tua, Ruddock, Miske, and Arreola?
I'm confused, how did Povetkin sneak in to the tournament?
Tyson fury or deontay wouldve been better
Has been ranked as top-10 fighter since 2007
"Schmeling K.o. 12 Louis (1936) is arguably the greatest win in heavyweight history" Yes it is I guess.
I feel like Wlad Is very underappreciated fighter. He was painted by the media as the jab-and-grab boxer but he was also very intelligent and exceptionally fast for a guy his size. Mainly his footwork is very underrated. There's a reason why great fighters like Haye, Byrd and Povetkin couldn't land a proper punch on him, and clinching was not the sole reason.
This 100%. Prime Wlad hangs in with the best HWs. Doesnt beat all obviously but strong fight.
Another amazing, well thought out video. Incredible work Rummy, incredible. 👏
This video will be (very) controversial to say the least and i havent even watched it yet.
Edit: DAMN tyson beating louis? Ouch.
Any day of the week twice on Sunday. Joe Louis is over rated
what what WHAT?! Tyson beating louis? hell yeah rumdawg!!!!
Average Joe overrated. 25 title defenses...
If they fought 10 times louis would win 7 times imo none of these legends would beat another legend 10 times out of 10. Thats why theyre legends.
@sayvar44 In the second tournament in the video.
Awesome work on this video, hypothetical matchups and tournament are always incredibly interesting to view! Gotta ask, I know this was released 2 years ago, but is there any chance at getting another one of these tournaments at any point? Hadn't seen any others on the channel since but would certainly love to see another one of these!
Lenix only beat vitaly cuz of the cut that made the doctor stop the fight Vitaly was up on the cards until that happened. If Lenix was younger it may have been tighter but not a 5 round tko...
Lennox was by far the better boxer.
@@Aidey75 Maybe, but not that night. That cut was caused by the laces on Lennox's glove, not a punch, and he's lucky lucky lucky lucky that it happened. He was fixing to get knocked out that night - Vitali wasn't gonna be denied.
Admittedly I am biased, because I love Ali.
I honestly think on his best day at his prime, no boxer can match him. He is a tactical boxer that throws lots of punches to gain points and possibly knockout his opponent, and he can absorb punches to avoid knockout. And let's not forget one of his boxing quote, "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see," lol.
Speed kills!
Priceless video as always
Dude, your boxing videos are consistently the most thoughtful and entertaining musings on the sweet science that I have ever seen. Thank you for your fine work.
One suggestion for a possible future video: Howard Cosell--his role and impact on the sport’s popularity during the great heavyweight era of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. His calls of Ali’s fights undoubtedly contributed significantly to the latter’s fame, and Howard’s calls of Foreman vs Frazier 1 and Foreman vs Lyle remain my two favorite all time ringside calls. Just a thought.
Also, you should be supported for what you do, even if you love doing it. Do you have a Patreon page?
Hard to believe in recent years Marciano gets dismissed as having beaten nobody and then in the next breath rate Holmes as the all time greatest overall skilled heavyweight. Who did Larry beat in his career to get such accolades? Tyson wiped out that 80s division in 2 years.
He beat a strong Norton and showed far more raw talent, athleticism, and ring generalship than Rocky
What a video!
Keep up the amazing work man.
Was a bit gutted Jack Johnson didn't win the whole thing but that's just a bit of hero worship on my part lol can't wait for the next one
I'm waiting for the middleweights and the welterweights.
Good job Rummy. Tyson and Ali remain the two most recognizable icons of boxing. It makes sense to have them in the final.
I feel like with Lennox size and skill he's a top 5 heavyweight of all time and when he was in his hay day I hated him and wanted anyone and everyone to beat him.....but the dude is I'll and with his size and jab he is a real problem for most
100% correct.
Regarding the 1st tournaments results, it's so interesting to imagine prime Tyson vs prime Ali. On one hand, Ali's speed and boxing would trouble Iron Mike. But on the other hand, Frazier made Ali go life and death and even dropped Ali. Mike Tyson is arguably a more complete version of Frazier. Having power in both hands, better bobbing and weaving, better chin and lastly he is 2inches shorter which would mean once hes on the inside it would be EVEN more difficult to get him off of Ali. I personally think stylistically Tyson beats Ali but both mean are so great that you can't be 100% sure. I've always loved how when asked who would win both men would respond with the other's name. Such respect and class from two top notches all time greats.
100% Frazier stops Tyson, Tyson was mentally weak past 3 rounds
Couldnt agree more. Frazier loved the fight and Tyson wasnt stopping him before gassing out past 7. Frazier KO round 9 IMO.
It's not like Tyson never won a fight on points. In a 15 round fight there's no way he'd get a decision over Frazier, he'd need to take him out early, which is a strong possibility. In a 12 round fight I agree with Rummy it could go to a razor thin split decision that could go either way. There's also a strong possibility Frazier stops him late.
Completely disagree. I don't think joe could of took Tysons early onslaught. I have Tyson winning in under 3 rounds. Joe is there for getting hit and he had no speed to counter mikes speed.
Tyson easy
George Foreman easily handled Frazier in each of their matches.
It depends on how you see Tyson's prime power and aggression, and I see that aspect as unique to Tyson in it's devastation.
Tyson KO or TKO in early rounds... (coming from a hater because of the ear thing)
I totally agree about Larry Holmes. He had the potential to beat anyone. I couldn't see Tyson in any final though. I have him losing to almost everyone in these tournaments. He never proved he could beat a prime world class boxer.
You are fucking crazy this is set in each boxer's prime that means Custamado would still be alive and Tyson could not be beat by anybody on the list
"If you put all the fighters of the world in the same room, only Rocky Marciano comes out alive"
No way. Ali , Frazier , Foreman , Tyson , Holyfield and Holmes... They're all ahead of Marciano's
@Matthew Anthony He wasn't 5'9 and 180. He was 5'11 and at his nax weight 205
@@Hibarioozora7777 I'm not sure, but I think that Marciano Never reached 200 pounds on his whole carrer. His maximum carreer weight was 195/196 pounds
HA! With that room Rocky neva see's the light from the other room.
Ali walks out alive
Lewis barely drags himself out for second place
Holmes dies on his way to third
Marciano would be among the first ones eliminated
Frazier moved his head. But it was just random movements he was not dodging any incoming punches from his opponents other than on sheer luck due to the volume of his head movement. Tyson actually dodged incoming punches and counter punched from the right angles. Tyson had solid crosses, Upper Cuts and hooks. Joe Frazier had a left hook and that's all. Tyson had dimensions and depth early in his career. Frazier had a left hook. I think you completely missed this one and that fight is nowhere close.
Well said, Tyson destroys him.
I love your channel and this video, but a little dissapointed with your Ali era bias. Please, we need to be realists. Frazier and Liston are just too short to fight Lewis and Klitschko, who surpass them, not only in size but in boxing skills and in resume.
Liston was 6'1 with the same reach of lennox so yeah the guy ur calling small isnt small at all
Ali is the one who's the most overrated.
Prime Liston can beat any HW that ever lived.
Klitschko has trouble with Povetkin, imagine what Sonny, who had a far superior reach and power would do
Frazier has a win over the Greatest of all time.and he loved fighting bigger guys.do your research.
This is just sooooooo good! I thoroughly enjoyed his video! Thank you, Rummy!
Fantastic! Love the commentary
Magic mate, continue with the same methodology.....
I believe Ali and Foreman would always win over any other fighter with Frazier and Tyson occasionally sharing the top slot . My ranking of all time greatest top 4 heavyweights is :
1. Ali
2. Foreman
3. Frazier
4. Tyson
And who did Tyson beat to end up there?
Well done rummy I like the effort you put into all of this and your energy
Where’s Wilder and Fury? lol 😂
Should have replaced Povetkin and Sharkey.
Or Anthony joshua he may of lost but he was the one who became undisputed champion and defended it also he fought the better boxer out of fury and wilder
Reddick Bowe over any of them. Its not even close!!
Povetkin is not a boxer at all. Just a bag. Shouldn't be on a list at all
Butterbean and ike ibeabuchi
I was wonder why Fury, Joshua and Wilder were not on here.
Both Larry Holmes and Lennox Lewis are underrated. But what's crazy to me is how some people view Lennox Lewis so badly through his two losses.
This man thinks larry holmes can beat prime Ali, Ali used to rough him up in sparring when in his prime. Gtfo
Would love to see you follow up with an expanded version of this like you suggested, a round robin where you cover lots of matchups, and you just keep track of the score for your own fantasy tournament.
Cinderella Joe Frazier showing up in the semi-finals makes me so happy, you can't understand
Gotta disagree on the Tyson-Frazier. Tyson lost every fight with anyone who was even close to has mentally in the game as Frazier. Frazier wouldnt be scared and would come to brawl. Its true he struggled with fast hands but mostly with fast hands on the outside, I think hed be up for it and youd get two bullrushes with a young hotheaded steer and an old tough bull. The steer takes the first few rounds, loses his nerve in the 4-6 rounds, gets dominated for the next 6-9 with a round 9 stoppage for Frazier. Very few have the grit and guts that Frazier had, an nobody at heavyweight bullies him on the inside.
Edit: No way Tyson beats Frazier, Liston and Louis. Theyre all too tough, in chin and in mind. He might be strong early, but Liston is too strong to bully and has that beautiful jab, Frazier outworks him and struggles with the pace but times him and blows him away with a left hook or a right straight as Tyson tries to dive in.
Edit 2: I personally have Lewis and Foreman for the two winners.
Pffft @ Listons jab.
Yes he had a jab, every boxer does, its the first punch yer taught on day one.
Liston was a big plodder n used a basic jab like a big plodder does, he won no fights with his jab n we dont kno how many of his wins were fixe, we only kno he was considered a corrupted fighter in a secretive corrupt era, so if it was common knowledge back then he probably wouldn't even be licensed today in the information era.
Listons a nobody on the all time list. Mike Tyson woulda chewed him up n spat him out inside 5 rounds.
We didn't even see the prime Ali... Before his ban, Ali was literally unbeatable, his speed, reflexes and boxing skills were something else! Using what we saw of Ali before his ban, he would beat any heavyweight of any era. He also possessed numerous other traits too...
Before his ban, Ali had a million flaws and was very beatable. Hr just happened to get lucky and faced small bums most matches.
You really don't rate Wlad do ya?
Vladimir got destroyed by a purity and a rooster I mean Brewster how the hell is he supposed to beat Sonny who would be all wrong for Vlad in more ways than one
Can you do of the best welterweights of all time and lightweights too!
I enjoyed this, however, there are things that you did not nor could not incorporate in your evaluation. Such as the evolution of boxing over the years, (boxing stands and other methods of training) all the early fighter would be at a disadvantage and the earlier the fighter the bigger the disadvantage.
Well said.
This is a great video, i like it alot.
It would be easier to watch if this video was made into two.
Peak Bowe, basically 92, would fare well against them all.
Peak Bowe is top 3 all time.
Riddick Bowe beats everyone besides prime Ali
Definitely please do this again for other weight classes! This was great. I may not agree with all of the fights decisions but I respect the process you took getting there. I did agree that gorgeous George wins the second tournament. The seeding MATTERS!
I agree with Rummy that Holmes would be Ali's most difficult opponent.
If you added a 47 year old Cus D’Amato watching film and creating fight to fight strategy I would have Kid Dynamite pulling out the entire tournament. No telling how much more Iron Mike could have learned 👊👊👊
You are to biased towereds Holmes, we all know he is your fav boxer
That's crazy, it's almost like he admitted at the start that it'd be heavily biased. Weird.
Might be biased but, could very possibly be right. Ali Holmes is my 1 2 but even though I'm "biased" toward Ali, I give Larry the respect to believe he might have been the only boxer to beat Ali. I also believe Tyson to be the only puncher who could accomplish the task, and I don't have Tyson as high on my all time list.
@ This comment is so dumb that it actually hurts. Holmes was not a top 5. He had trouble with a 35 year old Norton and bearly beat him (I believe the scorecards where 144-143 for Holmes). Norton was certain that had he been five years younger, he would have beat Holmes. Holmes ducked everyone including George and only fought the guys he knew he could beat.
Bringing up the Ali vs Holmes fight is idiotic and most importantly disrespectful. Ali was the 39, had to lose 40lbs within 6 weeks and was suffering from severe parkinson’s. Medical reports show that he was unable to touch his own nose, and could not stand on one foot properly.
You're aware that Ali never beat Norton convincingly either, right?
Jeez Rum, I was going to mow the lawn. The more I look at this the more I think that only a prime mid to late sixties version of Ali could give a prime Larry a stern test. The pure boxing skills on show would have been insane.