It is an interesting hypothetical. I think both boxers in their prime would have made for a very entertaining match — two similar in some aspects but overall very different fighting styles.

I don’t think Tyson would have destroyed Ali but agree he would have the edge with speed and power. Ali, in my opinion, was the better pugilist with more skills in the bag. But then it is challenging to assess Mike in his prime, he was never really tested, but it is clear he was more than raw speed and power.

If we judge greatest on the ability to defeat opponents and boxing prowess then Tyson would be crowned. If we look at greatest with the contribution to sport and beyond then hands down Ali with his comeback fights, what he did for the sport and what he stood up and believed in, hands down wins.

Good write, and thanks for sharing an interesting perspective. It is something as you can tell I have often pondered, myself.