Mike Tyson verdict given on Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fights as Oleksandr Usyk gets rated
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Boxing experts have sparked fresh debate over fantasy matchups between current and legendary heavyweight champions.
Former trainer Teddy Atlas believes today's stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could have beaten Mike Tyson in his prime.
Meanwhile, former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson has weighed in on another dream contest, backing prime Evander Holyfield to defeat current unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
These assessments come from two respected voices in boxing, both speaking within the last few hours.
Mike Tyson has been told he would not have beaten Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua
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Atlas, who previously trained Mike Tyson and has coached numerous champions including Alexander Povetkin and Michael Moorer, made his surprising assessment at age 68.
The veteran trainer suggested that both Joshua and Fury, along with Daniel Dubois, could defeat Tyson at his peak.
Atlas acknowledged that Joshua would likely be considered an underdog against prime Tyson, but noted he would have "a chance to catch him on the way in."
Atlas supported his view by referencing historical precedent, particularly Buster Douglas's victory over Tyson.
He said: "I don't think you would have looked at Buster Douglas as one of the great fighters of any generation...
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"He wouldn't have impressed you more than Joshua. He wouldn't impress you more than Fury. And yet he beat Tyson, so I think that's your answer.
The trainer suggested that if Douglas could achieve victory, today's top heavyweights could do the same.
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson was unequivocal in his assessment of a hypothetical clash between Holyfield and Usyk.
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Tyson Fury lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, prompting him to retire from boxing
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"I can easily answer that," Nelson told talkSPORT. "You look at a prime Evander Holyfield jumping up to heavyweight with a prime Oleksandr Usyk, I'd go for Holyfield."
Nelson praised Holyfield's destructive power and ring intelligence, stating: "He was on your case, he wouldn't let you off the hook and his punch variation was fantastic."
He cited Holyfield's power, stamina and pace as decisive factors in the fantasy matchup.
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Mike Tyson recently returned to the ring in a defeat to Jake Paul
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Holyfield retired in 2011 after victories over boxing legends including Tyson, Larry Holmes and George Foreman.
Usyk, now 37, remains undefeated as a professional and continues to build his legacy as unified heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian's dominance spans two weight classes, having previously reigned as undisputed cruiserweight champion before moving up to heavyweight.
While speculation exists about Usyk potentially returning to cruiserweight, Nelson believes financial considerations make such a move unlikely.
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