Five heavyweights of history who beat Tyson Fury
Image: Manchester Evening News
Tyson Fury, the British heavyweight boxer, is considered by many to be one of the greatest boxers of all time. Fury boasts an impressive record of 31 wins, one draw, and zero losses. Although a giant of a man, Fury is known for his speed, agility, and in more recent years, his power. However, if we were to pit him against some of the heavyweights of history, it would be interesting to see how he would fare. Here are five heavyweights of history who may have just given Tyson Fury a run for his money:
1. Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali, the man who floated like a butterfly but stung like a bee, is widely held up as the best boxer of all time. Ali's impressive record of 56 wins and only 5 losses were earned by his incredible speed, agility, and footwork, which made it difficult for his opponents to land anything hurtful on the American. Would the famous "rope-a-dope" technique, where he would lean back on the ropes and let his opponent tire themselves out, be a challenge too much for Fury to overcome?
2. Mike Tyson "Iron Mike" was one of the most fearsome boxers of his time and possiblity one of the most feared fighters to ever enter the ring. Tyson bowed out of boxing with a record of 50 wins and 6 losses, with 44 of his wins coming by way of knockout. Known for his power and ability to end fights early, sometimes destroying a boxer even before the first bell had sounded, if Tyson were to land one of his famous uppercuts on Fury, it could be game over for the Gypsy King.
Image: The Independent
3. Joe Louis Joe Louis, also known as the "Brown Bomber," held the heavyweight title for a record 11 years and defended it 25 times. Louis holds a professional record of 66 wins, 3 losses, and 52 knockouts and was known for his powerful right hand and his ability to take the best his opponent had to offer. We have seen Tyson Fury change his style in recent years, especially in his demolition of Deontay Wilder, but if Fury were to try to take Louis on in a slugfest, Fury would be in for a tough night.
4. Jack Dempsey The "Manassa Mauler" was one of the most aggressive boxers of his time - 66 wins, 6 losses, and 51 knockouts are slated up for Dempsey as testament to the talent he possessed. Dempsey was known for his relentless style and ability to absorb punishment and continue moving forward. No doubt Fury would fancy his chances at outboxing the Mauler, but could the Gypsy King do it over 15 rounds?
5. Rocky Marciano Rocky Marciano, also known as the "Brockton Blockbuster," was the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, with a record of 49 wins, 0 losses, and 43 knockouts. Marciano was relentless in pursuit of his opponent and piled on the pressure to wear them down before breaking them down. Could Fury go toe-to-toe with Marciano? At only 5'10, would Marciano have been able to get close enough to Fury to dent the King?
Image: World Boxing Association
While Tyson Fury is undeniably an impressive boxer, a slick mover, and a man born to fight there are handful of heavyweights of history who could give The Gypsy King a run for his money. Would any of the men above beaten Tyson Fury? No one really knows. Regardless, it is always interesting to speculate and imagine how the greats of the past would have fared against today's champions.