Debates concerning all-time greats and their fictitious matchups with contemporary fighters are as common as the contests themselves in the dynamic world of boxing. The idea that a former Mike Tyson would destroy the current top three heavyweights—Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, and Tyson Fury—stands out among these disputes.

Mike Tyson: The LegendWhen Mike Tyson was at his best, he was a force to be reckoned with—more than just a boxer. In the latter part of the 1980s, Tyson dominated the heavyweight class with a devastating blend of speed, power, and skill. Being able to conclude bouts quickly made him a well-known figure and a formidable opponent in the ring. Tyson’s record is unquestionable: of 58 professional bouts, 50 were wins, 44 of them were via knockout. From 1987 to 1990, he held the title of undisputed heavyweight champion, demonstrating his unmatched ability.

Anthony Joshua: The Contemporary SuperpowerThe two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua combines strength, agility, and technical prowess in the ring. With noteworthy wins over Andy Ruiz Jr., Alexander Povetkin, and Wladimir Klitschko, Joshua has cemented his status as one of the modern era’s top heavyweights. With a 6’6″ height and an 82-inch reach, Joshua uses his physical might to overwhelm opponents. Still, the question remains: could he hold off against the unrelenting assault of a Mike Tyson in peak form?

Oleksandr Usyk: The Master Technician The southpaw from Ukraine, Oleksandr Usyk has dominated the heavyweight class after emerging as the unchallenged cruiserweight champion. Famed for his superb footwork, ring IQ, and defensive prowess, Usyk defeated Anthony Joshua in their first fight, demonstrating his elite level competitiveness. Usyk is a dangerous opponent because of his superior technical skill and tactical awareness. To be sure, Usyk has never faced a test quite like Tyson’s raw strength and ferocity.

Tyson Fury: The Dominance of the Gypsy KingThe current WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, is frequently considered the greatest heavyweight of his generation. Fury has conquered opponents like Wladimir Klitschko and Deontay Wilder thanks to his unconventional fighting style, exceptional agility for his size, and keen grasp of the sweet science. His adaptability and tenacity in the ring are unmatched. But Tyson’s explosive power and unrelenting pressure would be too much for even Fury, with his 6’9″ stature and 85-inch reach.

first-rate The Best of Today vs. Tyson The Speculative PairsJoshua vs. Tyson: Tyson’s speed and power would be matched against Joshua’s strength and technical proficiency. Tyson might overwhelm Joshua, who has demonstrated a sensitivity to pressure fighters, with his ability to move stealthily and deliver devastating combinations.

Tyson vs. Usyk: Usyk would need to avoid Tyson’s strikes thanks to his excellent defensive skills and footwork. But Tyson’s unwavering chase and ability to stop Usyk in the ring might negate his movement and result in a knockout.

Tyson vs. Fury: Fury would present a special challenge because of his unconventional approach and versatility. Tyson may be able to hold off Fury due to his size advantage, but Fury’s propensity for inside fighting could work to Tyson’s benefit and lead to an exciting fight.