Tyson's opponents since Holyfield: Danny Williams ranks....?

natedog · Post by **natedog** » 28 Jul 2004, 22:39

From the strongest to the weakest, put the following fighter's in order; Botha, Norris, Francis, Saverese, Galota, Neilson, Lewis, and Williams.

Johnny Carwash · Post by **Johnny Carwash** » 29 Jul 2004, 00:14

Just taking a stab...

Lewis
Golota
Botha
Neilsen
Norris
Williams
Etienne (added him)
Savarese
Francis

Blue · Post by **Blue** » 29 Jul 2004, 03:03

A no brainer if U go by accomplishments (official decisions).
Lewis
Golota
Neilsen
Norris
Savarese
Botha
Williams
Francis

bugs · Post by **bugs** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:11

Yeah but if you look at the fights and fighters at the time you must say Golota was washed up and did not want the fight and need to drop him lower, similar situation with Saverese, also Botha looked really good and seriously looked like beating Tyson until the big equaliser.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:34

Botha was a pretty good fighter, just sub world class, better than Williams, tougher and more accomplished.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:38

And Norris did nothing of note as a heavyweight.

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:41

James - when you say Botha was MORE accomplished than Williams was do you mean?

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:44

Yeah, he was merely an opponent by the time Tyson got to him. As I recall he wasn't even hit by a solid punch and he went down, or was that Norris v Klitchsko?

Christ, he's still fighting, back down at cruiser now!

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:47

Norris was the one clocked after the bell who made a complete meal of it. Botha outboxed Tyson for 4 rounds then got nailed by a corking right hand in the fifth that sparked him - it was a solid shot alright.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:48

Yes Norris was a sorry sight that night. I think the fight was switched at the last minute wasn't it? New town, new date. I think he twisted his knee or something, and tried to win on a foul.

Botha was a pretty tough guy. Completely unintimidated by Tyson, he was taunting Tyson when he got nailed.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:50

Yes if Botha hadnt got cocky I think he could have pulled it off. Tyson was awful that night, that one right hander aside.

Norris was a disgrace he could easily have continued. There was nothing in the shot Tyson landed after the bell. Lost all respect for Norris that night.

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:54

And Botha is a better boxer than Williams? Nope he aint.

Williams SHOULD win on Saturday.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 29 Jul 2004, 06:57

I've decided what is going to happen tomorrow night, so those who don't want to know the result beforehand.....look away now............ 8)

Danny will cover up well and make a decent start, surviving Tyson's early rounds assault. He'll start to make Mike look pretty ordinary through rounds 3 and 4, building up the hopes of British fans.

Then his workrate will gradualy drop, and he'll allow a struggling Tyson back into the fight. In round 6, Tyson will catch him with a desparation big punch and Williams will fall hurt into the ropes. A follow up barrage will see the house ref jump in and rescue Williams.

The Tyson band wagon rolls safely on.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:00

DavidPayne wrote:And Botha is a better boxer than Williams? Nope he aint.

Williams SHOULD win on Saturday.

As limited as Botha was he was not intimidated by Tyson and if not the best skilled went in with the right attitude. Williams on the other hand wont be able to do that.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:02

MightyWarrior wrote:I've decided what is going to happen tomorrow night, so those who don't want to know the result beforehand.....look away now............ 8)

Danny will cover up well and make a decent start, surviving Tyson's early rounds assault. He'll start to make Mike look pretty ordinary through rounds 3 and 4, building up the hopes of British fans.

Then his workrate will gradualy drop, and he'll allow a struggling Tyson back into the fight. In round 6, Tyson will catch him with a desparation big punch and Williams will fall hurt into the ropes. A follow up barrage will see the house ref jump in and rescue Williams.

The Tyson band wagon rolls safely on.

If Williams wants to win he has to be mentally right, but he also needs to raise his workrate. If he fights at the same pace he has in his last 6+ fights he will get hammered. So he needs to pick up the pace AND be mentally right. Thats a big ask and something he's not been able to do in countless fights already with someone far less intimidating than Tyson...

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:08

Botha was a tougher nut to crack than anything Williams has done thus far would suggest.

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:13

Agreed - but on the semantics - accomplished?

He's arguably 'accomplished' more but no way is he more polished or skilled than Williams.

Mind you if you could put the heart of the Frans Botha that Michael Moorer in Danny Williams' frame, you'd have some beast! Eh?

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 29 Jul 2004, 07:20

Yes, accomplished in that sense, not a more accomplished fighter, but skills aren't the be all and end all. As we all know.