Basically the Tyson that fought Ruddock II vs. the Bowe that out-boxed Holyfield I And the Tyson that KO'd Bruno II vs. the Bowe in the Golota fights. Which Brownsville legend comes out on top
I'm not sure about Bowe ever beating Tyson - even in the early 90s. He was just too easy to hit, and was never one to try to clinch when hurt. His chin was decent, but I don't see it standing it up to Mike's power for long. I think Mike would take Bowe out, in the early 90s and in 96.
Bowe declined quickly and looked really bad in the Golota fights. Part of that was Golota, but Bowe just looked plain slow. Watch Bowe in 92-93, or even the Gonzalez fight in June 95’, and then against Golota the next year. It’s pretty astounding how much he declined physically. Tyson obviously wasn’t the same either, but I think he had enough to beat Bowe. Bowe’s defense was just too poor and I don’t think he would be able to stop Mike from landing hard shots at mid range. I’m not sure about 92’. Bowe’s defense was still not good, but he was way sharper all around in 92’. Tyson brutalized Ruddock in the rematch but also showed minimal head movement. He also would let himself get tied up. Bowe was way more active in the clinch, and much more polished on the inside. If Tyson had gotten past Holyfield in November 91’ and not gotten locked up, I wouldn’t be surprised if he lost to Bowe the next year. Or maybe Bowe would still lose because of his defense. I could see that fight going either way.
