Mike Tyson at his very best was a very fast, intimidating and dangerous fighter particularly at that point in his career and the two fights you mentioned, were probably him at his most devastating. Oscar "Ringo" Bonavena was one of my favorites back when I first started following boxing in the late 60's and early 70's with his crude style, iron chin, fearlessness and powerful punching abilitites. Bonavena was a strong contender and many felt he should have gotten the decison over Frazier in their first fight. In 1970 he also gave Ali all he could handle before tiring out in the 15th round and fought the very best of a great decade of fighters. I believe these two guys would go at it a lot like Bonavena did against Frazier. It would be a grueling give and take fight with both men landing some great shots and both getting wobbled from time to time during the battle. I believe that it would somehow go the distance with the superior firepower and speed advantage of Tyson being the difference in a close and competitive battle.
Tyson W12 or 15.,
Goodnight Irene,
Tyson of 88 knocks out Bonavena of 68 in less than 7 rounds. The young Tyson under Rooney and Cus had constant head movement where as Oscar just ate the punches. Mike was almost always on balance which gave him tremendous power from all angels as to where Oscar was always coming forward with little a no head movement and was often off balance throwing punches on the balls of his feet often using brute strength instead of power with balance. 88 Tyson threw combinations faster than Smoking Joe, Zora Folley and most certainly Mildenberger. Speed is power and speed is one thing that Oscar was lacking.
This might be more interesting than it seems at first.
Oscar had a great chin, and if he could jab and frustrate Tyson he could win this fight.
I think Tyson was a much better fighter, but other tall boxers gave him trouble and I don't know if he could stop Oscar, so if it goes 15 rounds it is possible for Oscar to win a split decision.
In real time Tyson, probably wins.
tyson is 15 pounds heavier, and quicker than oscar. he stops bonavena in the 7th round.
tyson by total destruction in 4.
Iron Mike was at his most dangerous during this year, knocking out Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks in devastating fashion. Bonavena had Joe Frazier on the deck twice in Sept 1966, before losing a split decision. Bonavena in 1968 would go 15 rounds with Smokin Joe, and lose by a unanimous decision. Oscar has fought the likes of Zora Folley and Karl Mildenberger. Who would win and why?
