Lion vs Tiger - tell me what you think about my reasoning?

Sound reasoning and makes perfect sense. Both animals are very impressive and size and brute strength are not everything in a fight. The point of a Lion being used to fighting other large cats and in defense of its pride as well as the protection provided by the mane is a very valid point. Most likely though we will never know for sure, as that the two don't come in contact with each other in the wild. It is like saying that Nikolai Valuev (Boxing champ) could beat Rulon Gardner (olympic wrestler) or vice versa.