Originally Posted by miles

"Bowe was better than the Douglas that beat Tyson in 1990...he was MUCH better"

Originally Posted by Iron Mike

Im obviously a Tyson fan, and for good reason.

There wasn't anything like Mike in his early 20's. He was an absolute wrecking machine.

That particular heavyweight era WAS a bit light, but Im not sure how much it impacts his legacy.

If youll just look at what Mike brought to the ring in those magical years, it's enough to make any heavyweight of any era second guess thier own confidence.

Raw, natural destructive power. Crazy speed (often overlooked), GREAT head and trunk movement, and a pitbull's mentality for inflicting pain in rapid concussive barrages. He was the total package. It was short-lived, yes, but while it was there, it was truly something special.

His was a star that burnt out quickly. Many people try to dismantle his entire career after the Douglas fight, but I say watch that fight again. In Mike's first loss, you actually learn a ton about him.


I'll say this, and Ive said it on many occasions, there are FEW heavyweights that could have handled that particular Douglas on that particular night. Mother recently passed away, he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. He was in so much pain and turmoil, he didn't have anything left to be afraid of.

Watch that fight again. Douglas..was...SHARP. Bouncing on his toes, throwing crisp hard shots, absolutely peppering a very suprised Mike into submission.

If you need a good example of what kind of chin Mike had, too, here's a good one. Mike absolutely got his ass kicked over ten long rounds that night. Took some hellacious shots before going down.

Lennox Lewis? Lennox pounded a very faded Mike over 8 rounds (I think) but look how many bombs he had to land at will before Mike said "fine, im done."


Tyson had it all, he just didnt have it overly long. I give Mike a chance against heavyweight in boxing history within the first 2/3 of any fight.

Originally Posted by rene69

No he wasn't