None of Tyson's opponents before Douglas ever put a dent into him. He dominated every single one of them, except maybe James Tillis who he fought when he was still green. He seemed to gas in the later rounds but still won by decision.

Tony Tucker put up a great fight but Tyson was even out jabbing him at points of the fight. He was more efficient and effective overall and won just about every round. Tucker did hurt his hand though and I don't doubt it would've been a closer fight i he was 100% healthy. But it was Tucker's decision to go on and fight when he knew that his hand wasn't still fully healed and there was a chance at damaging it again ... he was a belt holder so its not like Tyson wouldn't have waited. Tucker showed a lot of heart in that fight as well as great skill, endurance, durability and power. He was Tyson's best win.

These were the only two opponents Tyson had that were ever even competitive ... most of his victims had two choices ... to either be KOed spectacularly and earn a spot on Tyson's legendary KO highlight reel .... or to hold on and try and survive the entire fight.