Lets end the Mike Tyson debate

[Beanflicker]

The problem of course will always be that Mike left so many questions in his career. And you're 100% right, it seems like people either act like he's a god, or act like he's an overrated bum.

To me, Tyson will always belong in any discussion about HW greats. A lot of attributes he had, like his combination of speed and power, was unprecendented and still hasn't been matched today. He had great talent and skill to go along with his brutal power. Mike was truely a great HW, and I think his era was a lot better than people give it credit for. I'm more impressed by Tyson's opposition then I am with a lot of other HW greats like Joe Louis', Marciano's, and a few others.

I notice people pointing out that all of his losses were stoppages... well, 4/5 of Tommy Hearn's losses were stoppages. Was he not a great fighter?

[Master]

Tyson could have lasted longer and be managed better but ultimately he was to blame for it imploding earlier than it should have. I think he was spoilt by Cuts too much and did not learn to be a respectful human being.

[bradlee180]

Mike Tyson did enough to warrant a Top 10 All-Time Heavyweight ranking:

-Youngest guy in history to win a version of the World Heavyweight Title.
-Unified all 3 Titles.
-Destroyed an undefeated Michael Spinks for the mythical Man-Who-Beat-The-Man designation.
-Was rated Pound-for-Pound #1 in 1989, (Julio Cesar Chavez #2, Whitaker #3, Nunn #4, Meldrick Taylor #6, Azumah Nelson #7.)
-Was a dominant Heavyweight Champion for a few years in a worldwide talent field of over 1 thousand licensed professional Heavyweight Boxers.

His achievements merit a Top 10 All-Time Ranking. Other men are there with less. I don't think Tyson warrants a Top 5 though.
He didn't have longevity. When the going got tough in a deep fight, he didn't show that Champion's ability to turn the fight around to achieve victory; he got frustrated and went to pieces instead.

In his prime, circa 1986 to 1988, Mike Tyson was absolutely phenomenal...