Lets end the Mike Tyson debate

[Beanflicker]

Lennox fought an old shell of a fighter so that is not a fair comparison. Vitali is slow and almost glumsy and
Tyson would have little trouble getting in and getting his punches off.

I agree that Tyson vs Lewis is no fair comparison, because Tyson by that point was a ghost of his original form.

But Tyson did have occasional trouble getting off on big tall guys when they tied him up on the inside right away. Even bums like Mike Jameson had success in stifling Tyson's offense by tying him up and leaning on him.

[greynotsoold]

Lennox fought an old shell of a fighter so that is not a fair comparison. Vitali is slow and almost glumsy and
Tyson would have little trouble getting in and getting his punches off.

I agree that Tyson vs Lewis is no fair comparison, because Tyson by that point was a ghost of his original form.

But Tyson did have occasional trouble getting off on big tall guys when they tied him up on the inside right away. Even bums like Mike Jameson had success in stifling Tyson's offense by tying him up and leaning on him.

The thing about Tyson, he wasn't a real strong inside fighter, not ever. And that is odd, considering his stature, reach, etc...But, then again, it isn't really uncommon.
Tyson did his damage coming in; he'd slip a punch, duck, what ever, and counter, then he'd fall in and let himself get tied up. He certainly was a formidable body puncher, but it was the same sort of thing. He wasn't the type of fighter to get close and really work in the trenches.
Marciano was the same way, early in his career, fighting at a distance and closing ground behind the right hand, then getting tied up inside. Charley Goldman taught him to fight inside, shortened his stance to enable him to punch in close and so on. I don't think that the people around Tyson, not at any point in his career, were as boxing smart as Charley Goldman. So Tyson remained the guy that had to pot-shot you on the way in or lose the opportunity.

[Vendettos]

Lennox fought an old shell of a fighter so that is not a fair comparison. Vitali is slow and almost glumsy and
Tyson would have little trouble getting in and getting his punches off.

I agree that Tyson vs Lewis is no fair comparison, because Tyson by that point was a ghost of his original form.

But Tyson did have occasional trouble getting off on big tall guys when they tied him up on the inside right away. Even bums like Mike Jameson had success in stifling Tyson's offense by tying him up and leaning on him.

Until he was knocked out in the 5th.

[Beanflicker]

Until he was knocked out in the 5th.

True, but Mike Jameson ain't no Klitschko, either.

[bradlee180]

...and a prime Iron Mike Tyson circa 1986 to 1988 is no Lamon Brewster, Corrie Sanders, nor a Ross Purrity...

[Beanflicker]

...and a prime Iron Mike Tyson circa 1986 to 1988 is no Lamon Brewster, Corrie Sanders, nor a Ross Purrity...

We're talking prime for prime. The Wlad of the last 6 years or so is a much better fighter than the Wlad who got steamrolled by those guys, much like the Tyson who got destroyed by Evander and Lewis wasn't the same as the guy from 88.

[bradlee180]

I don't think the "Lets end the Mike Tyson debate" thread is going to end the Mike Tyson debate...

[ray corso]

As a J.O. (junior olympic) and Open class amatuer up to the time he fought Evander Mike was the best "most entertaining" fighter in the world!! With Cus as his mentor and Teddy as the trainer and Jimmy as their advisor and Cayton handling the money Mike had a solid team with everyones assignments clearly understand and a great plan in order. They had the halls and the matchmakers they need to to develop the record and build the fan base, and they did!
Evander simply stated was Mikes Cryptonite! Evander won't back up and had enought skills and power to detear Mikes onslaught!!!

Its very true that without his team in place Mike became fragile, its not an excuse its the facts!!

I do believe the Evander show down would have been different and Mike could have been under control of himself and asctually would have boxed Evander to a decision win but Cus & Jimmy were gone. Teddy was replaced and Kevin was in and Mike got rid of Cayton for King!!! Thats the History!
Ray.