Lets end the Mike Tyson debate

[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.

[Master]

Tyson was a very good inside fighter.sure he got held once in there at times but he did cause a lot of damage. He would have ripped the body of the klit brothers and then finished them off with head shots.

[ray corso]

I disagree with your assumtion that Tyson was good inside!! The only time ike fought inside is when his opponents back was against the ropes!!! He ould move up and get off then side step and get off again!! In the center of the ring the vast majority of the time Mike would hook his opponents arm(s) and NOT fight inside!! He knew that his opponents against the ropes were 80% on defense and in the middle of the ring it was even!! I'm stating the majority of the sequences Mike would NOT engage inside!! I remember Teddy Atlas commentating this exact topic during Tyson fight on ESPN and everyone who knew what Mike was comfortable doing and not doing knew he prefered to move in and get off but not stay inside!!! Ray.

[Master]

Thanks Ray.

[Spicoli]

I simply don't see Tyson beating Holyfield regardless of time. Being realistic it wouldn't have happened in 88 but had Douglas stayed on the canvas and it went off as planned he had the combination punching, hand speed, chin, tenacity and mental make up to pick his spots and keep Mike a step behind for win. Mike always squared after quick shifts and Holyfield has an understated ability to stare in the fire and stay smart in there.