Quote Originally Posted by ICE COLD BOXING
hey miles what about ray leonard hadnt fought since 1984 when he comeback in 1987 and what does he do win middleweight title from one of best even though some people think hagler got decision leonard still done well
Again another great example of fighters that do somehow manage to overcome such long layoffs. Leonard was a remarkable fighter IMO. That was a close fight, but I have no issues with the fight going either way to be honest. Leonard got the nod, but again still a remarkable comeback...

Thing is that I think Foreman, Holmes and Leonard are all indeed great boxers...

With Tyson it just seems that though he worked his way back up to a certain level, it got to a point with Holyfield 2 that you knew he just didnt want in any more. The Tyson that lost against Holyfield first time out lacked the skills and qualities that the earlier edition of Tyson posessed in abundence. He really wasnt the same fighter post jail. He lost a lot without ever really feeling the need to regain it again, really.

As a Tyson fan it was a shame, but even though you have pointed out 3 great examples of exceptions to the rule, they really only do apply to only a very few. And they are greats themselves...