This Day in Boxing History: Douglas Beats Tyson

[Fenster]

For all the tales about Tyson's poor training he weighed what he always did for this fight (give or take a pound). Now, obviously, the mental aspect of competing is as important as the physical, but all the excuses of Tyson's out-the-ring behaviour probably wouldn't even be known had he won.

Douglas was top 5 ranked by three governing bodies, had solid world-class wins and two of his previous losses had come when he weighed north of 240 (like he was against Holyfield), the other two defeats were late stoppages in fights he was winning (the Tucker stoppage was arguably premature). A 230 fully prepared Douglas may well have beaten Tyson at any time, he certainly shouldn't have been the no-hoper he was.

[Master]

Tyson life was spiralling out of control even when he fought Bruno and Spinks. He had a suicide attempt, punch up with Mitch Green and managerial issues. Tyson weighed the same weight but was poor against both. It all caught up with Tyson against Douglas and Mike did look crap. His corner were a joke and Douglas was inspired.

[Fenster]

Tyson life was spiralling out of control even when he fought Bruno and Spinks. He had a suicide attempt, punch up with Mitch Green and managerial issues. Tyson weighed the same weight but was poor against both. It all caught up with Tyson against Douglas and Mike did look crap. His corner were a joke and Douglas was inspired.

What Douglas fights had you seen before he fought Tyson?

[Master]

Tyson life was spiralling out of control even when he fought Bruno and Spinks. He had a suicide attempt, punch up with Mitch Green and managerial issues. Tyson weighed the same weight but was poor against both. It all caught up with Tyson against Douglas and Mike did look crap. His corner were a joke and Douglas was inspired.

What Douglas fights had you seen before he fought Tyson?

When he quit against Tucker, watched that live and think he was on the undercard of a Tyson defence.