I dont think Mikes legacy is affected by anything, the fact we are talking about him in the same breath as Ali is proof.

There is a thread now about Marcianos record, well Mike as champion has a better resume than Marcianos, Mike only had to beat 1 former light heavy in Spinks to Rockys Charles and Moore but at least he didnt get out the first.

Mike wasnt on the slide as in loosing speed and power it was just neglecting all the things he was taught in training with Rooney.

I think if Mike had been forced to leave America for 3 years rather than prison he would have had a better chance of regaining his ferocity, he could have taken that time to just chill away from leaches then on his own terms made any come back, he was basicaly pushed to fight, rather than having the burning desuire he once did.

Ali wanted to prove he could still compete, Mike just wanted to be able to buy cars and houses, he still does