From a recent RSR interview with Steve Lott

GM: After the James “Buster” Douglas defeat, there was a lot of talk of a Mike Tyson and George Foreman bout, which would have probably been the biggest bout in history. The people that I have spoken with have stated that Mike Tyson didn’t want that fight because he was fearful of Big George and that stylistically, it was a bad match for him because of the Foreman uppercuts. What are your thoughts on that?

Steve Lott,
Of course, I wasn’t around. I would have no idea what Mike thought at that time. I can only assume, based on my time with Mike, what I think he would have said about a match up with George. That is that Mike would have trouble with anyone that is very, very, very, very fast. Larry Holmes, Mitch Green…that type of fighter. When he’s fighting somebody slow, that stands in front of him, his eyes would light up. George never ever moves his head, ever. Cus would say that it was a lantern in a storm. I don’t think that Mike would be very intimidated or scared or worried about fighting Foreman at all.