Quote Originally Posted by generalbulldog View Post
I love Tyson for his natural gifts, speed, power, ko artist. But the guy didn't have the mental makeup. People can blame Don King and whoever was leeching off of him, but MIke only has himself to blame for his downfall. Him and him alone is the reason he never fullfilled his potential greatness.
Most fighters need another force in their corner to make them excel. By all early accounts of Tyson he seemed to realize that.
A trainer or father figure can make all the difference in the world if you need that mental reinforcement.
Tyson didnt seem to have the mental makeup to do it on his own but he had people in his corner that helped him get through tough situations. When that was gone I think what you are saying came to head very quickly.
I dont think its a total knock on Tyson himself as many great fighters have become great by having a solid structure and team in place.
I dont know too many fighters that have been able to get to the level Tyson did on their own or switching trainers every other fight.