TYSON,the most over rated fighter of all time,what did he ever do?

[CopeAli]

is tyson is overrated then lewis is a complete bum D level fighter i mean, what has lennox lewis done? over half of his best wins were already beaten by tyson, so he made a career off of overrated tyson wash ups, and tyson sucks so lewis beating him is pointless

Sorry to say but Lewis beat everyone except Foreman... He beat Holyfied twice("draw" he won, and the second fight he won), Mercer, Tua, Bruno, Ruddock, Bowe(olympics, and Bowe was scared to fight him as a pro), Morrison, Grant(when he was considered good), Vitali(I think he was comming back closer to the end of the fight and he was out of shape for it anyways not to mention alot older), Briggs, He returned to destroy Rahman and McCall(not as much, but won), Botha, Golota. He fought more good people, and had a better record against them than anyone except Ali who didn't actually win alot of his fights against even mediocre competition during his time.

IMO Tyson would have lost to Lewis because of the size differential, and that Lewis still had speed to keep Tyson away, anyone else in history I think Tyson beats.

If Tyson would've lost to Lewis at their respective best just because of siza differential, then i think we'd be seeing a lot more L's on Tyson's record.
Tyson knocks out Lewis at his best, no problem!

[El Kabong]

Lewis wasn't even a pro when Tyson was at his best...Lewis started pro boxing in 89...just a tad late for the prime Tyson....I figure had Tyson ever thought about working the body vs Lewis he MAY have had more of the puncher's chance....I still have no idea why he just gave up like he did, and I don't mean about not getting up, he got his ass whipped but he just didn't bother to attack or cover up or anything....all this goes back to how he never changed his style to adapt to his age...he should have thrown more quick punches and less haymaker type bombs, he would have had a load more stamina and more than likely been able to win more rounds too

[CopeAli]

Lewis wasn't even a pro when Tyson was at his best...Lewis started pro boxing in 89...just a tad late for the prime Tyson....I figure had Tyson ever thought about working the body vs Lewis he MAY have had more of the puncher's chance....I still have no idea why he just gave up like he did, and I don't mean about not getting up, he got his ass whipped but he just didn't bother to attack or cover up or anything....all this goes back to how he never changed his style to adapt to his age...he should have thrown more quick punches and less haymaker type bombs, he would have had a load more stamina and more than likely been able to win more rounds too

Yes i know Lewis wasn't pro when Tyson was at his best, but in terms of both fighters at their peak, Tyson knocks out Lewis.
Tyson never changed his style because he didn't want to, he wasn't as committed as he had been in his earlier years, but much of what you say is right in theory, however, the fact remains that Tyson simply wanted to land a big shot to knock out Lewis and didn't have the motivation to change tact. Around the time Lewis and Tyson fought i'd say that this is when people generally feel that Lennox Lewis was at his best, or in his prime, whatever way you want to put it...
Now think of the prime Tyson facing that Lewis...

[El Kabong]

I think Lewis would have fought a Prime Tyson differently yet even more effectively....Tyson ate right uppercuts throughout his career and Lewis had that in his arsenal big time! I think Lewis would fight a Prime Tyson like he fought Tua, safe and methodically

[CopeAli]

I think Lewis would have fought a Prime Tyson differently yet even more effectively....Tyson ate right uppercuts throughout his career and Lewis had that in his arsenal big time! I think Lewis would fight a Prime Tyson like he fought Tua, safe and methodically

HaHa, Tyson ate ears too... he'd have been more than a match for anything Lewis had to bring. Still i like the way you think, the only problem is Tyson (in his prime) would've gave him far more to think about than Tua did, Tua looked for one big shot much as the ageing Tyson did against Lewis.

[El Kabong]

Very true Tyson used more handspeed and combinations than Tua but in his Prime Lennox was the bigger and smarter fighter and I think that really gives him a huge advantage.

I also think a Prime Riddick Bowe would have wrecked Tyson...bad style matchup for him.

A Prime George Foreman would get to Tyson as well.

Ali might have been easier to tag with hard shots but I still see Ali winning by UD.

Tyson-Jack Johnson would have been great as would Tyson-Dempsey.

I do think the highest rated guy Tyson would beat in their prime is Larry Holmes...The Easton Assasin could be outworked and often left himself open for the big shot

[CopeAli]

Very true Tyson used more handspeed and combinations than Tua but in his Prime Lennox was the bigger and smarter fighter and I think that really gives him a huge advantage.

I also think a Prime Riddick Bowe would have wrecked Tyson...bad style matchup for him.

A Prime George Foreman would get to Tyson as well.

Ali might have been easier to tag with hard shots but I still see Ali winning by UD.

Tyson-Jack Johnson would have been great as would Tyson-Dempsey.

I do think the highest rated guy Tyson would beat in their prime is Larry Holmes...The Easton Assasin could be outworked and often left himself open for the big shot

As i i've mentioned, i feel a prime Tyson is capable of beating any Heavyweight in history, i agree with some of your opinions though CC.

[cockey cockney]

Apart from winning the WBC HW title at a young age what ever did Tyson do?

In every hard fight he had he lost.

If someone stood up to him he crumbeled.

He was a classic school yard bully.loved to beat on smaller
blokes.

He never came back from defeat.

Quit when the going got tough.


TYSON IS THE MOST OVERRATED BOXER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, but you haven't got a clue!

Tyson was an awesome fighter at his peak and he lit up a division in decline. Being Heavyweight Champion at such a young age is obviously a great achievement, but Tyson also made very good fighters look distinctly average when he was at his best. Simply put, Mike Tyson at his best is more than capable of beating any heavyweight throughout boxing history.
Everyone is aware that Tyson's desire diminished even before the Douglas fight, and i agree with many people when they say changing trainers etc didn't help Tyson, and he certainly had mental problems. However, he was still a very dangerous fighter, even at half the fighter he used to be when he got out of prison.

You say that every hard fight Tyson had he lost! That's a ridiculous comment in my opinion. He had hard fights against many good fighters and won i.e. Green, Tucker, Smith, Biggs, Ruddock... He also made hard fights on paper, look easy!

You say that if someone stood up to him he crumbled and you're baseing that theory on Tyson's latter years i take it i.e. the losses against Holyfield, and Lewis?
The reason i don't warrant a mention for either Williams or McBride is simply this; Tyson damaged his knee against Williams (maybe he'd have quit anyway, who knows) and he'd lost interest completely by the time he fought McBride - two fighters who'd have hit the canvas from the breeze of one of Tyson's shots at his best. It's common knowledge that Tyson was fighting for the money more than ever at this stage in his career yet he still attracted the crowds and interest. Fascination that can only be equalled by Ali in my opinion. Fascination not attributed to an over rated fighter.

You go on to say that Tyson was a classic school yard bully, loved to beat on smaller blokes If you are referring to when he was actually in school (which wasn't very often by all accounts) i won't labour the point because by all accounts he was a bully. However, if you're referring to his boxing career i'd tend to disagree as many of the fighters he faced were much taller than him obviously. He didn't bully these fighters, he had that fear factor that had men beat before they got to the ring.

You say Tyson never came back from defeat... True he never avenged any losses, but he'd have beaten Douglas easily if there was to be an immediate re-match, Holyfield seemed the have a 'past his peak' Tyson's number, Lewis 'cemented his legacy' against a completely washed up Tyson who showed amazing courage, and again i won't dwell on Williams or McBride's achievements which of-course they can be proud of, but they must know themselves that they shouldn't put too much emphasis on beating Mike Tyson at that stage in his career, and that's not being unfair, that's just being honest.

OK, he quit when the going got tough, yes, against Williams, and McBride... like i've said he damaged his knee against Williams, and he did the right thing to quit against McBride because a fighter as limited as McBride should never have been seen beating on Mike Tyson, let alone putting him into retirment. It was a sad end to Tyson's career, but the most over rated boxer ever Absolutely not!
True there are fighters you'd certainly rate higher than Tyson but what Tyson achieved was still great and in my opinion he's one of the all time greats. Yes he regressed over the years and with obvious reason but tell me, how can you say he is the most over rated boxer ever it defies belief. If you have his career on DVD, try watching it and think again!

That was one stunning arguement my friend. I also believe a prime tyson would have beaten all the champions in the history of the sport. COOLCLICK matey!

[drgoodlooking]

Apart from winning the WBC HW title at a young age what ever did Tyson do?

In every hard fight he had he lost.

If someone stood up to him he crumbeled.

He was a classic school yard bully.loved to beat on smaller
blokes.

He never came back from defeat.

Quit when the going got tough.


TYSON IS THE MOST OVERRATED BOXER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, but you haven't got a clue!

Tyson was an awesome fighter at his peak and he lit up a division in decline. Being Heavyweight Champion at such a young age is obviously a great achievement, but Tyson also made very good fighters look distinctly average when he was at his best. Simply put, Mike Tyson at his best is more than capable of beating any heavyweight throughout boxing history.
Everyone is aware that Tyson's desire diminished even before the Douglas fight, and i agree with many people when they say changing trainers etc didn't help Tyson, and he certainly had mental problems. However, he was still a very dangerous fighter, even at half the fighter he used to be when he got out of prison.

You say that every hard fight Tyson had he lost! That's a ridiculous comment in my opinion. He had hard fights against many good fighters and won i.e. Green, Tucker, Smith, Biggs, Ruddock... He also made hard fights on paper, look easy!

You say that if someone stood up to him he crumbled and you're baseing that theory on Tyson's latter years i take it i.e. the losses against Holyfield, and Lewis?
The reason i don't warrant a mention for either Williams or McBride is simply this; Tyson damaged his knee against Williams (maybe he'd have quit anyway, who knows) and he'd lost interest completely by the time he fought McBride - two fighters who'd have hit the canvas from the breeze of one of Tyson's shots at his best. It's common knowledge that Tyson was fighting for the money more than ever at this stage in his career yet he still attracted the crowds and interest. Fascination that can only be equalled by Ali in my opinion. Fascination not attributed to an over rated fighter.

You go on to say that Tyson was a classic school yard bully, loved to beat on smaller blokes If you are referring to when he was actually in school (which wasn't very often by all accounts) i won't labour the point because by all accounts he was a bully. However, if you're referring to his boxing career i'd tend to disagree as many of the fighters he faced were much taller than him obviously. He didn't bully these fighters, he had that fear factor that had men beat before they got to the ring.

You say Tyson never came back from defeat... True he never avenged any losses, but he'd have beaten Douglas easily if there was to be an immediate re-match, Holyfield seemed the have a 'past his peak' Tyson's number, Lewis 'cemented his legacy' against a completely washed up Tyson who showed amazing courage, and again i won't dwell on Williams or McBride's achievements which of-course they can be proud of, but they must know themselves that they shouldn't put too much emphasis on beating Mike Tyson at that stage in his career, and that's not being unfair, that's just being honest.

OK, he quit when the going got tough, yes, against Williams, and McBride... like i've said he damaged his knee against Williams, and he did the right thing to quit against McBride because a fighter as limited as McBride should never have been seen beating on Mike Tyson, let alone putting him into retirment. It was a sad end to Tyson's career, but the most over rated boxer ever Absolutely not!
True there are fighters you'd certainly rate higher than Tyson but what Tyson achieved was still great and in my opinion he's one of the all time greats. Yes he regressed over the years and with obvious reason but tell me, how can you say he is the most over rated boxer ever it defies belief. If you have his career on DVD, try watching it and think again!

That was one stunning arguement my friend. I also believe a prime tyson would have beaten all the champions in the history of the sport. COOLCLICK matey!

I'm with you.

[Hairdoo]

Did you watch him during his prime... the only thing that held him back from taking away Ali's crown was his mind. He more phyiscal gifts than any other fighter barring RJJ. Tyson had a good style not the best for him IMO, but he used it more efficiently than any other fighter ever has... Had he not broken down mentally so much he might still be champion defending his zillionth title because he definitely still has the physical assets.

the mental aspect is of primary importance to boxing, just look at Bernard Hopkins who didn't have the physical gifts of an elite fighter but because he always stayed in shape, and always had a single minded devotion to the game became a great. Tyson's career is based on unfulfilled potential

Spopt on mate!
Have a CC.

Tyson had the potental but lacked the balls!

lacked the balls?! i reckon it would take a rather large set to step in the ring opposite any Heavyweight Champ at only 20 years old, let alone become the Undisputed Champion. How is the weather in lala land today?

[CopeAli]

Did you watch him during his prime... the only thing that held him back from taking away Ali's crown was his mind. He more phyiscal gifts than any other fighter barring RJJ. Tyson had a good style not the best for him IMO, but he used it more efficiently than any other fighter ever has... Had he not broken down mentally so much he might still be champion defending his zillionth title because he definitely still has the physical assets.

the mental aspect is of primary importance to boxing, just look at Bernard Hopkins who didn't have the physical gifts of an elite fighter but because he always stayed in shape, and always had a single minded devotion to the game became a great. Tyson's career is based on unfulfilled potential

Spopt on mate!
Have a CC.

Tyson had the potental but lacked the balls!

lacked the balls?! i reckon it would take a rather large set to step in the ring opposite any Heavyweight Champ at only 20 years old, let alone become the Undisputed Champion. How is the weather in lala land today?

Ha Ha, Spot on, CC.
Lacked Balls Another comment that defies belief...
It takes Balls to even set foot in the ring to begin with!!!

The bottom line is, Mike Tyson continued to fight when he himself knew that he was no longer the force he once was, and he could no longer do what he once did, yet, he still 'HAD THE BALLS' to get into the ring with Lennox Lewis and show tremendous courage.
Lewis was only really interested in fighting Tyson for many years as he believed that fighting him would cement his legacy as a great heavyweight. The fact that Tyson was far past his prime didn't seem to matter...

Tyson is not over rated...
And Tyson is an all time great, and i'm leaving it at that!

[El Kabong]

I'm not sure about the balls thing but he sure didn't have any money to show for how great he once was. This might have percipitated the fight with Lewis.

Tyson was a great, just not in my top 10...but he's in the top 20. Matched vs any all-time greats is just a loaded question for any all time great fighter

[drgoodlooking]

I'm not sure about the balls thing but he sure didn't have any money to show for how great he once was. This might have percipitated the fight with Lewis.

Tyson was a great, just not in my top 10...but he's in the top 20. Matched vs any all-time greats is just a loaded question for any all time great fighter

Yeah, Top 20 at least. Maybe Top 15.

[eggplant]

I was lucky enough to have watched most every Tyson fight live (telecast) when I was growing up. I remember having to sneak into the local pub (underage) a good 3 hours before the card started in order to get a decent seat. It was easy for a kid to escape the attention of the barkeep in what would eventually be a sea of people, all clammering for an unobstructed view of the TV. Those who arrived late would drive from pub to pub hoping to get lucky and secure a stool somewhere. If you missed a Tyson fight, you may as well have been invisible for the next three days. Everybody would be talking about it... you knew this. At school, at work, at home. I live in Australia, which is hardly a boxing heartland, but everybody knew when Mike was fighting... and everybody watched.

So I'm watching a Tyson doco on tele the other day. It's just like every other film made about the man. It chronicles his rise to greatness... self-destruction... fall from grace... blah, blah, blah...
Not sure why I bothered watching it. Maybe because I haven't sat down and watched some of his fights in a while. To be honest, i doubt i'd care if he was fighting tommorow. He is no longer a boxer I would go out of my way to watch.

Anyway, I asked myself if maybe he wasn't really all that I remembered. Maybe he just seemed that good because I was young and maybe I got caught up in Tyson-mania. So I kept watching.

I'm glad I did.

Pre-nineties Tyson was great. He fought every fighter worth fighting in the division and made them all look ordinary at best. He built a name for himself with little other than his ring prowess. His record spoke for itself. The fans saw it and more importantly, his opponents saw it. He stepped in to the ring against Trevor Berbick as a 21 year old contender for the heavywieght championship of the world. Even as I type that last sentence, it is still hard for me to comprehend how good one would need to be not only to get to that position, but also to come into the ring knowing that a bigger, more experienced, title holder is intimidated by you. Seasoned campaigners... scared. And why not? He was a formidable package... Strength, speed, balance, instinct. Wasted talent? - I say "no". He reached the pinnacle of the sport. His tenure wasn't as long as some of the other greats, but he made his mark earlier than most.

Sorry about the longwinded post, but my belief that Tyson is and always will be one of the greatest was reaffirmed recently, and it would take much argument to convince me otherwise.

[rob7022000]

I was lucky enough to have watched most every Tyson fight live (telecast) when I was growing up. I remember having to sneak into the local pub (underage) a good 3 hours before the card started in order to get a decent seat. It was easy for a kid to escape the attention of the barkeep in what would eventually be a sea of people, all clammering for an unobstructed view of the TV. Those who arrived late would drive from pub to pub hoping to get lucky and secure a stool somewhere. If you missed a Tyson fight, you may as well have been invisible for the next three days. Everybody would be talking about it... you knew this. At school, at work, at home. I live in Australia, which is hardly a boxing heartland, but everybody knew when Mike was fighting... and everybody watched.

So I'm watching a Tyson doco on tele the other day. It's just like every other film made about the man. It chronicles his rise to greatness... self-destruction... fall from grace... blah, blah, blah...
Not sure why I bothered watching it. Maybe because I haven't sat down and watched some of his fights in a while. To be honest, i doubt i'd care if he was fighting tommorow. He is no longer a boxer I would go out of my way to watch.

Anyway, I asked myself if maybe he wasn't really all that I remembered. Maybe he just seemed that good because I was young and maybe I got caught up in Tyson-mania. So I kept watching.

I'm glad I did.

Pre-nineties Tyson was great. He fought every fighter worth fighting in the division and made them all look ordinary at best. He built a name for himself with little other than his ring prowess. His record spoke for itself. The fans saw it and more importantly, his opponents saw it. He stepped in to the ring against Trevor Berbick as a 21 year old contender for the heavywieght championship of the world. Even as I type that last sentence, it is still hard for me to comprehend how good one would need to be not only to get to that position, but also to come into the ring knowing that a bigger, more experienced, title holder is intimidated by you. Seasoned campaigners... scared. And why not? He was a formidable package... Strength, speed, balance, instinct. Wasted talent? - I say "no". He reached the pinnacle of the sport. His tenure wasn't as long as some of the other greats, but he made his mark earlier than most.

Sorry about the longwinded post, but my belief that Tyson is and always will be one of the greatest was reaffirmed recently, and it would take much argument to convince me otherwise.

Dayyum boy...ur a smooth talker...im wiping the tear away from my eye...that speech was even more beautiful than the one at the end of Jerry McGuire...anyway, u had me "I was lucky enough ...". I totally agree. People who question Tysons place in history tend to do it out of dislike for him as a person rather than recognising what he achieved and how he achieved it.