Iron Mike Tyson

[res]

When i think about greatness, i also include fighting style.

Obviously he couldn't accomplish what he should have accomplished because of the people he had around and the fighters available to him in the heavyweight division.

But Tyson's fighting capability....how can you argue that it wasn't great?

Fighting "style"? Why would one particular fighting "style" be great? it's how you use your style.

He was a great Boxing prospect but greatness as a fighter is only proven through real challenge, and overcoming those challenges.

[The Iron Man]

Not another Tyson nut-hugging thread!

Here's my take: Tyson was the most explosive puncher the sport has ever known, and this allowed him to dominate against mediocre opposition. But he was cannon fodder for anyone who a) knew how to box and b) did not buy into the Tyson mystique. Journeyman Buster Douglas destroyed a 22 or 23 year old Tyson, Holyfield crushed a Tyson who was not much older than that - don't tell me he was out of his ****ing prime - and we all know what the likes of Lewis, McBride, and Williams did to him. And Lewis was older than Tyson for God's sake!

People misinterpret Tyson's cat-like reflexes and hand-speed as "skill" when in reality he had none. He had no ring intelligence, and most importantly, no heart.

By virtue of his punching power alone, I rate him about as high as I do Ernie Shavers.

Its ridiculous how some people rate fighters based on there last few fights, or when they were shot or out there prime. McBride, Williams and even Lewis should never be used against Tyson. Just as Louis' loss to Marciano or Alis loss to Berbick shouldn't be used against them, i mean do people go on about Holyfields recent losses? its unbelievable.
Also saying Tyson hits as hard as Shavers show just how little you know.

[res]

Dude, you're like 40. I was a kid when Tyson was comin up, how can he not have an influence on my interest of boxing.

Think when you were a kid, what boxers during that period inspired you? ALI's gotta be one of them. Or all the other old school boxers.

Tyson's dope. He career should have gone a lot better, but Tyson wouldn't be Tyson without the baggage.

lol If Poet is 40 he is actually more from Tyson's era (Would have been 16 or 17) than someone in their 20's who would have been like 2 or 3 if they were even born.

[PLATE]

Also saying Tyson hits as hard as Shavers show just how little you know.

When did I say that, genius? I said I rate him about as high as I rate Shavers.

Sheesh!

[StarshipTrooper]

lol If Poet is 40 he is actually more from Tyson's era (Would have been 16 or 17) than someone in their 20's who would have been like 2 or 3 if they were even born.

Indeed, however I got into boxing circa 1973: My first sport. I wouldn't discover baseball until a few years later.

Poet

[The Iron Man]

When did I say that, genius? I said I rate him about as high as I rate Shavers.

Sheesh!

Errrr how should i have interprated this? : By virtue of his punching power alone, I rate him about as high as I do Ernie Shavers.

Do you mean in the heavyweight rankings? Tyson a two time champ, the youngest ever champion, someone who unified 3 titles. Equal with someone who never won a title and was basically a big hitter with a questionable chin? You can be serious.

[PLATE]

Errrr how should i have interprated this? : By virtue of his punching power alone, I rate him about as high as I do Ernie Shavers.

The - only - reason - I - rate - him - as - high - as - Ernie - Shavers - is - because - he - hit - hard.

I could just as easily have said "the only reason I rate him as high as Ernie Shavers is because of his defensive skill" (but that would've been a load of **** of course)

[Knighte]

The - only - reason - I - rate - him - as - high - as - Ernie - Shavers - is - because - he - hit - hard.

I could just as easily have said "the only reason I rate him as high as Ernie Shavers is because of his defensive skill" (but that would've been a load of **** of course)

LOL

I would concurr with that. He's a second-tier slugger like Shavers. He sure ain't in Foreman's or Liston's league.

[StarshipTrooper]

LOL

I would concurr with that. He's a second-tier slugger like Shavers. He sure ain't in Foreman's or Liston's league.

While I agree Tyson isn't in Foreman or Liston's league rating him akin to Earnie Shavers isn't doing Mike justice. No disrespect to Earnie but he was what he was: An incredible puncher who was clumsy and had a questionable chin. I don't think I've ever heard Tyson descibed as clumsy and practically everyone agrees he had a very good chin. A great chin beats a great punch, proven time and again.

Poet

[Yogi]

Tyson a two time champ, the youngest ever champion, someone who unified 3 titles.

Sulaiman, Mendoza, and the like send their thanks to you for buying into their bull****.