Does Anyone Agree With Teddy Atlas' Latest Take on Mike Tyson?

[The Defecator]

The intimidation factor has become a commonplace when it comes to Tyson.

There were several opponents besides Lewis and Holyfield that were not intimidated by him, tried to fight him for real, and got beaten just the same. I'm randomly thinking Reggie Gross, Tony Tucker, Pinklon Thomas, Tyrell Biggs, James Tillis. And I'm speaking of prime Tyson.

We'll never know how those fights would have ended prime for prime. Perhaps Holyfield and Lewis would have won, perhaps they would have been knocked out, or outpointed. Younger Tyson could fight in various ways, and was much quicker too.

In fairness, though, the Tucker and Tillis fights were very competive.

[Tatabanya]

In fairness, though, the Tucker and Tillis fights were very competive.

That's exactly what I meant. Prime Tyson was able to outpoint tough opponents, not only intimidate them.

[Tatabanya]

That gap becomes even bigger when you realize both Evander and Lewis were past their own primes when they faced him too.

So, the lone fact we have is that past-prime Lewis and Holyfield were superior to past-prime Tyson.

The hypothetical matchups in their respective primes are just based on opinions and individual bias.

[BKM-]

So, the lone fact we have is that past-prime Lewis and Holyfield were superior to past-prime Tyson.

The hypothetical matchups in their respective primes are just based on opinions and individual bias.

The point was that "mythical prime" Tyson putting up a better fight against those versions of Lewis and Holyfield is pretty pointless.

[QueensburyRules]

It's true. The sad thing is, Tyson for lewis and EVander wasn't even in their top 5 most difficult career opponents. Prime this prime that, the gap would be too much for Tyson to overcome based on their fights. That gap becomes even bigger when you realize both Evander and Lewis were past their own primes when they faced him too.

- - When Mike was prime wif his HOF team, he set records for youth, unification, and earnings.

Lewis even though a year difference in age was still in 3rd AMA headgear, and Field was literally going life and death with tubby Qawi.

What grade was U in then?

[Slugfester]

I have heard it said often that you are only as good as your team--most recently from Anthony Joshua in an article today. Would anyone say Tyson had a 2nd string team with him to fight Douglas?

[kara]

So, the lone fact we have is that past-prime Lewis and Holyfield were superior to past-prime Tyson.

The hypothetical matchups in their respective primes are just based on opinions and individual bias.

That raises a point...

[tokon]

The intimidation factor has become a commonplace when it comes to Tyson.

There were several opponents besides Lewis and Holyfield that were not intimidated by him, tried to fight him for real, and got beaten just the same. I'm randomly thinking Reggie Gross, Tony Tucker, Pinklon Thomas, Tyrell Biggs, James Tillis. And I'm speaking of prime Tyson.

We'll never know how those fights would have ended prime for prime. Perhaps Holyfield and Lewis would have won, perhaps they would have been knocked out, or outpointed. Younger Tyson could fight in various ways, and was much quicker too.

So, what we do know is both holyfield and Lewis beat a not prime Tyson whilst being not prime themselves. Anything else is just opinion.

[Ivich]

I have heard it said often that you are only as good as your team--most recently from Anthony Joshua in an article today. Would anyone say Tyson had a 2nd string team with him to fight Douglas?

Definitely,but imo ,you are also only as good as your preparation,and from what I have heard Tyson was availing himself of several local beauties instead of knuckling down to training.Dominance by champions has often led to complacency in their training
Schmeling v Louis1
Lewis v Rahman 1
Liston v Ali 1
Ali v Norton1
Sanchez v Gomez
Robinson v Turpin 1
etc

Of all sad words of tongue and pen.
The saddest are these ,it might have been.

[Ivich]

- - When Mike was prime wif his HOF team, he set records for youth, unification, and earnings.

Lewis even though a year difference in age was still in 3rd AMA headgear, and Field was literally going life and death with tubby Qawi.

What grade was U in then?

Kevin Rooney is a HOF trainer? Based on what?