There are 2 types of boxing fans.......

[ßringer]

I'm not talking about those who appreciate the sweet science vs. those who prefer all out wars either. I'm talking about those who think Mike Tyson was a great fighter and those who do not.....

In my many years of enjoying this beautiful sport I've had the distinct honor to discuss boxing with fellow fans both on and off the internet. Throughout those years it became clear to me that the subject of Mike Tyson was one of such one-sided proportions that you either loved him or hated him. And I'm not talking personally either, I mean professionally.

There are those who believe that Mike Tyson, in his prime, was one of the greatest heavyweight fighters to ever lace up a pair of boots. And that his power and sheer will and intimidation would thwart any would-be opponet from any era.

Then there are those who believe that Mike Tyson was a solid, average fighter with above-average power who was simply nothing more than a product of his investors, namely Don King. An overhyped athlete who's reputation preceeded him wherever he went, despite whoever he fought.

I myself am an outspoken member of the latter. Which are you?

[Bogler]

mike tyson is both. he goes to war w/ skills. he bobs, weaves, slips and his left to the body followed by a left hook is one of the sweetest skills which ive seen perfected by a few today like MAB.

[ßringer]

mike tyson is both. he goes to war w/ skills. he bobs, weaves, slips and his left to the body followed by a left hook is one of the sweetest skills which ive seen perfected by a few today like MAB.

I can see your point with Tyson perhaps being a little of both. Definately a skilled fighter with tremendous power and some might even say, a skillset unique to his physical attributes. But even with that said I still can't help but make the mental connection with "overhyped" whenever I hear Tyson's name mentioned.

Honestly I think Tyson is a sad example of "what could have been". Had Cus D'Amato not died when he did, and Tyson made some better choices regarding those he associated himself with after Cus' death, I think Tyson could've been great. I really do. He just decided to run with the wrong people, lost focus, and ultimately ended his legacy much sooner than he should've.

[tyson]

Whattaya mean average? He was the greatest!!!

Seriously though, I agree with you. There is absolutely no way you can place him among the greatest, at least not if you rate him like we rate every other fighter. (Based on competition and accomplishments)
You can possibly rate him highly if you think Tyson vs this or that, but not if you compare his career against others.

He was a heavy puncher, sure, but not as devastating as most people would like you to believe. His KO's was more a product of speed and accuracy than sheer force.
The comments from Holyfield and Larry Holmes back my statement up.

And to all those who wonder why I call myself Tyson, it's because it was Iron Mike that got me interested in boxing.
I had no trainer my first year, so I trained myself in Tyson's style, watching all his fights and training methods.
I was a **** boxer, but damn I can punch.
That all changed after the first year, but Tyson never left my heart.

[ßringer]

Whattaya mean average? He was the greatest!!!

Seriously though, I agree with you. There is absolutely no way you can place him among the greatest, at least not if you rate him like we rate every other fighter. (Based on competition and accomplishments)
You can possibly rate him highly if you think Tyson vs this or that, but not if you compare his career against others.

He was a heavy puncher, sure, but not as devastating as most people would like you to believe. His KO's was more a product of speed and accuracy than sheer force.
The comments from Holyfield and Larry Holmes back my statement up.

And to all those who wonder why I call myself Tyson, it's because it was Iron Mike that got me interested in boxing.
I had no trainer my first year, so I trained myself in Tyson's style, watching all his fights and training methods.
I was a **** boxer, but damn I can punch.
That all changed after the first year, but Tyson never left my heart.

Very well put. I go by competition and accomplishment. At the end of Tyson's competitive career (he's still fighting for money) his record just doesn't hold up against all time greats. Typically speaking, most all time greats have at least one or two victories over other all time greats, regardless of the division. Tyson's record doesn't deliver the goods.

[Addison]

I think Tyson was one of the greatest fighters ever.

He was a emotionally/mentally troubled guy from day one.

I think we all have a different arc of trajectory in terms of our psychological development and strengthening..

Most folks tend to become stronger and more focused as they become older.

I think Mike's trajectory was just the opposite.

He got worse over time, and through prison.


On Mike's best night I say nobody beats him. Nobody.

The tapes tell the story.

[-Antonio-]

I think he was a great fighter who peaked at a young age.

[ßringer]

I think Tyson was one of the greatest fighters ever.

He was a emotionally/mentally troubled guy from day one.

I think we all have a different arc of trajectory in terms of our psychological development and strengthening..

Most folks tend to become stronger and more focused as they become older.

I think Mike's trajectory was just the opposite.

He got worse over time, and through prison.


On Mike's best night I say nobody beats him. Nobody.

The tapes tell the story.

You know, I find myself believing you. I don't know if it's the passion that is so obvious by the words you typed, or if it comes from the spot in my heart that always goes out to Tyson. Either way you make a pretty damn good counterpoint and I can see why this is such a hotly debated topic.

[Shanus]

I think Tyson was one of the greatest fighters ever.

He was a emotionally/mentally troubled guy from day one.

I think we all have a different arc of trajectory in terms of our psychological development and strengthening..

Most folks tend to become stronger and more focused as they become older.

I think Mike's trajectory was just the opposite.

He got worse over time, and through prison.


On Mike's best night I say nobody beats him. Nobody.

The tapes tell the story.

I agree whole heartedly.

[BmoreBrawler]

Thank you for not dividing people into "those who appreciate the sweet science and those who dont", I think thats a bull**** division of people, its just the boxing know-it-all's and elitists who try to be different than everyone else.

Anyhoo, I think Tyson is a RJJ or PBF type fighter who skillwise had it all but for whatever reason couldnt pull it all together. For those that disagree with me putting him in the same league as those two, consider his physical deficiencies and how he overcame them with raw athleticism.'

Of those three of course I would say RJJ has the most impressive resume.