I think he did. He was incredibly athletic. He looks like he has the ability of a RB {NFL}. He used to charge fast forward with lots of sweeps/shuffles as well to make up room (behind a jab) as well as sweeping to the side.
Why he wouldn't do it:
He was 5'11, 215 pounds going up against Fighters that were Taller, Heavier, and had a longer reach than him. So, he needed to get inside and throw bombs to wear them out if not knock them out and that takes a lot of energy...especially adding in that he was HW (which takes more energy when you move) whose style was predicated on knocking people out for the fans.
He probably had a similar ability as Cotto has when moving around but at 215 pounds, not sure it is a good idea. Stamina issues as the fight goes on...especially if the bigger guys start to clinch him up and hang on him to wear him down.
This is a shot version of Tyson and he shows signs that he could move around out of range.
Prime Sparring:
Look at how fast he is on his feet. He has what Frazier, Tua, and Marciano didn't have...the athletic ability in his legs to move quickly with a bounce in his step.
Look at how fast he is on his feet. He has what Frazier, Tua, and Marciano didn't have...the athletic ability in his legs to move quickly with a bounce in his step.
Frazier did have some ability to be fleet-footed in his prime:
Dempsey however had the most ability out of them all to be fleet-footed:
Comment