Originally posted by Holtol
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He was 37-0 when he lost to Buster and was on, I believe, his 10th title defense. Even with a prison layoff, at the time he lost to Holyfield, he was 45-1, and that was in 1995 after a 3 year layoff.
Lennox Lewis throughout his entire career, which was long and uninterrupted, only tallied 44 fights throughout his career.
Tyson retired with 56 total fights, yet Evander had a much longer, uninterrupted career, and had I believe only 55 total fights.
The whole "Tyson's prime was short" may be true when speaking in years, but he fought a ton of fights, and fought everybody there was to fight, even if he did lose to Holyfield, who was the best fighter he fought while closest to his (Tyson's) prime.
He had no family to fight for, no mentor, yet he was still able to train hard and get in the ring, but for who? Money hungry managers, promoters and trainers who just wanted to use him to make money, as he was the cash cow. He was the youngest ever heavyweight, had millions upon millions of dollars, undisputed champion, etc... How do you stay focused and disciplined? Living a lifestyle that doesn't allow you to do things that young adults like to do, such as party and stay out late, etc... It was bound to fall apart, as he had nobody to fight for but a bunch of losers suckling at the teat.
His prime lasted longer than most in "fights" just not in "years."
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