What is the first sign that a fighter is getting old?

Loss of reflex:good

 

I always disliked Tyson. He is very overrated. But I gained a lot more respect for him after I watched an interview/program featuring him and some British fella discussing and watching "All-Time Greatest Heavyweight Champions", or something similar.
When he gave that love and respect to Jack Dempsey, my feelings towards him improved greatly.

 

When he forgets his way to the ring?

 

So you disliked him until the mid 80s?

 

Tyson has always shown respect to fighters of the past. Weve all heard him talk about Dempsey, Johnson, Marciano and even gave Holmes his dues right after he knocked him out. Tyson has always been more guilty of disrespecting himself more than others.

 

Absolutely!

I was going to say something to this effect but you nailed it for me. Comes into my mind is Duran-Barkley. By the time we get to Duran at this point in his career he is a defensive master and counter-punch master because he has to be. He cannot rush in, he has to "let the fight come to him". I know he is 38 in this fight and that transistion to boxer started much earlier in his career but, this is the example that is clear in my mind.

Thanks.

 

Agreed. Holmes did little more than merely hold on to Tyson for dear life, with the exception of a few spurts where he got some shots off. The third round was the only one that could "arguably" be given to Holmes. His timing was off. His reflexes noticably slowed. His legs diminished. And his intimidation showing in the stare down..

 

**deleted for accidental repost***

 

Meh, I'm just partial to the way he showed up compared to the way Spinks did I guess. Spinks was blown up but I think had a much better shot to do something to the "Kid" as far as ability . This will be a fruitless effort on my part to argue this point so I'll have to say Holmes showed waaaaay more heart than Spinks did . Could y'all call that a fair point to agree on?

 

Absolutely. Spinks looked defeated before even entering the ring. Holmes wanted to get back on his feet despite the looming stipulation of the three knockdown rule.

 

Legs,landing 1 punch & can't land 2&3 like you used to.

 

his wife files for divorce and his money problems begin

 

The legs go 1st and the reflexes, sometimes knowledge and experience in knowing what and what not to do can make up for loss of the physical. fighters power usually stays but the trigger response can slow