How good was Tyson in 96

People let their dislike of Tyson blind them. Tysons prime was over even he before faced Douglas. Tyson's only goal was to become the youngest HW champion ever and he accomplished it. He unified the title single handedly and demolished great champions like Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks along the way. By the time Douglas fought Tyson in 90 boxing was no longer #1 on Mikes list of priorities. So how could someone say that Holyfield fought a prime Tyson nearly 10 years after he was at his best? Many would argue that Holyfield was at his best when he fought Bert Cooper and nearly got knocked out. Put Holyfield against 1987 Tyson and my bet is Tyson eats him alive.

 

Tyson in 96 was still very dangerous but had become easier to hit and had slowed down and fought in straight lines with no head movement. I think he beat Bruno because people thought Bruno had a better chance than the first fight because of his power and Tyson being slower this focused Tyson and he hammered Frank before he could get started. In the lead up to fighting holy the press and boxing pudits thought that holyfield was completely shot as he had some poor performances and was seen as a tired fighter people thought that Mike was going to kill vander this thinking may have made Mike complacent and when holy stated to boss the fight Mike had no plan B

 

I read an old interview from Kevin Rooney quite some time ago. He commented on Tyson-Holyfield right after the fight, just like he commented on Tyson-Douglas post-fight. Rooney pointed out severel things. The only two I remember is Rooney suggesting that Mike didn't look in good shape in both fights and also the lack of head movement, which was a crucial part of prime Mike's game according to him. Since Rooney practically lived with Mike while training Mike, he should know. Holyfield himself said, that at one point, Tyson stopped fighting all together and relied on the intimidation factor.

 

If you guys really believe Tyson didn't turn up in good shape or take Holyfield seriously then that says it all. Tyson always knew and always said Holyfield was an extraordinary fighter.

 

alrthough this is a bit sweeping statement, its probably true that he stopped setting himself goals because he achevied so much so early. He began to believe the myth above the method, always a pitfall for the precocious overachiever. easier that than face the reality of what a massive task he had ahead of him, to maintain the level he had set for the next 10 years like joe Louis must have been overwhelming for a young free man with millions to spend.
Sometimes its better to build up slowly, if you don't have the head of joe Louis to keep your feet on the ground.


although this made me laugh -

how does one unify more than singlehandedly? apart from the K bro technique of tag teaming.

good post though

 

Lol. Thanks man.

 

I don't believe Tyson trained as hard as he could've.

 

Not very good. Bad footwork. Legs were gone. Predictable. Head hunter. I'd say 75% of prime Tyson.

 

How good was he?

Not enough to beat Holyfield and maybe Lewis and Bowe.

But still better than the rest and yes that includes the overrated Ray Mercer.

 

Well being a Tyson fanatic you wouldn't.

 

I think Tyson would have had his hands full with Mercer around 96.

 

Tyson was past it for the Holy fight.

 

According to you, everyone who thinks a prime Tyson would win a fight is a Tyson fanatic. Literally everyone on this forum will tell you I'm not. I used to always Bash him.

 

So what made you come to the conclusion Tyson didn't train hard for Holyfield. Tyson always praised Holyfield and knew he was a great fighter.

 

Holy was past it for the Tyson fight too.