Just to put the discussion about Tyson's shape before Douglas in perspective: During his 70's reign, Ali, who was long past his physical prime, was in poor shape more times than not during his defences. Still he stopped Lyle and eeked out decisions against Young and Shavers. Louis can't have been in great shape for all his defences either, but he always got the work done, well into his 30's. But a still prime Tyson gets the **** beat out of him by a guy who never beat a good fighter before or after. Being in poor shape is not enough excuse for that. Not by a long shot.
You can say that with the same conviction about a lot of champions that still went out and did their job. Personally, I think his "atrocious" shape is way overblown, as it usually is under this circumstances. If you just count the extra calories you get by frequent drinking and the decreased amount of calories you burn by skipping training, it becomes mathematically impossible to keep weight if you really veer off. A lot of the talk is myth making bull****.
Yes. Somewhere between 6-10 or so. That position changes pratically everytime I think about it. :yep You simply have to have him there because he was the youngest, he unified & the sheer dominance when he was at his best.
Theres a difference between being in your physical prime and being mentally focused. Tyson was just 23 years old when he faced Douglas, of course he was physically in his prime, but both mentally and physically he was no longer the best he could be and it started before the Douglas fight. His skills werent shot the night of the Douglas fight, and they werent shortly after, but his mental focus and physical preparation took a big hit once his corner and handlers were changed. Ali was solid mentally, Tyson was not and needed that reinforcement, and Ali stayed with a top trainer his entire career, and thats the biggest difference between the two fighters.