Vitali Klitscko quote on how Tyson influenced him to become champion

this is why a great heavyweight champ is so important to the sport

 

The Soviet Union and Eastern Block still competed in international events so if nowhere else, trainers and fighters discussed and probably watched international boxing there, even if there was a language barrier. I don't know for sure, but my guess would be a lot of stuff inlc. videos reached these gyms through connections. I don't think copies of pro fights were banned, they were just damn hard to reach. But Vitali is talking about watching Tyson on TV, so who knows, there might've been a (tape-delayed) broadcast of Tyson fights, but I don't have a TV programm for that, so it'd be hard to check.

But look at Cuba, it's amazing how the boxers and trainers are able to follow "free world's boxing", I don't think Pernell Whitaker being Guillermo Rigondeaux' idol is a lie, and we are talking about a less popular fighter here. Tyson's international popularity was monumental, and both technology and politics in the late 80s made a lot of stuff go through the curtain. Vitali states he watched Tyson on TV with friends, then years later he showed the same belt in an emotional return. Why would Vitali made a story up like this?

 

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:-(

 

Vertically, yes.

 

Still tall enough to reach that chin :yep

 

Prime for prime, that would be a tough fight.

 

Their father was a high ranking officer in the Soviet Air Force, so it's entirely possible that they'd have access to tapes of Tyson's fights.

 

This is old, I remember reading that long ago. It's amazing how many people Tyson attracted/motivated.

 

Inviting those guys from his childhood to dinner and pulling out the same belt Tyson had is pretty cool.

 

Both Guys have Huge Respect for Each other.:good Both Are Bad Guys which I like.

Iron Mike And Dr. Iron Fist:yep